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40hrs With A Stranger
40hrs With A Stranger is a thrilling tale of unexpected connections and dangerous secrets as two people find themselves on a cross country road trip. As they struggle to reach their final destinations, they uncover shocking truths about each other and are forced to confront their own demons. This gripping novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Ashlynn finds herself at a crossroads, debating whether to follow her own dreams or appease her father by staying with the family business. Additionally, her relationship with her fiancé is becoming more distant, leaving Ashlynn questioning their engagement. However, when some unexpected news arises, Ashlynn embarks on a journey across the country, further complicating her situation.
Ever since his brother's passing, Nicholas has been in a downward spiral. He's been disillusioned and hurt throughout his life, causing him to lose faith in others, especially women. When an individual from his past resurfaces, he becomes resolved to travel across the country to fill the void in his heart by seeking revenge.
Join both individuals over the course of the next 40 hours as secrets and dark pasts are revealed, leading the two to form an unforeseen bond. With hidden agendas and more betrayal lurking, the pair find themselves trapped in the middle of dangerous drama and unexpected love.
Ashlynn finds herself at a crossroads, debating whether to follow her own dreams or appease her father by staying with the family business. Additionally, her relationship with her fiancé is becoming more distant, leaving Ashlynn questioning their engagement. However, when some unexpected news arises, Ashlynn embarks on a journey across the country, further complicating her situation.
Ever since his brother's passing, Nicholas has been in a downward spiral. He's been disillusioned and hurt throughout his life, causing him to lose faith in others, especially women. When an individual from his past resurfaces, he becomes resolved to travel across the country to fill the void in his heart by seeking revenge.
Join both individuals over the course of the next 40 hours as secrets and dark pasts are revealed, leading the two to form an unforeseen bond. With hidden agendas and more betrayal lurking, the pair find themselves trapped in the middle of dangerous drama and unexpected love.
199 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2024
211 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Southwell
9 books61 followersJD Southwell, a proud Texan, embraces her roles as a devoted wife, passionate author, and aspiring businesswoman. Identifying as a functioning introvert, JD channels her love for reading into crafting romance books filled suspense and fantasy, finding joy in the diverse worlds that literature offers.
In the peaceful quiet of the night, her creativity thrives as she weaves stories inspired by the characters and adventures she encounters within the pages of books. When she's not writing, you can often find her in the kitchen baking delicious treats, rewatching her favorite shows and movies, or cherishing moments with family and friends.
In the peaceful quiet of the night, her creativity thrives as she weaves stories inspired by the characters and adventures she encounters within the pages of books. When she's not writing, you can often find her in the kitchen baking delicious treats, rewatching her favorite shows and movies, or cherishing moments with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 10, 2024
Oh how books such as this keep me so DELULU🤣 but this was such a beautiful and well put together story. I loved how the MMC finally allowed himself to show his vulnerability after experiencing a traumatic experience. The FMC also learned to love herself more and not be a victim of caring what others thought.
Ashlynn and Nick had their own baggage that ironically brought them together 🥹 Can’t wait to read the second book in this series!
Ashlynn and Nick had their own baggage that ironically brought them together 🥹 Can’t wait to read the second book in this series!
April 17, 2024
It was really hard to enjoy the story when both main characters were insufferable. The FMC handles her insecurities with weight in the worst way possible while allowing everyone to talk to her however, she was written to be very weak sadly. The male MC is so misogynistic, but his actions and beliefs are rationalize by the hurt he endured from women of his past, yet he carries this hatred to every woman he meets. Except the FMC, who as he says, is different from every other woman in his life, so he treats her with respect. In the end, he never changes his warped views, he just falls in love with a woman he deems to be better than the rest. We never see him work out this harmful behavior and beliefs, he just realizes that he’s in love and wants to pursue the relationship. He uses women for their bodies, belittles them, is verbally aggressive towards them, and is hyperjudgmental of any woman he meets. Hard to enjoy a romantic love story when one character is just an awful person who shouldn’t be seeking out a relationship but instead therapy to work out his trauma and hatred for women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
Chile this was a interesting little read 😂. All
I have to say is I knew about Kendra from the beginning ! This kinda gave me BET movie vibes but I still enjoyed. I really liked how the two main characters organically fell for each other but I also feel there were many things left unfinished/ there was not really much growth described in either character . I read the book and listened to the audiobook and the audiobook for some reason was so funny to me ( the voices of the characters) . Overall it wasn’t bad just not a 5⭐️ for me. I enjoyed the sex scenes 😂. I plan to read the second book in the series .
I have to say is I knew about Kendra from the beginning ! This kinda gave me BET movie vibes but I still enjoyed. I really liked how the two main characters organically fell for each other but I also feel there were many things left unfinished/ there was not really much growth described in either character . I read the book and listened to the audiobook and the audiobook for some reason was so funny to me ( the voices of the characters) . Overall it wasn’t bad just not a 5⭐️ for me. I enjoyed the sex scenes 😂. I plan to read the second book in the series .
September 26, 2025
This was definitely a cute quick read for the couple. however!!!! the fiance was pissing me off, starting at the beginning all the way to the end lol. I was satisfied with the conclusion and can't wait to read book two to find out about her bestie's love story
August 13, 2025
Nicholas and Ashlyn met under very odd circumstances but were what each other needed at the point in their lives they were in. Ashlyn was dealing with a lot of self esteem issues due to negative comments from her finance about her weight and didn’t cope with it in the best way. However when Nick came to her aide on her road trip to California and she set out to repay him, due to the amount of time they spent together, he helped her see that she was beautiful no matter what anyone said and helped lift her up the way a man should.
He was battling his own demons and turned to alcohol as his vise to get through the grief he was dealing with and healing from his childhood trauma and he also had trust issues with women. However Ashlynn was like a light for him and something about her aura allowed him to be vulnerable with her.
Bobby was low down and Kendra was the worse so I was happy when that situation came to light and they got what they deserved. I was also happy about the better relationship that formed with Ashlynn and her dad. Overall I liked the book and Nick and Ashlynn. With how this book ended I’m curious to see the backstory with Denise and Ayzo.
He was battling his own demons and turned to alcohol as his vise to get through the grief he was dealing with and healing from his childhood trauma and he also had trust issues with women. However Ashlynn was like a light for him and something about her aura allowed him to be vulnerable with her.
Bobby was low down and Kendra was the worse so I was happy when that situation came to light and they got what they deserved. I was also happy about the better relationship that formed with Ashlynn and her dad. Overall I liked the book and Nick and Ashlynn. With how this book ended I’m curious to see the backstory with Denise and Ayzo.
October 25, 2025
2.5⭐️🌶️ Ashlynn was annoying and had no self confidence whatsoever and she literally repeated the same thing the whole book. Nicholas actually had trauma that he needed to overcome and did.
June 18, 2024
Interesting story
Yes, I enjoyed this very interesting story. 40 hrs with a stranger was the book for me. I can not imagine doing this, but.... It should be easier with a hot road companion. I often tire of constant reminders of the heroine's weight. And this story gave me the chance to be annoyed a few times. Why would you make this sweet woman be forced to ensure a cheater and a manipulator with such disdain for her. I was elated when Mr. chocolate goodness came to her rescue. That's the good parts in this sad story. The BBW trope is wearing on me... Anyway, this was a new author, and I will be back for more.
Yes, I enjoyed this very interesting story. 40 hrs with a stranger was the book for me. I can not imagine doing this, but.... It should be easier with a hot road companion. I often tire of constant reminders of the heroine's weight. And this story gave me the chance to be annoyed a few times. Why would you make this sweet woman be forced to ensure a cheater and a manipulator with such disdain for her. I was elated when Mr. chocolate goodness came to her rescue. That's the good parts in this sad story. The BBW trope is wearing on me... Anyway, this was a new author, and I will be back for more.
December 16, 2024
It took a lil minute to get to the good part. Once she got on the road, the story started happening and it was some drama for sure.
April 21, 2025
40hrs. With a Stranger is a compelling debut that delves into the transformative power of unexpected connections. Set against the backdrop of a cross-country road trip, the novel introduces us to Ashlynn and Nicholas—two individuals grappling with personal demons and seeking solace in the most unforeseen circumstances.
Ashlynn, caught between familial obligations and personal aspirations, finds herself questioning her engagement and life's direction. Nicholas, mourning his brother's death and harboring a desire for revenge, has become disillusioned, especially towards women. Their paths intersect serendipitously, leading to a 40-hour journey filled with revelations, emotional confrontations, and the budding of an unexpected bond.
Strengths:
- Authentic Character Development: Southwell masterfully portrays the emotional evolution of both protagonists. Ashlynn's journey towards self-acceptance and Nicholas's gradual softening of his hardened exterior are both believable and heartwarming.
- Engaging Narrative: The story's pacing keeps readers invested, with each chapter unveiling deeper layers of the characters' psyches and histories.
- Emotional Depth: Themes of self-worth, grief, and redemption are explored with sensitivity, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters' struggles and triumphs.
Areas for Improvement:
- Predictability: Some plot developments, particularly concerning secondary characters, may come across as foreseeable to seasoned readers of the genre.
- Character Complexity: While the main characters are well-developed, certain antagonists could benefit from more nuanced portrayals to avoid one-dimensionality.
Overall, 40hrs. With a Stranger is a touching exploration of how brief encounters can lead to profound personal growth. Southwell's narrative is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, making it a commendable addition to contemporary romance literature.
Ashlynn, caught between familial obligations and personal aspirations, finds herself questioning her engagement and life's direction. Nicholas, mourning his brother's death and harboring a desire for revenge, has become disillusioned, especially towards women. Their paths intersect serendipitously, leading to a 40-hour journey filled with revelations, emotional confrontations, and the budding of an unexpected bond.
Strengths:
- Authentic Character Development: Southwell masterfully portrays the emotional evolution of both protagonists. Ashlynn's journey towards self-acceptance and Nicholas's gradual softening of his hardened exterior are both believable and heartwarming.
- Engaging Narrative: The story's pacing keeps readers invested, with each chapter unveiling deeper layers of the characters' psyches and histories.
- Emotional Depth: Themes of self-worth, grief, and redemption are explored with sensitivity, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters' struggles and triumphs.
Areas for Improvement:
- Predictability: Some plot developments, particularly concerning secondary characters, may come across as foreseeable to seasoned readers of the genre.
- Character Complexity: While the main characters are well-developed, certain antagonists could benefit from more nuanced portrayals to avoid one-dimensionality.
Overall, 40hrs. With a Stranger is a touching exploration of how brief encounters can lead to profound personal growth. Southwell's narrative is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, making it a commendable addition to contemporary romance literature.
August 10, 2025
Wow…
3.5 - The story was definitely entertaining and a few times had my jaw dropping. There is for sure a lot of stuff going on. From fat phobia, loss of family, eating disorder, parental matters, and much more.
While i liked both characters i wish there was more healing that took place. If we’re going to bring tough topics in then let’s see some real work put in or has already been put in. Ashlynn seemed like she knew what she wanted but would let anyone close to her in relation (dad, fiancé and bestie) talk crazy. Then just kind of brush it off or only speak a little. Like ma’am you’re worth way more than nasty people in your life. Now Nicholas i understand his pain but to let one woman ruin you for the rest until Ashlynn came along has me shaking my head. Just would have liked to see some healing on his part. How did that father change so fast? Because you’ve been this way towards your daughter since she was young. They needed help as a family. Dealing with such tragedy.
I did love how Nicholas was trying to help Ashlyn see she deserves better. Those signs that were coming from different people for Nicholas made me smile. We all need an angel. The plot twist i thought was done well. We knew “bestie” and fiancé were on some bs. Ashlynn just wanted to play blind. Now book 2 should be interesting with how this one ended.
3.5 - The story was definitely entertaining and a few times had my jaw dropping. There is for sure a lot of stuff going on. From fat phobia, loss of family, eating disorder, parental matters, and much more.
While i liked both characters i wish there was more healing that took place. If we’re going to bring tough topics in then let’s see some real work put in or has already been put in. Ashlynn seemed like she knew what she wanted but would let anyone close to her in relation (dad, fiancé and bestie) talk crazy. Then just kind of brush it off or only speak a little. Like ma’am you’re worth way more than nasty people in your life. Now Nicholas i understand his pain but to let one woman ruin you for the rest until Ashlynn came along has me shaking my head. Just would have liked to see some healing on his part. How did that father change so fast? Because you’ve been this way towards your daughter since she was young. They needed help as a family. Dealing with such tragedy.
I did love how Nicholas was trying to help Ashlyn see she deserves better. Those signs that were coming from different people for Nicholas made me smile. We all need an angel. The plot twist i thought was done well. We knew “bestie” and fiancé were on some bs. Ashlynn just wanted to play blind. Now book 2 should be interesting with how this one ended.
April 13, 2025
looking at other reviews, i see there is a lot of disdain for the FMC Ashlynn and her insecurities as a plus size woman, and i am curious if the ones carrying the disdain – have been in her position?
Ashlynn’s fiancé is downright disgusting; making her drive 40 hours to California to visit her sick grandfather – because he wants to stay back and consume himself with managing the tire business that Ashlynn actually helped him land at her fathers’ company; in the end i am glad he got what he deserved!
LOL this book is my life delusion on paper, meeting a stranger, having an instant connection – helping him break down his walls of vulnerability – he helping in building my confidence and trust for men – but let me not spill the beans that’s meant for my therapist.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I am going to read book two – at some point
Ashlynn’s fiancé is downright disgusting; making her drive 40 hours to California to visit her sick grandfather – because he wants to stay back and consume himself with managing the tire business that Ashlynn actually helped him land at her fathers’ company; in the end i am glad he got what he deserved!
LOL this book is my life delusion on paper, meeting a stranger, having an instant connection – helping him break down his walls of vulnerability – he helping in building my confidence and trust for men – but let me not spill the beans that’s meant for my therapist.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I am going to read book two – at some point
March 14, 2024
I loved this book, but it pissed me off the way her father, best friend, and fiancé spoke to her about her weight. I’m glad she had Denise by her side and her grandfather as well. They kept her sane through all the shit she was going through. I’m glad she found someone who can accept her and appreciate her for who she really is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Ngl this one did it for me!
I think this was the perfect slump destroyer 💪🏻
This was such a fun and honestly pretty spicy 🥵 story! Are we at Six Flags bc the TWISTS??!! I feel like this book beat me up with the twists and turns 😂 But I loved every second of it and IMMEDIATELY picked up book 2 (They’re Not Strangers)
Definitely try this one out!
TW;
SA
ED
Grief
Ngl this one did it for me!
I think this was the perfect slump destroyer 💪🏻
This was such a fun and honestly pretty spicy 🥵 story! Are we at Six Flags bc the TWISTS??!! I feel like this book beat me up with the twists and turns 😂 But I loved every second of it and IMMEDIATELY picked up book 2 (They’re Not Strangers)
Definitely try this one out!
TW;
SA
ED
Grief
April 5, 2025
4.5 stars - I was in a small slump and this book helped pull me out of it. Being in love can definitely make you turn a blind eye and be a little naive to what’s happening. I related to Ashlynn in some ways and I think that’s what made me love this book. This was a good quick read and I loved the storyline. For the most part it was very predictable except for one small twist I didn’t see coming.
April 6, 2024
such a small world
I loved this book and how she got her groove back! Can’t wait for book 2! The author did a great job developing the characters without overdoing it...great writing style.
I loved this book and how she got her groove back! Can’t wait for book 2! The author did a great job developing the characters without overdoing it...great writing style.
October 26, 2024
Wow
This book was definitely a great read I didn't want to stop I can wait to read more. The story was very well written hope there is more to Nick and Lynn's story
This book was definitely a great read I didn't want to stop I can wait to read more. The story was very well written hope there is more to Nick and Lynn's story
November 14, 2024
I really enjoyed the book. Love will come to you in strange ways, that's all I will say! I recommend it.
February 12, 2025
Cute Stoy
Bobby needed to be smacked on sight. This was a good story. Kept me interested from start to finish. Great first read from the author.
Bobby needed to be smacked on sight. This was a good story. Kept me interested from start to finish. Great first read from the author.
October 9, 2024
excited for book 2... Will come back to write a more in depth review.
April 1, 2024
this was a cute story but the way the FMC was written definitely grinded my gears on more than one occasion. all plus size people don't have to be mentally weak and have low self esteem!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2024
good story
I saw this recommended on black girl booktok and I enjoyed it so much. Just two hurting people meeting and discovering love for themselves and with each other. Looking forward to the next one.
I saw this recommended on black girl booktok and I enjoyed it so much. Just two hurting people meeting and discovering love for themselves and with each other. Looking forward to the next one.
May 4, 2025
Genuinely felt like a frat boy tried writing a romance book, I couldn’t get over the MMC being so cringe and so “these hoes ain’t shit” attitude
November 11, 2025
My God.
I don't like I've ever liked and disliked a book as much as I did this one. It was kind of hard to catch the vibe of this book. It read as if it wasn't sure if it wanted to be urban or contemporary.
I don't want to say that I disliked the FMC, but I certainly hate the way she was written. I know this is fiction, but it's truly hard for me to believe that a woman who was raised in Philly is this naive and goofy. Shorty was too aloof for me. I've always expressed my disdain for heavier FMC's who are written to be extremely insecure about their weight. This book is no different. The fat phobia in this book was really over the top.
I understand she didn't want anything to do with the family business, but she was moving like her dad ain't have bread. Stressing over a $500 ticket. The quick worry of the mortgage of the house. Etc.
I hated the overuse of the word female.
Nick was cool.
The affair was predictable.
Pawpaw was the best part of the story.
Some of the writing was cringe. There was some parts where they sounded like a bunch of kids. And it seemed as if the author was having a hard time writing from a male POV. It's common. You have some authors who can't write the opposite sex well. I cringe when I read women written from a man's POV.
But I did like the concept of the story and that's why I continued to read it. I like how it spoke on serious life issues. I thought it was cute and there were moments when I lol'd. There were a few inconsistencies but not many to make you DNF.
This was a solid 3 and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Sidenote: I didn't know she wrote children books when I mentioned the "age or writing" above but now it tracks as to why some of the writing felt younger than it was suppose to be.
I don't like I've ever liked and disliked a book as much as I did this one. It was kind of hard to catch the vibe of this book. It read as if it wasn't sure if it wanted to be urban or contemporary.
I don't want to say that I disliked the FMC, but I certainly hate the way she was written. I know this is fiction, but it's truly hard for me to believe that a woman who was raised in Philly is this naive and goofy. Shorty was too aloof for me. I've always expressed my disdain for heavier FMC's who are written to be extremely insecure about their weight. This book is no different. The fat phobia in this book was really over the top.
I understand she didn't want anything to do with the family business, but she was moving like her dad ain't have bread. Stressing over a $500 ticket. The quick worry of the mortgage of the house. Etc.
I hated the overuse of the word female.
Nick was cool.
The affair was predictable.
Pawpaw was the best part of the story.
Some of the writing was cringe. There was some parts where they sounded like a bunch of kids. And it seemed as if the author was having a hard time writing from a male POV. It's common. You have some authors who can't write the opposite sex well. I cringe when I read women written from a man's POV.
But I did like the concept of the story and that's why I continued to read it. I like how it spoke on serious life issues. I thought it was cute and there were moments when I lol'd. There were a few inconsistencies but not many to make you DNF.
This was a solid 3 and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Sidenote: I didn't know she wrote children books when I mentioned the "age or writing" above but now it tracks as to why some of the writing felt younger than it was suppose to be.
March 1, 2024
DNF . . .
** 2.5 Stars **
Ashlynn was not impressed with her fiance’s uninspired efforts to please her in the bedroom. After 2 years, he still had no clue… nor did he seem to care. She is not sure whether their engagement should continue since their relationship was sort of listless and fizzling out. Her rude and selfish father expected her to work in the family business, but she had dreams of her own about opening a salon. But those dreams were also dismissed as unimportant. So when the sad news that her grandpa isn’t doing so well and his chances of survival are not good, she starts on a cross-country trip and meets Nicholas. Ashlynn and Nicholas have great chemistry and perhaps they can eventually find happiness together?
This story was a real “downer”. When Ashlynn’s father told her about her dying grandfather, he accused her of liking her grandpa more than she liked him! Grade school mentality? It seemed every subject the story touched on reflected failure, selfishness, nastiness, criticism, cheating, insults, etc. Because Ashlynn was heavy and needed to lose weight, she routinely sticks her finger down her throat to barf up everything she eats… so she can get a smaller wedding dress??? And it didn’t worry her because she “knew” she could not be bulimic since she could stop making herself void the food anytime she wanted to. Yeah, right… Her friends were pretty awful too. I know we all experience bad times, that’s life. But this misery lasted way too long and I had to walk away.
** 2.5 Stars **
Ashlynn was not impressed with her fiance’s uninspired efforts to please her in the bedroom. After 2 years, he still had no clue… nor did he seem to care. She is not sure whether their engagement should continue since their relationship was sort of listless and fizzling out. Her rude and selfish father expected her to work in the family business, but she had dreams of her own about opening a salon. But those dreams were also dismissed as unimportant. So when the sad news that her grandpa isn’t doing so well and his chances of survival are not good, she starts on a cross-country trip and meets Nicholas. Ashlynn and Nicholas have great chemistry and perhaps they can eventually find happiness together?
This story was a real “downer”. When Ashlynn’s father told her about her dying grandfather, he accused her of liking her grandpa more than she liked him! Grade school mentality? It seemed every subject the story touched on reflected failure, selfishness, nastiness, criticism, cheating, insults, etc. Because Ashlynn was heavy and needed to lose weight, she routinely sticks her finger down her throat to barf up everything she eats… so she can get a smaller wedding dress??? And it didn’t worry her because she “knew” she could not be bulimic since she could stop making herself void the food anytime she wanted to. Yeah, right… Her friends were pretty awful too. I know we all experience bad times, that’s life. But this misery lasted way too long and I had to walk away.
June 25, 2024
Saw this book on black tik tok and decided to get it. While I did enjoy reading that plot, I wasn’t a fan of how it was a reminder during the book that FMC was insecure and was seen as weak because of her weight. The way her fiancé treated her and her father I didn’t enjoy reading. I believe books can tell a story of a plus size FMC (especially a Black woman) without her weight being a negative and a sub-focus.
With that said I did still like reading Ashlynn and Nicholas’ story. Both lived in Philly but never crossed paths until Ashlynn’s raggedy fiancé (in my opinion) made her drive across country by herself to California to visit her sick grandpa because he was busy with managing her dad’s tire business. Then Nick was going to Vegas seeking revenge from an ex who hurt him in the worst way causing him to lose his brother. But they end up taking the roadtrip together growing close to a stranger they only knew after a few hours.
Nicholas didn’t hesitate when Ashlynn was in distress at the gas station and they clicked. He helped her learn to embrace who she is regardless of the jabs her fiancé would take at her weight. She also helped Nick learn to cope with his anger towards his ex. It was fun to see how they bonded and shared similarities.
I will say I already could tell where part of the plot was going regarding her friend Kendra and I’ll just say she was a trip! Overall I enjoyed the book and excited to see Denise’s story next
With that said I did still like reading Ashlynn and Nicholas’ story. Both lived in Philly but never crossed paths until Ashlynn’s raggedy fiancé (in my opinion) made her drive across country by herself to California to visit her sick grandpa because he was busy with managing her dad’s tire business. Then Nick was going to Vegas seeking revenge from an ex who hurt him in the worst way causing him to lose his brother. But they end up taking the roadtrip together growing close to a stranger they only knew after a few hours.
Nicholas didn’t hesitate when Ashlynn was in distress at the gas station and they clicked. He helped her learn to embrace who she is regardless of the jabs her fiancé would take at her weight. She also helped Nick learn to cope with his anger towards his ex. It was fun to see how they bonded and shared similarities.
I will say I already could tell where part of the plot was going regarding her friend Kendra and I’ll just say she was a trip! Overall I enjoyed the book and excited to see Denise’s story next
September 10, 2024
I gave this a 3.75/5. The story is fairly predictable but still entertaining. Something that I am not the biggest fan of is weight insecurity in books. That's something I wasn't aware of going into the book. Although I don't find anything in the book to be triggering, it should probably be mentioned that the FMC struggles with an on-page eating disorder (that can be a trigger for some readers). She is also very insecure about her size. It is a very prominent topic brought up several times throughout the story. You will never forget how much the FMC lacks confidence while reading because it is brought up quite often.
The story starts off letting you know that her fiancé (Bobby) is a trash human who cares nothing about Ashlynn, her physical wellbeing, or her mental wellbeing. I found myself talking to the book and telling the FMC that she needed to cut the delusions of Bobby. He definitely thought way to highly of himself and lacked any type of personality for the dreams he was selling. to clarify, his lack of personality wasn't due to the author's writing but being as that is who he was a character. Bobby's betrayal is also very obvious but I was interested to see how it was going to play out and how Ashlynn would react to it. There was a bit of a curveball that was thrown in that I wasn't expecting so that was interesting.
Some of the storyline flew by a bit fast but it was an easy and enjoyable read. I do wish that there was more of an expansion on how the FMC learned to love herself and her body...and not because she was seen as desirable through the eyes of a man. I'm interested to see how the best friends are connected so I have added book 2 to my TBR.
The story starts off letting you know that her fiancé (Bobby) is a trash human who cares nothing about Ashlynn, her physical wellbeing, or her mental wellbeing. I found myself talking to the book and telling the FMC that she needed to cut the delusions of Bobby. He definitely thought way to highly of himself and lacked any type of personality for the dreams he was selling. to clarify, his lack of personality wasn't due to the author's writing but being as that is who he was a character. Bobby's betrayal is also very obvious but I was interested to see how it was going to play out and how Ashlynn would react to it. There was a bit of a curveball that was thrown in that I wasn't expecting so that was interesting.
Some of the storyline flew by a bit fast but it was an easy and enjoyable read. I do wish that there was more of an expansion on how the FMC learned to love herself and her body...and not because she was seen as desirable through the eyes of a man. I'm interested to see how the best friends are connected so I have added book 2 to my TBR.
April 21, 2024
Ashlynn is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Follow her dreams or appease her father by taking on the family business. Additionally, her relationship with her fiancé seems to have lost its spark and she’s questioning whether she should continue to be engaged. Unexpected news rocks her family, putting her on a journey across the country. Nicholas has been in a downward spiral since the passing of his brother and is now seeking revenge. Follow these two individuals over a course of 40 hours as secrets, hidden agendas and betrayal is revealed.
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I wasn’t expecting to like this book, but baby didn’t that opinion quickly change. I appreciated the character development throughout the book. The issues in the book were real and heavy at times, but I loved the positivity she pushed. The plot was nice, though I caught on to part of the drama early on, the way everything unfolded *chefs kiss*. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall. There were some s p i c y scenes. I felt like I was invading their privacy over here blushing and shit. 😂 It was a quick read and another toxic romance novel I could appreciate it. Don’t judge me y’all, I need the romance novels with a little razzle dazzle. Ohhhh did I mention that there’s a playlist provided with a QR code?! AND IT SLAPS!
•••••
I wasn’t expecting to like this book, but baby didn’t that opinion quickly change. I appreciated the character development throughout the book. The issues in the book were real and heavy at times, but I loved the positivity she pushed. The plot was nice, though I caught on to part of the drama early on, the way everything unfolded *chefs kiss*. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall. There were some s p i c y scenes. I felt like I was invading their privacy over here blushing and shit. 😂 It was a quick read and another toxic romance novel I could appreciate it. Don’t judge me y’all, I need the romance novels with a little razzle dazzle. Ohhhh did I mention that there’s a playlist provided with a QR code?! AND IT SLAPS!
April 18, 2024
Slight Spoliers!!!
I want to say that this book was an ok read. There were no grammatical errors that I saw and the pacing of the book was done really well but I do have issues with some plot points.
For starters I didn’t see any character development with Ashlynn or Nick. They both pretty much stayed the same throughout the entire book. Nick had a complicated relationship with women due to betrayal and it seemed like he didn’t get any sort of closure especially with his mom. It was kinda glossed over.
Ashlynn. I understand characters having insecurities but there wasn’t any sort of growth other than her saying she needed to do better but nothing else was shown. In one scene shes having a breakdown because of her weight and lack of self esteem but as soon as Nick gave her a compliment she was ready to jump his bones…. She had an eating disorder and the thought of counseling or any other mental health treatment wasn’t even discussed.
I know there is a second book coming and I hoping that things get a bit deeper with it.
I want to say that this book was an ok read. There were no grammatical errors that I saw and the pacing of the book was done really well but I do have issues with some plot points.
For starters I didn’t see any character development with Ashlynn or Nick. They both pretty much stayed the same throughout the entire book. Nick had a complicated relationship with women due to betrayal and it seemed like he didn’t get any sort of closure especially with his mom. It was kinda glossed over.
Ashlynn. I understand characters having insecurities but there wasn’t any sort of growth other than her saying she needed to do better but nothing else was shown. In one scene shes having a breakdown because of her weight and lack of self esteem but as soon as Nick gave her a compliment she was ready to jump his bones…. She had an eating disorder and the thought of counseling or any other mental health treatment wasn’t even discussed.
I know there is a second book coming and I hoping that things get a bit deeper with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
Ashlynn is engaged to be married and her fiancé is trifling and definitely dating one of her friends.
Nicholas is a man in the hunt for revenge of his girlfriend who killed his brother, stole his drugs and shot him leaving him for dead two years ago.
Ashlynn and Nicholas’s path cross at a service station in Ohio as both of them travel to the west coast from Philly.
So they have this heroic meet-cute saving her from a dirty mechanic, but opting to drive cross country together after 10 minutes of knowing each other is insane! They establish they both have a relationship with God, so maybe that’s makes things okay, but it couldn’t be me!
Side note: I hate when books characterize places in Chicago inaccurately!
So the fiancé is not only dating her friend, he’s married and working with a notorious drug dealer! And the so called friend only befriended her to get to her families money…like what Tubi movie is this?? It would have interesting to have POV of our antagonists. But allowing Nicholas to be the hero again works too!
Nicholas is a man in the hunt for revenge of his girlfriend who killed his brother, stole his drugs and shot him leaving him for dead two years ago.
Ashlynn and Nicholas’s path cross at a service station in Ohio as both of them travel to the west coast from Philly.
So they have this heroic meet-cute saving her from a dirty mechanic, but opting to drive cross country together after 10 minutes of knowing each other is insane! They establish they both have a relationship with God, so maybe that’s makes things okay, but it couldn’t be me!
Side note: I hate when books characterize places in Chicago inaccurately!
So the fiancé is not only dating her friend, he’s married and working with a notorious drug dealer! And the so called friend only befriended her to get to her families money…like what Tubi movie is this?? It would have interesting to have POV of our antagonists. But allowing Nicholas to be the hero again works too!
February 28, 2025
Honestly the beginning had such a lack of details it made me wonder if I wanted to continue reading but I’m happy I did because the story did end up getting better. The first few chapters were really short and felt rushed as if the author was trying to hurry and get to the road trip while also filling us in on the bare minimum of the characters’ lives. Within doing that though the chapters lacked emotions to me like I couldn’t feel the true pain, sadness, and etc that the character is portraying because we’re being rushed with a quick rundown of their life. It felt like I was reading a rough draft of the events the author wanted to happen in each chapter but they never went back to add more details to lengthen the chapter and dive into some things a little more. Eventually the book did change and get more detailed to me though. It went from “oh I’m just reading this to pass time” to “oh wait hold on now it’s getting interesting”. I would recommend the book but heed the warning that’s the first few chapters would have you second guessing.
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