A Little Bit Inspired: A January Studios Novella

by Courtney Corlew

What happens when you meet an outrageously handsome man at a party you’d rather not be at? You dance the night away, sneak in a kiss or two, assume that it’s harmless flirtation, and walk away with a date.

Wait, what?

Lucy Allen is preparing for a fall art showcase that has the potential to set the trajectory of her career but finds she’s lacking the inspiration to finish her paintings. She’s frustrated with her lack of vision and heartbroken over a cheating ex, so when Tyler Cooper, an extremely tall and attractive man she just met an hour ago, asks her to go on a date, she says yes, but not without hesitation.

Tyler has never had trouble saying what's on his mind. He's also never had problems with women thanks to the rules he holds himself to: never contact them again, never get attached, always be exactly who they expect. The rules go out the window when he meets Lucy, who is equally as flirtatious and brassy as he is. Now, he has to cope with his past while wondering if he could be the person she needs for her future.

With her showcase looming, Lucy gives Tyler a chance even though it takes time away from chasing her dream. Will Tyler be able to be there for the important moments or will he continue to push her away until it’s too late?

Genres: Romance

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2024

Reviews

[Echo (BookEchommendations) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, cute story that packs a punch with personal growth and romantic plot all in a few quick scenes.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering this is a novella, it had a plot, character development, cute romantic moments, and emotional mental health moments.

Courtney’s characters are adorable and I found myself wishing this was a longer story for Tyler and Lucy. They’re an adorable couple and I’m glad they found each other.

One character stuck out to me a tad more and that was Tyler. I really loved his character arc and overall personality. He has depth and he has a story there. I found myself really just wanting to see more about him. He has a good heart but just needs to work on himself and that’s okay. I’m glad he’s able to self advocate.

Now, of course, it’s a novella, so things progressed quickly. I’m not typically a fan of a fast paced story with things happening too quickly but a good story was told. It was a little too fast for me, but it was still enjoyable and cute. Obviously, that’s just personal preference.

This was a great addition to the January Studios world and I can’t wait to read the next one! I’m glad we got some cameos from A Little Bit Extra!

Courtney, proud to see how far you’ve come! Can’t wait for all to come 🫶🏼

[Nikita Botting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this novella it was such a refreshing little read between bigger books. You get so much out of it and makes you feel a little squishy on the inside.

I loved the characters and how they fit together literally from the get go and how they tackle little road bumps in their relationship and where they are in the end. I do wish it was longer as I didn’t want to let their story go just yet.

I would 100% recommend this to anyone it was so wholesome and I fell in love and devoured within a day! Had a tiny bit of spice but I love how the whole novella was based around the characters and their growth with and without each other.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute novella that was a quick and easy read. I simply adore Lucy and Tyler! Their connection was instant as was the struggles they faced overcoming their pasts. I really enjoyed this one!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

The dedication of this book🥹 "You're important. You're loved. You're enough.
This novella is for you."

Courtney Corlew's "A Little Bit Inspired" is a delightful and heartwarming novella that perfectly complements her "January Studios" series. This short story follows the journey of Lucy and Tyler, an artist and a playboy caterer, who find love amidst the bustling creative scene.

The novella is filled with charming moments, witty banter, and a touch of spice. The author's vivid writing style and engaging plot make it a quick and enjoyable read. Lucy and Tyler's relationship is sweet and genuine, and their passion for their craft is inspiring.

I also loved the mental health rep in the book!

If you're a fan of the "January Studios" series or simply looking for a charming and heartwarming novella, "A Little Bit Inspired" is a must-read.

[theravingbooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am literally obsessed with the January Studios books, and this short novella did not disappoint.

I was nervous to see where Tyler and Lucy would go as we read the little snippets of them in A Little Bit Extra, but I am so happy that Courtney decided to write their love story. It was around 100 pages, so a quick and easy read, but the characters gained so much depth as the novella went on.

Tyler's mom makes me mad. Lucy's art seems so beautiful. Tyler and Lucy together... well that's the icing on the cake!

Make sure to read the first January Studios book - A Little Bit Extra - before reading this cute novella! I can't wait to dig into A Little Bit Tempting!!!

[Alyssa Medeguari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tyler and Lucy fall and fall fast! It was such a cute novella for this series.

Tyler never having been emotionally invested in finding his person because of his past does an amazing job at trying really hard for Lucy. I really love that he just blurts stuff out because I do the same. 😂

Lucy is such a patient person! She really is patient with Tyler and helps as much as she can. I love that she speaks up when it gets to her. She also shows him that she's there but doesn't push. They are so good for each other!

I love the quote "But if you're there for the important moments, that's all that matters" ❤️. It really hit home for me.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute, very sweet little read. I’ve been aching for Lucy and Tyler and I’m so happy Courtney gave them to us!!!

I loved reading about Tyler’s growth as a person and Lucy’s journey into her career. Honestly, it made them relatable and REAL. (They’re real to me.)

I loved that the time jumps didn’t feel too unnatural, kept to the flow of the story, and words weren’t wasted being fillers. Every word was written with intention here.

Thank you Courtney for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait for the next installation of the January Studios series.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super cute, and a little spicy, novella from Courtney Corlew. I was lucky enough to BETA read for this before it came out. The parallel timeline with Cassie and Emmett's story is perfect. I loved getting to read more about Lucy and watch her follow her passion for art. Tyler knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after her, I mean, it.

Definitely recommend this for anyone who loved a little bit extra!

[Escape_withStephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Super adorable is one word i would use to describe this book. Lucy and tyler are what i would call soulmates or two sides of the same coin. This book had everything , though it was short. It didn't disappoint and had a heartfelt romance . I love the mental health rep so much and how it showed tyler working to be better and owing up to his mistakes. It was beautiful and i'm so glad i got to read their story. Looking for a short sweet novella then this is for you.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute novella! Lucy is an artist, working to showcase her art while working at a diner. Tyler happens to work across the street at January Studios with Lucy’s roommate/friend Cassie. After a night out for Cassie’s boyfriend’s birthday, Lucy and Tyler meet and fall hard! They start to navigate their relationship despite past trauma. I love how these two came together and how Tyler worked to show up for Lucy with everything he has been through!

[Nellie (Nellie Reads A Lot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Bit Inspired is a novella in the January Studios interconnected world. It follows 2 characters who we initially meet in A Little Bit Extra, but this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. The novella gives a rather quick rundown of their blooming relationship and some things that they need to work through to be available partners (his past with his mom and her past with an ex). Quick, easy, and sweet!

Thanks to Courtney for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

[drusilla duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and fun novella to read. I liked that even with it being written in a novella format, the author managed to write a story in which I felt the characters and plot were developed. I haven't read Cassie and Emmett’s story, yet theirs intrigues me because they are mentioned in this story. I liked how Tyler and Lucy balanced each other.

Thank you to the author for giving me a free copy in return for an honest review.

[lizsreadingjourney · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read ‘A Little Bit Extra’ I knew I NEEDED Tyler and Lucy’s story and Courtney DID NOT disappoint. I relayed to Tyler SO MUCH and I got a different view of him from what we read in book one. Their story made me sad but happy all the same. I’m glad friends and readers convinced her to write this book because I wouldn’t be okay not knowing what happened between them. 10/10 will read again when I need some hope for love ❤️

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet novella.
Just felt a little lost because I haven’t read the first book in the series and didn’t have that connection with the characters.

The story of Tyler and Lucy was super cute and escalated quickly! Being a novella things moved quick and at time I did find it a little annoying. The ending cracked me up. Was totally thinking something else but it was perfect!

I’ll be reading the next book in the series and I can’t wait to learn more about the characters.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Bit Inspired is a short and sweet indie romance novella by Courtney Corlew. This is the second book in the January Studios series.

Lucy is an abstract artist 🎨 who can't find inspiration. Tyler is a playboy caterer with a traumatic upbringing.

Can these two come together and make the important moments count?!?

[Shivany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty cute, short story and I loved it. It is my first time reading a novella and I am happy I read this one as my first 🫶🏼

Lucy is an artist and Tyler manages catering services in January Studios. The story revolved around their insecurities, pasts and how they managed to stay by each others' sides. And according to me, it being a short story, everything was covered pretty well.
Loved it❤️

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎨ARC REVIEW🎨
A Little Bit Inspired is a beautiful novella! The connection between Lucy and Tyler was spectacular. So much character development and their romance just felt right. They were truly meant to be. You felt for the characters especially during struggles of mental health and over coming the past. Truly a beautiful read!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute, quick little read! I loved Lucy and Tyler’s characters…Even though it’s short you still get all the feels: happy, a little sad, and some swoon worthy moments mixed with a pinch of spice…I can’t wait to see more of this sweet couple going forward in the series!

[Adriana Books21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay for this being a novella it good I really like how there is mental health representation they are friends to lovers and insta love there is emotion in this short novella but the story is there and he calls her pretty girl artist x actor

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as book boyfriends go, Tyler is VERY high on my list ❤️

[Megan Vandiver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely would’ve loved more spice, but regardless, this was the perfect instalove short story that I needed!! That’s it, that’s the review.

[Jamie Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and sweet novella. Really enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters

[Racheal Louviere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet novella with a big focus on mental health which I love! I loved getting to experience Tyler and Lucy’s struggles and finding love.

[TaleshaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this being a novella, I love this. I felt for the characters and enjoyed their love story!

[Meghan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute, quick, cozy read. 😍
Love Tyler and Lucy together.

[Morgan Stoner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been a Tyler girly since the first book, so I was happy to get this. Obviously I recognize it’s harder to have as much development within a novella, but I definitely needed more time to invest.

[Christal · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8

[Riley McMurray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute novella!

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked the characters, and I related alot to Tyler character with his anxiety.

This is definitely a great read when going in-between books and need a refresher. super cute !!