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Not a Strong Enough Word
Scarlett Frye was once a literary genius. With two bestselling novels, a million-dollar book deal, and a love story of her own, she had it all—until the pressure broke her. Five years ago, she canceled her book tour, shredded her contract, and disappeared. She left everything behind, including Ryan Whitlock, the editor who believed in her… and the man she loved.
Now, after years of healing, she’s ready to write again.
For Ryan, Scarlett’s disappearance wasn’t just a professional loss, it was personal. It shattered his heart and sent him into a slump. That is, until an anonymous manuscript lands on his desk. The writing is brilliant, raw, and achingly familiar—it can only be Scarlett’s.
As fate brings them back together, Scarlett reluctantly agrees to let Ryan edit her comeback novel, even though it means working with the man she never stopped loving. Old passions reignite, but when pressure builds and buried secrets resurface, Ryan fears history will repeat itself.
Scarlett walked away once. But as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of the past, she and Ryan must be strong enough to rewrite their story before it’s too late.
Now, after years of healing, she’s ready to write again.
For Ryan, Scarlett’s disappearance wasn’t just a professional loss, it was personal. It shattered his heart and sent him into a slump. That is, until an anonymous manuscript lands on his desk. The writing is brilliant, raw, and achingly familiar—it can only be Scarlett’s.
As fate brings them back together, Scarlett reluctantly agrees to let Ryan edit her comeback novel, even though it means working with the man she never stopped loving. Old passions reignite, but when pressure builds and buried secrets resurface, Ryan fears history will repeat itself.
Scarlett walked away once. But as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of the past, she and Ryan must be strong enough to rewrite their story before it’s too late.
314 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2025
45 people are currently reading
4764 people want to read
About the author
Allie Samberts
14 books304 followersAllie Samberts is a romance writer, book lover, and high school English teacher. She was voted funniest teacher of the year for 2023 by her students, which is probably her highest honor to date. She is also a runner, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two kids, and a very loud beagle. You can follow her on Instagram @alliesambertswrites, read her blog at alliesamberts.substack.com, and get other updates at www.alliesamberts.com.
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May 14, 2025
UPDATE: NOW AVAILABLE AND ON KU
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Not a Strong Enough Word by Allie Samberts
Publication date: 14th May 2025
⚠️LENGTHY FROM THE HEART REVIEW⚠️
Thoughts
This was so much more than a typical second chance romance story, this was strength, vulnerability, raw connection, self reflection and real love between the FMC and MMC that despite the miscommunication between them you still feel for both of them. Scarlet and Ryan are truly one of the most beautiful couples to be written. Have you ever finished a book thinking "Will I ever find my person?" despite their flaws they were made for each other in the most perfect way possible. I won't forget Scarlet and Ryan's story any time soon🥹
The FMC: Despite the fact that my girl Scarlet called tacos sandwiches, I'll have you know she deserves protection AT ALL COSTS 😭 I just wish she didn’t carry the burden of what she went through alone and by alone I mean RYAN. PLEASE GOD MY FUCKING LITTLE HEART ~ He'll have his own share of this review so I'll shut up for now... I love Scarlet so much because not only is headstrong but also knows what she wants and has her priorities straight. I love characters written with depth and layers but Scarlet was another level of that and after knowing how difficult it was for the author to write Scarlet I just wanna say thank you from the bottom of my heart I will appreciate this character forever.
The MMC : Oh my God you guys RYAN... This guy goes above and beyond book boyfriend material like I want to live in the universe that Allie created Ryan from .. yes it took him a minute to realise that not everything is work and money but my God where can I find a guy that will never give up on me even after I dissappear on him, where can I find a guy that will cry to a mutual friend about how much he loves me... I MEAN WHAT!!!😭 The tattoo scene 😭 him going back to where she was saw it was up for sale thinking Scarlet came back😭 the expressive dialogues about how much he loves her and what she is to him 😭
Read this if you like
▪︎ Second chance romance ( on a MUCH DEEPER LEVEL )
▪︎ Workplace romance
▪︎ Forced proximity
▪︎ Plots about books
▪︎ Writer and editor duo
Check trigger warnings
"Love isn't a strong enough word", she reminds me with a soft smile. No I say. But you're strong enough. We're strong enough. And that's really all that matters"
This was my first reading experience with this author and it was an absolute delight to read such a profound book, although I just realised I have other books of hers on my TBR this one has definitely made me look forward to reading them and everything she puts out even more 💜
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Not a Strong Enough Word by Allie Samberts
Publication date: 14th May 2025
⚠️LENGTHY FROM THE HEART REVIEW⚠️
Thoughts
This was so much more than a typical second chance romance story, this was strength, vulnerability, raw connection, self reflection and real love between the FMC and MMC that despite the miscommunication between them you still feel for both of them. Scarlet and Ryan are truly one of the most beautiful couples to be written. Have you ever finished a book thinking "Will I ever find my person?" despite their flaws they were made for each other in the most perfect way possible. I won't forget Scarlet and Ryan's story any time soon🥹
The FMC: Despite the fact that my girl Scarlet called tacos sandwiches, I'll have you know she deserves protection AT ALL COSTS 😭 I just wish she didn’t carry the burden of what she went through alone and by alone I mean RYAN. PLEASE GOD MY FUCKING LITTLE HEART ~ He'll have his own share of this review so I'll shut up for now... I love Scarlet so much because not only is headstrong but also knows what she wants and has her priorities straight. I love characters written with depth and layers but Scarlet was another level of that and after knowing how difficult it was for the author to write Scarlet I just wanna say thank you from the bottom of my heart I will appreciate this character forever.
The MMC : Oh my God you guys RYAN... This guy goes above and beyond book boyfriend material like I want to live in the universe that Allie created Ryan from .. yes it took him a minute to realise that not everything is work and money but my God where can I find a guy that will never give up on me even after I dissappear on him, where can I find a guy that will cry to a mutual friend about how much he loves me... I MEAN WHAT!!!😭 The tattoo scene 😭 him going back to where she was saw it was up for sale thinking Scarlet came back😭 the expressive dialogues about how much he loves her and what she is to him 😭
Read this if you like
▪︎ Second chance romance ( on a MUCH DEEPER LEVEL )
▪︎ Workplace romance
▪︎ Forced proximity
▪︎ Plots about books
▪︎ Writer and editor duo
Check trigger warnings
"Love isn't a strong enough word", she reminds me with a soft smile. No I say. But you're strong enough. We're strong enough. And that's really all that matters"
This was my first reading experience with this author and it was an absolute delight to read such a profound book, although I just realised I have other books of hers on my TBR this one has definitely made me look forward to reading them and everything she puts out even more 💜
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
May 14, 2025
Not A Strong Enough Word
By Allie Samberts
ARC Review
♾️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑰’𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.
I've said many times before, that Allie's books are like a look into her soul. You read her books, and from them, you know her better. This book is absolutely that, and I am in awe of the vulnerability and strength that she has poured into this novel. This is a book full of hard topics and soft moments. It is undoubtedly human in its emotions and struggles and triumphs. It is a story that needed to be told.
I love the way Allie writes her characters. They are not perfect, but because of that they feel real. Scarlett and Ryan are no different. They have real flaws. They make mistakes. But they also learn and grow and change and become better versions of themselves.
Scarlett and Ryan are my favorite of Allie's MCs (and Ryan being my favorite is a BIG DEAl iykyk). They are the closest thing you're going to find to fated mates in a contemporary romance. You cannot convince me that these two were written in the stars. This is a second chance romance and these two were going to find their way back to each other one way or another. They just had to grow individually first.
This book deals with some heavy topics (so make sure you check the content warnings) but it's also such an important story. I'm so glad Allie had the courage to write this book and put it out in the world. Thank you Allie for the opportunity to beta and ARC read this book, and for letting the world see the pieces of you that you pour into your art.
𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈— 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒕, 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉.
Beta Read - February 2025
Read May 1-10, 2025
♾️⭐ I love them so much
Beta Read and this book is INCREDIBLE. Full review to come when I read the final version.
By Allie Samberts
ARC Review
♾️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑰’𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.
I've said many times before, that Allie's books are like a look into her soul. You read her books, and from them, you know her better. This book is absolutely that, and I am in awe of the vulnerability and strength that she has poured into this novel. This is a book full of hard topics and soft moments. It is undoubtedly human in its emotions and struggles and triumphs. It is a story that needed to be told.
I love the way Allie writes her characters. They are not perfect, but because of that they feel real. Scarlett and Ryan are no different. They have real flaws. They make mistakes. But they also learn and grow and change and become better versions of themselves.
Scarlett and Ryan are my favorite of Allie's MCs (and Ryan being my favorite is a BIG DEAl iykyk). They are the closest thing you're going to find to fated mates in a contemporary romance. You cannot convince me that these two were written in the stars. This is a second chance romance and these two were going to find their way back to each other one way or another. They just had to grow individually first.
This book deals with some heavy topics (so make sure you check the content warnings) but it's also such an important story. I'm so glad Allie had the courage to write this book and put it out in the world. Thank you Allie for the opportunity to beta and ARC read this book, and for letting the world see the pieces of you that you pour into your art.
𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈— 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒕, 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉.
Beta Read - February 2025
Read May 1-10, 2025
♾️⭐ I love them so much
Beta Read and this book is INCREDIBLE. Full review to come when I read the final version.
May 14, 2025
as a long time supporter and lover of allie samberts, i have to say this is her most impressive and emotional writing to date. this book is nothing short of phenomenal!
read this if you like:
second chance romance
bookish main characters
workplace romance
dual pov
ryan and scarlett are true soul mates. there is such an intense bond between these two characters that you can feel so strongly throughout this book, literally right off the bat. the pining and yearning made me so giddy!! it is done SO well in this book. a man who yearns AND wears glasses? please, say less. scarlett is such a relatable and strong fmc, i love her so much and felt so deeply for her and her journey while i was reading this.
i can’t recommend this book enough. this is an incredible story that is so deeply moving and will stick with you for so long after finishing it.
reminder to check trigger warnings!
read this if you like:
second chance romance
bookish main characters
workplace romance
dual pov
ryan and scarlett are true soul mates. there is such an intense bond between these two characters that you can feel so strongly throughout this book, literally right off the bat. the pining and yearning made me so giddy!! it is done SO well in this book. a man who yearns AND wears glasses? please, say less. scarlett is such a relatable and strong fmc, i love her so much and felt so deeply for her and her journey while i was reading this.
i can’t recommend this book enough. this is an incredible story that is so deeply moving and will stick with you for so long after finishing it.
reminder to check trigger warnings!
April 20, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This is the most emotional and profound Allie Samberts book to date. It is obvious that she poured her heart and soul into this book.
Ryan is Allie’s typical cinnamon roll man that we encounter in her books. Scarlett is an incredibly complex character with a multitude of layers. Scarlett is a writer suffering from bouts of depression and burnout associated with a bestselling book which resulted in the failure of her relationship with Ryan.
This book details Scarlett and Ryan’s character growth resulting in them finding one another again. Read this book if you like:
📚Second chance romance
🌮cinnamon roll MMC
📚mental health rep
🌮workplace romance
📚 bookish related work
🌮MMC with small and grand gestures
📚dual POV
TW: Pregnancy loss on page
Thank you so much to Allie Samberts for the electronic advanced readers copy! Thank you for letting me ARC read for you yet again!!
Not a Strong Enough Word releases May 14!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This is the most emotional and profound Allie Samberts book to date. It is obvious that she poured her heart and soul into this book.
Ryan is Allie’s typical cinnamon roll man that we encounter in her books. Scarlett is an incredibly complex character with a multitude of layers. Scarlett is a writer suffering from bouts of depression and burnout associated with a bestselling book which resulted in the failure of her relationship with Ryan.
This book details Scarlett and Ryan’s character growth resulting in them finding one another again. Read this book if you like:
📚Second chance romance
🌮cinnamon roll MMC
📚mental health rep
🌮workplace romance
📚 bookish related work
🌮MMC with small and grand gestures
📚dual POV
TW: Pregnancy loss on page
Thank you so much to Allie Samberts for the electronic advanced readers copy! Thank you for letting me ARC read for you yet again!!
Not a Strong Enough Word releases May 14!
April 26, 2025
3.5 stars
This is one of those books where I can see why people might like it but it just didn’t work for me.
Scarlett disappears from Ryan’s life with literally no explanation, no closure, no anything and yet when they reconnect 5 years later it’s like nothing happened. There’s no hard feelings, they act like there’s no need to talk about it, and they just pick up like nothing happened. They just jump back into this happy perfect relationship and surprise surprise, keep running into the same issues as before. There was no emotional depth. The characters just go about their lives and nothing really goes wrong and it was honestly so boring. I wanted more SOMETHING. I wanted emotional conversations and dealing with the past and I got nothing.
The second half of this book could be described as a serious lack of communication. Ryan and Scarlett are not open with each other and when they run into the problems they had the first time around they just fall back on their old strategies (which were basically just running away). Ryan just refused to understand Scarlett’s hesitation with publishing her book and Scarlett didn’t really explain well enough why she was hesitant. Usually my recommendation is that the characters need to go to therapy but Scarlett was already in therapy so I guess she needed better therapy? Idk.
I felt like a lot of things were left unresolved at the end and I just don’t them having a lasting relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allie Samberts for the ARC!
This is one of those books where I can see why people might like it but it just didn’t work for me.
Scarlett disappears from Ryan’s life with literally no explanation, no closure, no anything and yet when they reconnect 5 years later it’s like nothing happened. There’s no hard feelings, they act like there’s no need to talk about it, and they just pick up like nothing happened. They just jump back into this happy perfect relationship and surprise surprise, keep running into the same issues as before. There was no emotional depth. The characters just go about their lives and nothing really goes wrong and it was honestly so boring. I wanted more SOMETHING. I wanted emotional conversations and dealing with the past and I got nothing.
The second half of this book could be described as a serious lack of communication. Ryan and Scarlett are not open with each other and when they run into the problems they had the first time around they just fall back on their old strategies (which were basically just running away). Ryan just refused to understand Scarlett’s hesitation with publishing her book and Scarlett didn’t really explain well enough why she was hesitant. Usually my recommendation is that the characters need to go to therapy but Scarlett was already in therapy so I guess she needed better therapy? Idk.
I felt like a lot of things were left unresolved at the end and I just don’t them having a lasting relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allie Samberts for the ARC!
April 24, 2025
ARC Review: 5 stars is not enough for this book. I still have tears flowing. This book was absolutely beautiful. Scarlett and Ryan’s love is so pure. This story was everything I didn’t know I needed. The way Allie writes about depression and grief is eye opening. As someone who has had depression and been through some of what Scarlett went through, seeing her grief on the page actually healed something inside me. Love is not a strong enough word for how I feel about this book.
May 14, 2025
Not a Strong Enough Word by Allie Samberts
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This is the most emotional and profound Allie Samberts book to date. It is obvious that she poured her heart and soul into this book.
Ryan is Allie’s typical cinnamon roll man that we encounter in her books. Scarlett is an incredibly complex character with a multitude of layers. Scarlett is a writer suffering from bouts of depression and burnout associated with a bestselling book which resulted in the failure of her relationship with Ryan.
This book details Scarlett and Ryan’s character growth resulting in them finding one another again. Read this book if you like:
📚Second chance romance
🌮cinnamon roll MMC
📚mental health rep
🌮workplace romance
📚 bookish related work
🌮MMC with small and grand gestures
📚dual POV
TW: Pregnancy loss on page
Thank you so much to Allie Samberts @alliesambertswrites for the electronic advanced readers copy! Thank you for letting me ARC read for you yet again!!
Not a Strong Enough Word releases May 14!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This is the most emotional and profound Allie Samberts book to date. It is obvious that she poured her heart and soul into this book.
Ryan is Allie’s typical cinnamon roll man that we encounter in her books. Scarlett is an incredibly complex character with a multitude of layers. Scarlett is a writer suffering from bouts of depression and burnout associated with a bestselling book which resulted in the failure of her relationship with Ryan.
This book details Scarlett and Ryan’s character growth resulting in them finding one another again. Read this book if you like:
📚Second chance romance
🌮cinnamon roll MMC
📚mental health rep
🌮workplace romance
📚 bookish related work
🌮MMC with small and grand gestures
📚dual POV
TW: Pregnancy loss on page
Thank you so much to Allie Samberts @alliesambertswrites for the electronic advanced readers copy! Thank you for letting me ARC read for you yet again!!
Not a Strong Enough Word releases May 14!
April 25, 2025
Es un libro muy bonito, además de perfecto para los frikis de las letras. La cantidad de escenas en las que los dos protagonistas se ponen a pelear por figuras retóricas es enorme.
Es second chance, así que obviamente me iba a gustar. No tengo mucho más que decir :)
Es second chance, así que obviamente me iba a gustar. No tengo mucho más que decir :)
May 17, 2025
I am such a sucker for second chance romance 🥰 the dual timeline and POVs were executed flawlessly. It felt like I was experiencing Scarlett and Ryan’s emotions myself.
I could think of little else while I was reading this book. It completely took over my thoughts and I needed to keep reading, but also wasn’t ready for it to end 🥲
💜 second chance
💜 workplace romance
💜 bookish main characters
💜 dual POVs
💜 dual timeline
NOT A STRONG ENOUGH WORD is SO much more than a romance novel—it’s heartbreaking, heartfelt, and full of hope for new beginnings.
Please check trigger warnings before reading 🫶
I could think of little else while I was reading this book. It completely took over my thoughts and I needed to keep reading, but also wasn’t ready for it to end 🥲
💜 second chance
💜 workplace romance
💜 bookish main characters
💜 dual POVs
💜 dual timeline
NOT A STRONG ENOUGH WORD is SO much more than a romance novel—it’s heartbreaking, heartfelt, and full of hope for new beginnings.
Please check trigger warnings before reading 🫶
May 31, 2025
This book was absolute perfection! One of my new all time favorites
dnf
July 10, 2025DNF at 34%
The mental health/therapy rep was great and I enjoyed the writing style, but I’m just not sold on the second chance romance here. I feel for both Scarlett and Ryan, but communication seems to be a big issue between them and I’m guessing it’s going to get even worse before it (hopefully) gets better. Ryan is super sweet, but almost too sad puppy dog for me. Right now I feel like they should both go to therapy/more therapy before even thinking about any kind of relationship (personal or professional). Sadly, this one isn’t keeping my attention and I find myself putting it down and not in a hurry to pick it back up. Perhaps I’ll try a different book by the author in the future.
The mental health/therapy rep was great and I enjoyed the writing style, but I’m just not sold on the second chance romance here. I feel for both Scarlett and Ryan, but communication seems to be a big issue between them and I’m guessing it’s going to get even worse before it (hopefully) gets better. Ryan is super sweet, but almost too sad puppy dog for me. Right now I feel like they should both go to therapy/more therapy before even thinking about any kind of relationship (personal or professional). Sadly, this one isn’t keeping my attention and I find myself putting it down and not in a hurry to pick it back up. Perhaps I’ll try a different book by the author in the future.
April 16, 2025
I was selected to receive an ARC of Not A Strong Enough Word. I read it in one day and really loved it. I’ve read all of Allie’s books and this is my favorite. The FMC and MMC are both really likable and I loved the growth both showed throughout the story. The love and chemistry they have was evident from their first encounter on page. Ryan is the perfect MMC, so loving, non judgmental and understanding of what Scarlett is going through. I loved that there was no third act breakup and the banter was top notch! Allie tackled sensitive topics like miscarriage and depression with care. I also really enjoyed Trina, Scarlett’s agent/friend as well as her therapist Dianna. Truly great read!
May 18, 2025
This was such a beautifully written, second-chance love story, filled with lots of grief & healing. It covered depressive episodes really well - I related immensely to Scarlett's anxiety and depression, the feeling of wanting to run or hide when things get hard. I loved watching her progression and growth. We started out not seeing the full picture and as piece by piece were revealed, we get to fully understand the events of 5 years prior and their impact on not only Scarlett and Ryan, but all parties involved.
Ryan was an absolute sweetheart - I mean come on, between the glasses & the tattoo, iykyk. He always had good intentions, all from the heart. I also loved watching his growth and understanding of the events evolve. His conversation with Casey near the end was so well done, giving him a different perspective on a huge moment. He was such a supportive partner, always looking for ways to help or make things easier. He was always in Scarlett's corner, even when she didn't see it or when they were apart for so long. Cute that from the beginning, he sensed that it was Scarlett's book - he knew her inside and out, her books were always "their" books because the editing together wove pieces of them into the pages.
Trina was the best agent, supporter, and friend in this. A beautiful example of a healthy, adult friendship. Even Trina didn't know the whole story but was always on Scarlett's side no matter what. She also always had Scarlett's best interests at heart - she dealt with Scarlett's depressive episodes really well, always advocated for Scarlett's mental health, and always seemed to know when to get additional help, contacting Dianne or giving Ryan hints so he could help.
What a powerful journey of healing for both of the main characters, especially Scarlett. I loved that she talked about her depressive episodes, medicines, and how she regularly went to a therapist. The therapist's advice was phenomenal and it was lovely to see Scarlett referencing these when going through a tough time - near the end, she was referencing them without realizing - growth and healing at its finest. Funny how she says that she needs to get Dianne a gift for everything.
Thank you to Allie Samberts for the e-ARC! It was an honor to be a part of this journey before publication. Allie Samberts is now an auto-buy author for me!
TW: Burnout, depression/depressive episodes, anxiety, therapy/meds, loss of a parent (off page) & miscarriage (on page). Please read the Author's Note at the beginning of the book to make sure you are prepared for the story - content warnings & explicit scene warnings.
Read if you are a fan of:
-Second-Chance Romance
-Meet-Cutes
-Dual Timeline
-Dual POV
-Man down BAD
Ryan was an absolute sweetheart - I mean come on, between the glasses & the tattoo, iykyk. He always had good intentions, all from the heart. I also loved watching his growth and understanding of the events evolve. His conversation with Casey near the end was so well done, giving him a different perspective on a huge moment. He was such a supportive partner, always looking for ways to help or make things easier. He was always in Scarlett's corner, even when she didn't see it or when they were apart for so long. Cute that from the beginning, he sensed that it was Scarlett's book - he knew her inside and out, her books were always "their" books because the editing together wove pieces of them into the pages.
Trina was the best agent, supporter, and friend in this. A beautiful example of a healthy, adult friendship. Even Trina didn't know the whole story but was always on Scarlett's side no matter what. She also always had Scarlett's best interests at heart - she dealt with Scarlett's depressive episodes really well, always advocated for Scarlett's mental health, and always seemed to know when to get additional help, contacting Dianne or giving Ryan hints so he could help.
What a powerful journey of healing for both of the main characters, especially Scarlett. I loved that she talked about her depressive episodes, medicines, and how she regularly went to a therapist. The therapist's advice was phenomenal and it was lovely to see Scarlett referencing these when going through a tough time - near the end, she was referencing them without realizing - growth and healing at its finest. Funny how she says that she needs to get Dianne a gift for everything.
Thank you to Allie Samberts for the e-ARC! It was an honor to be a part of this journey before publication. Allie Samberts is now an auto-buy author for me!
TW: Burnout, depression/depressive episodes, anxiety, therapy/meds, loss of a parent (off page) & miscarriage (on page). Please read the Author's Note at the beginning of the book to make sure you are prepared for the story - content warnings & explicit scene warnings.
Read if you are a fan of:
-Second-Chance Romance
-Meet-Cutes
-Dual Timeline
-Dual POV
-Man down BAD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up — happy release day to Not a Strong Enough Word (NaSEW)!! SO honoured to get to champion this book— it’s a good one! Let’s talk about it!
NaSEW is a second chance romance novel between best-selling author, Scarlett Frye (who grapples with balancing a successful career and what she wants out of life), and Ryan Whitlock, her editor (who only wants to help her but gets lost in the mix of what she truly needs).
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥? 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭?”
God, I loved this book 🥲 I was hooked from the very beginning. I mean with dual POV and timeline, short chapters, bookish main characters, and a sprinkle of tacos, how could you go wrong!? There’s even a bit of mystery as the reader unravels what happened all those years ago, and it’s all just done so well 👏
“𝘐𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘥.”
The romance between Ryan and Scarlett oozed this history and delicious familiarity that I just ate up! There was this constant push and pull between a happy reunion and grappling with grieving/uncovering their past that was 🤌 chef’s kiss!
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴: […] 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
And the mental health rep 👏 Rather than simply telling the reader what Scarlett was diagnosed with, Allie showed us. And I just can’t commend her enough for her execution of this!!
“𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳.”
Cannot recommend this one enough! Still can’t believe she’s indie! Definitely will be thinking about this one for a while!
NaSEW is a second chance romance novel between best-selling author, Scarlett Frye (who grapples with balancing a successful career and what she wants out of life), and Ryan Whitlock, her editor (who only wants to help her but gets lost in the mix of what she truly needs).
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥? 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭?”
God, I loved this book 🥲 I was hooked from the very beginning. I mean with dual POV and timeline, short chapters, bookish main characters, and a sprinkle of tacos, how could you go wrong!? There’s even a bit of mystery as the reader unravels what happened all those years ago, and it’s all just done so well 👏
“𝘐𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘥.”
The romance between Ryan and Scarlett oozed this history and delicious familiarity that I just ate up! There was this constant push and pull between a happy reunion and grappling with grieving/uncovering their past that was 🤌 chef’s kiss!
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴: […] 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
And the mental health rep 👏 Rather than simply telling the reader what Scarlett was diagnosed with, Allie showed us. And I just can’t commend her enough for her execution of this!!
“𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳.”
Cannot recommend this one enough! Still can’t believe she’s indie! Definitely will be thinking about this one for a while!
April 20, 2025
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!
i love books about books. that's a fact. also once again i didn't really read the synopsis for this (i skimmed it and thought it was gonna be like Book Lovers) and was not expecting it to be this emotional. i love sappy things. give me all the grand gestures but also all the little moments in life. this one had both of them!!
okay i admit it was a bit difficult reading this. those who know me know that i write, or at least i used to. i don't publish things and most of it's on ao3 and now i feel like i will never publish anything because not even a bestselling author like Scarlette Frye can handle that industry. i'm not even good at it, but i was more than a bit miffed at her turning down a million dollar book deal. ironic? yes probably. i understood Mandy in that moment. because imagine seeing someone else have the perfect life and everything you wanted and walk away from it. painful.
at the same time, i love how grey this is because once we learn more about Scarlett's backstory i realised this is so much more than a second chance romance with Ryan. yes i loved the whole romance bit and how Ryan understands her and wants to help her, but i think it's more about loving yourself first and foremost. setting boundaries, knowing what you want and don't want, and of course grief.
this is very much litfic (or at least i think it is) and i am definitely gonna be reading more of it as well as Allie Samberts' backlist titles.
i love books about books. that's a fact. also once again i didn't really read the synopsis for this (i skimmed it and thought it was gonna be like Book Lovers) and was not expecting it to be this emotional. i love sappy things. give me all the grand gestures but also all the little moments in life. this one had both of them!!
okay i admit it was a bit difficult reading this. those who know me know that i write, or at least i used to. i don't publish things and most of it's on ao3 and now i feel like i will never publish anything because not even a bestselling author like Scarlette Frye can handle that industry. i'm not even good at it, but i was more than a bit miffed at her turning down a million dollar book deal. ironic? yes probably. i understood Mandy in that moment. because imagine seeing someone else have the perfect life and everything you wanted and walk away from it. painful.
at the same time, i love how grey this is because once we learn more about Scarlett's backstory i realised this is so much more than a second chance romance with Ryan. yes i loved the whole romance bit and how Ryan understands her and wants to help her, but i think it's more about loving yourself first and foremost. setting boundaries, knowing what you want and don't want, and of course grief.
this is very much litfic (or at least i think it is) and i am definitely gonna be reading more of it as well as Allie Samberts' backlist titles.
June 8, 2025
My rating: 4.5 stars
Another book that has me in my feels!
This book was incredibly healing for me to read. Allie Samberts just knows how to write characters who struggle with inner turmoil. By the conclusion, her characters eventually end up overcoming these challenges, and it gives me hope! Her character arcs have a clear beginning and end leaving the reader feeling satisfied upon finishing.
Both of the main characters are also bookish, and these are Allie’s bread and butter. She knows how to write them! Not A Strong Enough Word is a second chance romance about an editor and well known author. These two knew each other years ago when Scarlett wrote her first two well known novels, and Ryan worked as an editor at her publishing house. Due to certain events, Scarlett disappears after being offered a million dollar deal and these two don’t talk for over five years.
The back and forth between past and present timelines was done well and flowed with the story as information was slowly released. I also enjoyed how the characters communicated in the present timeline that may have been lacking in the past timelines.
Allie Samberts writes with her heart and writes it well. I always feel so seen by her characters and these two were both sides of the coin that is my personality.
I do recommend caution if miscarriages, depression, or burnout are triggering for you to read. They are all important to the story and Samberts handles these topics with the utmost care.
Thank you to the author for an eARC and finished copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another book that has me in my feels!
This book was incredibly healing for me to read. Allie Samberts just knows how to write characters who struggle with inner turmoil. By the conclusion, her characters eventually end up overcoming these challenges, and it gives me hope! Her character arcs have a clear beginning and end leaving the reader feeling satisfied upon finishing.
Both of the main characters are also bookish, and these are Allie’s bread and butter. She knows how to write them! Not A Strong Enough Word is a second chance romance about an editor and well known author. These two knew each other years ago when Scarlett wrote her first two well known novels, and Ryan worked as an editor at her publishing house. Due to certain events, Scarlett disappears after being offered a million dollar deal and these two don’t talk for over five years.
The back and forth between past and present timelines was done well and flowed with the story as information was slowly released. I also enjoyed how the characters communicated in the present timeline that may have been lacking in the past timelines.
Allie Samberts writes with her heart and writes it well. I always feel so seen by her characters and these two were both sides of the coin that is my personality.
I do recommend caution if miscarriages, depression, or burnout are triggering for you to read. They are all important to the story and Samberts handles these topics with the utmost care.
Thank you to the author for an eARC and finished copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 8, 2025
4-4.5 stars.
This is an excellent read for Mental Health Awareness Month. Allie Samberts addressed burnout, depression, grief, and therapy in a very raw, genuine way through Scarlett’s character. It was beautifully done and an incredibly emotional experience alongside Scarlett. I was so drawn to her and wanting the very best for her, and above all, for her to be the one to decide what that was.
Ryan was super swoonworthy and so earnest in his belief in Scarlett and her talent. The way he cared for her, spoke to her, helped guide her, and supported her was so endearing. He wasn’t perfect, and he had his own blinders on that he had to shed when the moment came, but I had faith in him doing whatever he needed to in order to be there the way Scarlett needed him.
The book was told in a present day timeline with various flashback chapters worked in throughout. Without sharing spoilers, some were undeniably impactful to experience in the past moment things were happening. I really appreciated the way those specific chapters were told. Others I may have personally preferred to read as a conversation between present day Ryan and Scarlett to hash out the past. All in all though, I felt the connection between them in both the Then and the Now.
This was a beautifully written book that had deeply emotional themes full of the strength love can provide. Thank you to Allie Samberts for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent read for Mental Health Awareness Month. Allie Samberts addressed burnout, depression, grief, and therapy in a very raw, genuine way through Scarlett’s character. It was beautifully done and an incredibly emotional experience alongside Scarlett. I was so drawn to her and wanting the very best for her, and above all, for her to be the one to decide what that was.
Ryan was super swoonworthy and so earnest in his belief in Scarlett and her talent. The way he cared for her, spoke to her, helped guide her, and supported her was so endearing. He wasn’t perfect, and he had his own blinders on that he had to shed when the moment came, but I had faith in him doing whatever he needed to in order to be there the way Scarlett needed him.
The book was told in a present day timeline with various flashback chapters worked in throughout. Without sharing spoilers, some were undeniably impactful to experience in the past moment things were happening. I really appreciated the way those specific chapters were told. Others I may have personally preferred to read as a conversation between present day Ryan and Scarlett to hash out the past. All in all though, I felt the connection between them in both the Then and the Now.
This was a beautifully written book that had deeply emotional themes full of the strength love can provide. Thank you to Allie Samberts for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2025
This was BEAUTIFUL! I love a second chance!! And a dual timeline! With flashbacks in the present!! And I LOVE Allie’s writing. Don’t get me wrong this wasn’t a romcom, it wasn’t super cute and fluffy. It was heartbreakingly beautifully and hit me right in the feels in THE BEST WAY!
Ryan and Scarlett are two people who were MEANT TO BE. Their connection was so deep and so important. I loved that we got to see how they started and how they struggled and how easily they were able to slip back into each other’s lives. They were both flawed and scared, then and now, but they also LOVED each other. And it felt so good to be able to watch them fall in love and then find it again.
It was a deep cut though. Scarlett’s depression and grief was written so well, with so much love and care. But it was also SO raw and real. Everything she was going through in the last?? And the fact that felt like she was burden??? And seeing her struggle even in the present was tough but also real because she was going back to the thing she ran away from and it was never going to be easy no matter how much she wanted it. And the way Ryan just LOVED Scarlett?? And watching him lose her?? So much of this broke my heart!!! And also put it back together!!
I loved this book so much. I still have a couple of Allie’s books to read but this was calling out to me so I didn’t want to wait!!
Ryan and Scarlett are two people who were MEANT TO BE. Their connection was so deep and so important. I loved that we got to see how they started and how they struggled and how easily they were able to slip back into each other’s lives. They were both flawed and scared, then and now, but they also LOVED each other. And it felt so good to be able to watch them fall in love and then find it again.
It was a deep cut though. Scarlett’s depression and grief was written so well, with so much love and care. But it was also SO raw and real. Everything she was going through in the last?? And the fact that felt like she was burden??? And seeing her struggle even in the present was tough but also real because she was going back to the thing she ran away from and it was never going to be easy no matter how much she wanted it. And the way Ryan just LOVED Scarlett?? And watching him lose her?? So much of this broke my heart!!! And also put it back together!!
I loved this book so much. I still have a couple of Allie’s books to read but this was calling out to me so I didn’t want to wait!!
April 24, 2025
Five years ago Scarlett Fyre was THE author. Amazing books with a million dollar contract waiting for her to sign. She loves creating stories, but she hates the publicity and stress that comes with her new contract. So instead she walks away from everything. Her career, her contract, her agent, and her love, Ryan Whitlock. Ryan is a brilliant editor, and he just wants to see Scarlett succeed and be happy. But when she disappears without so much as a goodbye, he’s left shattered to pick up the pieces alone. Now, five years later Scarlett has decided to re-enter the world of writing where her path immediately crosses with Ryan. Can the two work together and remain professional or will their tangled past impact both of their lives?
I ate 👏🏽 this 👏🏽 up 👏🏽 Ryan Whitlock is one of the most swoon-worthy MMCs that I’ve read lately. I just absolutely adored him. Scarlett is also such a great FMC! Her mental health struggles are so real, and I found her healing journey to be so well done. The whole time I was rooting for these two to just do well and end up happy. Allie’s writing really helps you connect with the characters and story too.
Thank you so much to Allie Samberts for the ARC! I cannot wait for the rest of the world to fall in love with these two like I did.
I ate 👏🏽 this 👏🏽 up 👏🏽 Ryan Whitlock is one of the most swoon-worthy MMCs that I’ve read lately. I just absolutely adored him. Scarlett is also such a great FMC! Her mental health struggles are so real, and I found her healing journey to be so well done. The whole time I was rooting for these two to just do well and end up happy. Allie’s writing really helps you connect with the characters and story too.
Thank you so much to Allie Samberts for the ARC! I cannot wait for the rest of the world to fall in love with these two like I did.
May 19, 2025
Ryan Whitlock is the blueprint for fictional men who pine. He’s an editor, wears glasses, and has been hopelessly in love with Scarlett Fyre for five years. She vanished at the height of her writing career, walking away from the spotlight, the pressure, and Ryan. No goodbye. Just gone.
Now she’s back, and of course the first person she runs into is him. Their chemistry is electric, their history is tangled, and the slow-burn tension is absolutely delicious.
Scarlett’s mental health journey is honest and heartfelt, and Ryan is soft, supportive, and completely swoon-worthy. This story is full of longing, healing, and love that never really left.
If you’re into second chances, bookish chaos, and emotionally wrecked men who never stopped loving her, this one is for you. Check the trigger warnings first, then clear your schedule.
Now she’s back, and of course the first person she runs into is him. Their chemistry is electric, their history is tangled, and the slow-burn tension is absolutely delicious.
Scarlett’s mental health journey is honest and heartfelt, and Ryan is soft, supportive, and completely swoon-worthy. This story is full of longing, healing, and love that never really left.
If you’re into second chances, bookish chaos, and emotionally wrecked men who never stopped loving her, this one is for you. Check the trigger warnings first, then clear your schedule.
May 13, 2025
A story that explores grief, healing, and second chances and gives insight into the exciting but draining world of publishing. Strong character development, emotion and depth makes this story honest and relatable. Samberts crafts a narrative that intertwines personal loss with a compelling love story. Ryan and Scarlett’s old sparks reignite and it’s clear they were made for each other. Their understanding and respect for one another is admirable. Their road to rediscovery leads to personal growth and a deeper love. This is perfect for m fans of emotionally driven love stories!
April 19, 2025
This book gave me all the feels. It was fast paced, quirky characters with a good handle on pacing.
As a frequent reader of Allie’s - read the Author Notes! It gives you pages to skip if you’d prefer no spice and walks you through possible trigger warnings. As someone who has experienced professional burnout and loss of a father, I thought Allie handled both well.
I spent the book cheering for Scarlett and I loved her personal growth! Scarlett’s relationship with her therapist was well done.
So thankful to be able to read this ARC!
As a frequent reader of Allie’s - read the Author Notes! It gives you pages to skip if you’d prefer no spice and walks you through possible trigger warnings. As someone who has experienced professional burnout and loss of a father, I thought Allie handled both well.
I spent the book cheering for Scarlett and I loved her personal growth! Scarlett’s relationship with her therapist was well done.
So thankful to be able to read this ARC!
April 16, 2025
I had the honor of arc reading this book, and let me tell you...it was a TREAT.
First of all, I am a sucker for a mmc who is down bad for our fmc, and Ryan DELIVERS. He loves Scarlett so dang much and it is evident in the ENTIRE book. I love that so much.
Scarlett is a relatable fmc. She struggles through some real life scenarios, and although those thoughts are deep and add levity, it doesn't weigh down the book too much. There is still a balance of their romance!!!
Samberts writes in a way where you can easily breeze through, but also want to SLOW down so you can soak up the beautiful writing and quotes that make you SWOON and feel seen.
This is a book that will easily become a comfort reread for me because I loved it that much. <3
Thank you again for allowing me an arc to read!!!
First of all, I am a sucker for a mmc who is down bad for our fmc, and Ryan DELIVERS. He loves Scarlett so dang much and it is evident in the ENTIRE book. I love that so much.
Scarlett is a relatable fmc. She struggles through some real life scenarios, and although those thoughts are deep and add levity, it doesn't weigh down the book too much. There is still a balance of their romance!!!
Samberts writes in a way where you can easily breeze through, but also want to SLOW down so you can soak up the beautiful writing and quotes that make you SWOON and feel seen.
This is a book that will easily become a comfort reread for me because I loved it that much. <3
Thank you again for allowing me an arc to read!!!
June 18, 2025
heart wrenching & beautiful
This story was stunning. So emotionally charged I teared up several times.
Second chance romance.
Mental heath representation.
Work place romance
Check your triggers.
Talk of miscarriage & depression
This story was stunning. So emotionally charged I teared up several times.
Second chance romance.
Mental heath representation.
Work place romance
Check your triggers.
Talk of miscarriage & depression
May 13, 2025
Wow! This novel was packed with emotion from beginning to end. After suffering a breakdown in the workplace, Scarlett attempts to bounce back and take on her dream job again. The only speed bump in sight is navigating how to work with her former flame while creating a work/life balance. Ryan is a glasses wearing, swoonworthy editor. The banter, the tension, the yearning between Scarlett and Ryan is perfection.
I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, but I really enjoyed this read. There are things that go unsaid for a bit. However, it wasn’t obnoxious or aggravating. The story developed beautifully. Make sure to check the trigger warnings, especially since the emotions are pretty heavy in this one.
Tropes:
Second Chance Romance
Workplace Romance
Dual POV
Writing Community
I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, but I really enjoyed this read. There are things that go unsaid for a bit. However, it wasn’t obnoxious or aggravating. The story developed beautifully. Make sure to check the trigger warnings, especially since the emotions are pretty heavy in this one.
Tropes:
Second Chance Romance
Workplace Romance
Dual POV
Writing Community
May 13, 2025
4.25 stars rounded up
Allie Samberts was the first indie author I read as a Bookstagrammar, and to say I was changed would be an understatement. Ever since she first opened my eyes to indie authors, she has been extra special to me, and I am SO excited for everyone to get to read her newest romance, Not A Strong Enough Word, out on May 14th!
It is clear from the first page that this story has a lot of personal elements for Samberts, and it comes through in the prose which might be her most poetic and emotional story to date.
I am a sucker for a second chance romance, specifically one that gives us dual timelines so that we feel really connected to the initial love story, and can relate better to the angst and conflict in the current timeline. Samberts absolutely delivers with this, and weaves such a perfect story in both timelines that I would have gladly read an entire book just in either time period. Just a heads up, you’re going to be falling in love with Ryan right along with Scarlett in both timelines. He is the epitome of a sweet, supportive, and incredibly loving MC that also has a personality and isn’t just a cardboard cutout of the perfect guy.
Scarlett is one of those characters who, despite being so wholly unrelatable to me, was still so easy to empathize with and I was so glad to see her support system lift her up time and time again. It was highly refreshing to see a character actively in therapy for her on-page difficulties, and I found the mental health/therapy rep in this one to be really well done.
Ryan is the perfect, unwavering supporter of Scarlett, and I was rooting for these two every step of the way. While Scarlett learns to empower and support herself throughout the story, Ryan is still there for whatever she needs without stepping and trying to take over, which just proves that these two are hashtag meant to be.
I love Ryan and Scarlett and their journey to their HEA, and I really hope you do too!
Thank you so much to Allie for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Allie Samberts was the first indie author I read as a Bookstagrammar, and to say I was changed would be an understatement. Ever since she first opened my eyes to indie authors, she has been extra special to me, and I am SO excited for everyone to get to read her newest romance, Not A Strong Enough Word, out on May 14th!
It is clear from the first page that this story has a lot of personal elements for Samberts, and it comes through in the prose which might be her most poetic and emotional story to date.
I am a sucker for a second chance romance, specifically one that gives us dual timelines so that we feel really connected to the initial love story, and can relate better to the angst and conflict in the current timeline. Samberts absolutely delivers with this, and weaves such a perfect story in both timelines that I would have gladly read an entire book just in either time period. Just a heads up, you’re going to be falling in love with Ryan right along with Scarlett in both timelines. He is the epitome of a sweet, supportive, and incredibly loving MC that also has a personality and isn’t just a cardboard cutout of the perfect guy.
Scarlett is one of those characters who, despite being so wholly unrelatable to me, was still so easy to empathize with and I was so glad to see her support system lift her up time and time again. It was highly refreshing to see a character actively in therapy for her on-page difficulties, and I found the mental health/therapy rep in this one to be really well done.
Ryan is the perfect, unwavering supporter of Scarlett, and I was rooting for these two every step of the way. While Scarlett learns to empower and support herself throughout the story, Ryan is still there for whatever she needs without stepping and trying to take over, which just proves that these two are hashtag meant to be.
I love Ryan and Scarlett and their journey to their HEA, and I really hope you do too!
Thank you so much to Allie for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 25, 2025
ARC review. Workplace romance, second chance love, cinnamon roll MMC, mental health rep. All great tropes and the author did an amazing job representing all!
Scarlett is an author who suffers from burnout and depression. Ryan is her editor and her number one fan. These two have their fair share of ups and downs and the author does an amazing job of showing real life mixed with fiction.
Loved this book and Scarlett and Ryan! Casey was a great character in this book too!!!
Scarlett is an author who suffers from burnout and depression. Ryan is her editor and her number one fan. These two have their fair share of ups and downs and the author does an amazing job of showing real life mixed with fiction.
Loved this book and Scarlett and Ryan! Casey was a great character in this book too!!!
May 23, 2025
Yep yep yep, a new Allie favorite right here friends!
The amount of heart and soul that was written into the pages of this story is unbelievable! I adored Scarlett from the very beginning. The amount of strength her character has throughout the entire story had me in awe. Seeing her struggle with her depression brought this story to reality and I think that the visuals we were given for Scarlett’s journey were written incredibly well. I fell in love with Ryan very quickly… He is something else entirely. I loved seeing his care for Scarlett even throughout their parting and that tattoo scene had me so emotional! Their growth was unlike anything else and I just adored seeing them make it work! Overall, such a beautifully written second chance romance! I cannot recommend it enough 🥺
The amount of heart and soul that was written into the pages of this story is unbelievable! I adored Scarlett from the very beginning. The amount of strength her character has throughout the entire story had me in awe. Seeing her struggle with her depression brought this story to reality and I think that the visuals we were given for Scarlett’s journey were written incredibly well. I fell in love with Ryan very quickly… He is something else entirely. I loved seeing his care for Scarlett even throughout their parting and that tattoo scene had me so emotional! Their growth was unlike anything else and I just adored seeing them make it work! Overall, such a beautifully written second chance romance! I cannot recommend it enough 🥺
May 1, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This has been my favorite Allie Samberts book, so far!
Ryan and Scarlett have such an emotional history, and their second chance does not come along without its bumps in the road, as well. Scarlett has some deep scars and struggles with depression, but Ryan is always there for her in every way she needs. There is so much yearning and amazing banter between the two of them, and their chemistry leaps off the page!
Make sure to check the TW. Thank you, Allie Samberts, for the ARC!
This has been my favorite Allie Samberts book, so far!
Ryan and Scarlett have such an emotional history, and their second chance does not come along without its bumps in the road, as well. Scarlett has some deep scars and struggles with depression, but Ryan is always there for her in every way she needs. There is so much yearning and amazing banter between the two of them, and their chemistry leaps off the page!
Make sure to check the TW. Thank you, Allie Samberts, for the ARC!
May 16, 2025
In this amazing book you will meet Scarlet, a bestselling author and a very complex character. It was so easy for me to relate to her as someone who also struggles with anxiety and depression. I loved to see her growth throughout the story 🥲
And you will also meet the cute editor and broken hearted Ryan. Ryan and Scarlet had a beautiful relationship until life and work happened. It was so cute to see them finding one another again and rebuild their relationship 🥹
Read if you like:
- Workplace romance
- Bookish main characters
- Second chance
- Dual timeline
- Dual POV
- Caretaking
- Mental health rep
And you will also meet the cute editor and broken hearted Ryan. Ryan and Scarlet had a beautiful relationship until life and work happened. It was so cute to see them finding one another again and rebuild their relationship 🥹
Read if you like:
- Workplace romance
- Bookish main characters
- Second chance
- Dual timeline
- Dual POV
- Caretaking
- Mental health rep
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