Not on the Same Page

by Allie Samberts

An opposites attract romance set in the publishing world, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Colleen Hoover.

They agreed on no strings. But their hearts keep landing on the same page.

A year ago, literary agent Trina McBryde and editor Casey Endersen ended their no-strings arrangement. It was perfect for two people who didn't want a relationship. But what started as a way to blow off steam and have a little fun almost put their careers at stake, along with their feelings for each other.

When an important publishing conference brings them together again, the desire they tried to deny is back, and stronger than ever. But the real challenge comes afterward—Casey needs Trina to sign a promising new writer, which means that after a year of avoiding each other, they'll be forced to work together again. Late-night calls, whispered strategy sessions, and stolen glances make every professional interaction dangerously personal.

Every secret meeting carries the risk of exposure. If anyone finds out, they could lose more than just their jobs—they could lose their reputations. But Casey has already fallen . . . again. And Trina is running out of ways to resist.

As professional boundaries blur, they'll have to decide if being on the same page means following the rules—or finally writing their own.

Contains mature themes.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 18, 2026

About the author

Allie 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.

Reviews

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Not on the Same Page by Allie Samberts
Publication date: August 18th 2026

Thoughts
I missed this world and characters so much! I had to request the second book -- Trina and Casey's story was so beautiful in it's own way, it feels like they complete each other, I was so happy to see sprinkles of Scarlett and Ryan in this book 🥹 now with them in mind I must admit Trina and Casey's story didn't hit in the feels as hard -- not in a bad way but Scarlett and Ryan were truly SOMETHING ELSE 🫠❤️‍🩹😭

Allie's writing is just so profound that you can tell there's so much heart in her stories, the characters are written in such a relatable way; complex and layered, it's hard not to resonate with the characters in someway even if just with the way they express themselves, one other aspect I love about Allie's writing is the way she writes her FMCs specifically, they're just as strong as they are vulnerable which is a factor in making the characters feel realistic rather than fictional

I really enjoy picking up this author's books and I can't wait to eventually get through her backlist


Plot Summary
A year after ending their no-strings relationship, literary agent Trina McBryde and editor Casey Endersen are reunited when work forces them back together. As they collaborate on a promising new author, the attraction they tried to leave behind quickly returns.With their careers and reputations on the line, Trina and Casey must decide whether risking everything is worth a second chance at love.

Tropes
▪︎ Workplace romance
▪︎ No strings attached
▪︎ Found family
▪︎ Anxiety rep
▪︎ He falls first

Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC

My Bookstagram

[Liana Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-3.75 FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW!

The audio was great!

A literary agent and an editor fall in love despite their no-strings arrangement.

Honestly needed a break from all the crappy fantasies I've been reading lately.



Many thanks to NetGalley, Tantor Media and the author, Allie Samberts for an early ALC!

Narrators: Dahlia Summers, James Cavenaugh
Duration: 9 hours 53 minutes
Speed: 1.75-2x

Publication date: August 18, 2026

[Kayla]

I had the honor of alpha reading this as Allie wrote it and I cannot wait for everyone to read it next August. it is incredible.

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of Allie’s books that I’ve read and this was no different!!!! The first book in this series is truly one of my favorites by her and this was a BEAUTIFUL follow up! Being back in this universe was such a treat, and I’m SO happy we get to don’t again! Another set of imperfectly perfect people falling in love and I loved every single second!!

Casey and Trina were an absolute JOY! I loved that they were SORT OF a second chance, well more of a right person wrong time!! And seeing them figure things out was so good!! They were FUN together, their chemistry was delicious! Their banter inside and outside of work was SO good! And not only did they have fun together, this time around they were really holding something strong and something that was going to last. I was really rooting for them the whole time!!Between their complicated family dynamics and the pressures they faced together and separately at work, the romance was the main focus but also so well balanced between everything else!

ALSO a little shout to Ryan and Scarlett bc I love them DEEPLY and I loved every second they were on page! Bc not only are THEY in such a good place, they were also the best friends Casey and Trina could have had in their corners!

Thank you so much to Page and Vine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Mamawattto4 Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Victory Editing and Tantor Media for the kindle and audio ARC


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars

I had the privilege of both reading and listening to this ARC, and I absolutely loved the experience! Not on the Same Page was a heartfelt, second chance workplace romance with fantastic chemistry and plenty of emotional tension.

I really enjoyed watching Trina and Casey navigate their complicated past while trying to keep things professional. Their banter, lingering feelings, and undeniable connection made it easy to root for them from beginning to end. The publishing world setting was such a fun backdrop and added something a little different to the romance.

The audiobook made an already enjoyable story even better. The dual narration was excellent, and both the male and female narrators brought so much emotion and personality to the characters. They captured the chemistry between Trina and Casey perfectly and made the story even more engaging.

If you enjoy second chance romance, workplace romance, and opposites-attract couples with plenty of heart, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!
:::writing

If you’d like, I can also make it a little more emotional, more “Bookstagram” style, or shorter for Goodreads or Amazon.

[Meghan Sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Tantor Audio for the ALC!

I absolutely loved Not a Strong Enough Word and have been eagerly awaiting its sequel! Not On the Same Page may be my favorite Allie I’ve ever read.

This series seems to find me when I most relate and need it. Scarlet found me when I needed a reminder that depression and burnout is real and can be overcome.

Trina finds me as I navigate difficult familial relationships with those entrusted to raise me when my mother could not. I felt so seen and understood throughout her story!

I really enjoyed reading the ins and outs of publishing, specifically through Casey’s story. I felt like the author did an extensive amount of research into the BIPOC experience in the publishing world.

*The only thing of note for me here is that I wish Casey would’ve been narrated by a black man. His story about being a minority in the publishing world being told by a white man didn’t feel right.

Reason 101736402 you should read this. It’s freaking HOT 🔥 Their chemistry was undeniable and beautiful! It was such a natural transition from casual to not that it didn’t feel forced at all.

All in all, I loved this book and cannot wait to get my shelf trophy 💙

[kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing and Page and Vine for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!!

This is the second standalone book in this series and while not necessary to read the first, it’s highly encouraged because it’s a fantastic book!

Allie Samberts has an effortless way of creating such dynamic and realistic characters that you just can’t help but cheer for. This book also deals with a lot of sensitive topics and I feel like a lot of care and research was given to them.

The prologue really had me hooked and I ended up reading this book very quickly! Trina and Casey find themselves in each other’s orbit again after breaking off their coworkers with benefits arrangement a year prior. They both navigate new jobs and family traumas all while struggling with their feelings for one another. My heart truly broke for Trina when she realized how devoid of love her life has been since she was a small child.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, it was emotionally fulfilling and gives an interesting perspective on the publishing world as well.

[Savannah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

so excited that we finally got casey & trina’s story!! i’ve been waiting for this one since not a strong enough word released and we met these main characters. i really loved casey & trina’s story and love all the different emotions that allie is able to bring out of me throughout her story telling. while i did really love this story, i did feel like there was a bit too much dialogue that was unnecessary for the story and this already isn’t a super long romance book or anything so i feel like that space could have been utilized better, especially in the beginning. however, i did still really love this book and enjoy my time while reading it! i loved how much of scarlett and ryan we got to see and get updates on their lives throughout this story. i will always recommend an allie samberts book & this series is seriously such a great one!

[Taylor Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I am obsessed with Allie Samberts and her writing.

Book two of the Strong Enough series is as phenomenal as I expected. Trina and Casey are spicy and sassy and perfect. Both of their characters have so many layers, and they truly highlight and bring out the best in each other. Their banter had me laughing, their relationship had me swooning. And they are spicy compared to Allie’s other books 🥵

Highly, highly recommend grabbing this as soon as it’s available in August!

Thank you Allie for the gifted eARC so I could fall in love with Trina and Casey’s story.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰✨

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 9, 16 & 21
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧: 41%
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Workplace romance, he falls first, opposites attract, found family, no strings attached
𝐏𝐎𝐕: 1st person, Dual POV
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Dual
𝐊𝐔: No

I loved book 1 so of course I requested the ALC of book 2 when I saw it on Netgalley. I had no idea this was Trina and Casey’s story! The inside look into the publishing world was really interesting.

This is narrated in dual style, and both narrators did an exceptional job bringing life to these characters! Samberts is very skilled at writing dynamic characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!


⚠️𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⚠️
Multiple open door scenes with explicit descriptions
Strong language

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:Loss of a loved one (recounted) & mention of cancer

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This two-sided story centers on literary agent Trina and editor Casey, who have strong feelings for each other but have agreed to set them aside because they need to work together on occasion. Yet fate brings them to the same conference where their passions reignite. The story moves pretty slowly, with some heavy subplots involving their respective family members. It would be boring and predictable, but for the sex scenes peppered throughout. Trina is happy to be dominated by Casey and likes him to order her around.

[Sabrina | thebookishspot]

DNF at 39%. No chemistry between the MCs, not even a third of the way into the book and they're already hooking up and have so many feelings. I get it's a second chance but show me why I should be invested in their second chance!

[Megan Cowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute little redemption, second chance story!

This was the first book I’ve read from Allie, and it won’t be my last.

This was fun, flirty, and beautifully written. (Or in my case, heard!)

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Allie Samberts book, and I’m so thankful to Page & Vine Publishing for selecting this one for me! I jumped into this one without reading the first book and never felt like I was missing anything. It absolutely works as a standalone, but I will be going back to read book 1 immediately.

Not on the Same Page is a heartfelt second-chance workplace romance with fantastic chemistry, plenty of banter, and just the right amount of emotion. There’s something about a romance set in the book world that immediately works for me, and this one delivered all the publishing-industry goodness I wanted while also bringing plenty of emotional depth. Will Trina and Casey ever get on the same page? You’ll just have to turn the pages to find out!

Essentially - Trina is a literary agent, Casey is an editor, and a year ago they ended their no-strings relationship when their careers and feelings started getting a little too tangled. They’ve managed to avoid each other ever since—until a publishing conference… I really loved Trina and Casey. They have so much history, chemistry, and unresolved emotion between them, but I especially enjoyed getting to know who they were beyond their relationship. Watching their walls slowly come down gave their romance so much more emotional weight.

Both are also navigating complicated relationships with work, family, anxiety, and self-worth, which made them feel messy, vulnerable, and incredibly real. Their banter, lingering feelings, and undeniable connection made it incredibly easy to root for them.

The publishing-world setting was such a fun backdrop, and I especially enjoyed getting a look at the ins and outs of the industry through Casey’s story. I felt like the author brought a lot of thought and research to the BIPOC experience within publishing, which added another meaningful layer to the story.

One of my favorite things about this book is that there’s more than just the romance. There’s depth, emotion, character growth, and meaningful themes woven throughout the story. I love when a book can give me a great romance while also leaving me with something to think about after I’ve finished it.

The audiobook narration was another highlight for me. Dahlia Summers and James Cavenaugh did a wonderful job bringing Trina and Casey to life. I really enjoyed how their performances captured the chemistry, banter, and emotional tension between the characters while keeping their individual personalities distinct. Their narration made it easy to settle into the story and added another layer to the connection between Trina and Casey. That said, I do wish the male narrator had been BIPOC, especially given the representation and themes woven throughout the story. I think that would have added an even more authentic layer to Casey’s character. But other than that, I really enjoyed the audiobook experience.

And, of course, you all know immersion reading is my favorite, so being gifted both an ARC and ALC made this reading experience even better!

Thank you so much to Allie Samberts, Page & Vine Publishing, Tantor Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and listen to this one. I absolutely loved discovering a new-to-me author, and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series!

[Hope (bookedwithhope) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contemporary Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
💞 romance • 💃🏻 characters • 💔 emotional impact

•••••••••••••••

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩...
‣ Workplace romance 🖊️
‣ Second chance (ish?) romance
‣ Mental health (anxiety) rep
‣ Emotional stories 🥲
‣ No strings attached
‣ Tension + banter
‣ He falls first

𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨…
An editor and a literary agent walk into a room. They thought they were on the same page of just being friends with benefits. But what happens when the connection becomes deeper than they anticipated? Can they make their personal relationship work within the bounds of the professional world?

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 is book 2 in the 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 series but can be read as an interconnected standalone. (However, I highly recommend reading 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 first because it makes this book hit even harder. 🥲❤️) It follows Casey, a book editor, and Trina, a literary agent, who thought they were just friends with benefits but come to find a strong connection they quickly can't deny.

Allie Samberts deserves the biggest round of applause for 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞. 👏🏻 Not only did she get me to shed a tear (which I rarely do when I'm reading), she might've (?) topped book 1 in this series, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝, which I wasn't sure could be done. (What mostly likely happened is I love both couples equally and just can't get enough of them. 😂 )

{ If you haven't read one of Allie's books yet, do yourself a favor and start now. She's an incredibly talented writer who puts so much love and care into her stories. I'm lucky to have been with her close to the start of her writing journey and am so freaking proud of how far she's come! 🫶🏼 }

I have so much love for these characters. Casey and Trina thought they wanted no strings attached, but their hearts keep landing on the same page. Casey is navigating his new promotion, and imposter syndrome, as a Black man in a white-dominated industry. Trina is a powerhouse agent who is coping with her anxiety and trust issues. Both are falling for each other in unexpected ways.

Allie does a fantastic job of tackling difficult themes like anxiety, microaggressions, parental death, and abandonment in a way that is both sensitive and kind. I love how she includes them in romance novels because though I love a book that helps me escape, I also want the story to be realistic. And Allie accomplishes that every single time.

Okay, I'm done rambling. Read the book when it releases in August 2026! It, like all of Allie's books, is worth your time.

Thank you to Allie Samberts, Page & Vine, and NetGalley for my advanced copies of 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞! All opinions are my own.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie Samberts does it again! Oh my goodness, what a story! Just when I thought it couldn't get any better than Ryan and Scarlett in Not a Strong Enough Word, Allie crafts Casey and Trina- this sweet (and spicy) couple- into existence! Thing is... this sneaky duo was already under the covers and in between the pages of the first book 😏 we, the readers, just didn't know it!

Not On The Same Page is the second book in an interconnected stand-alone three book series, and what a treat it was to be back in Chicago alongside Ryan and Scarlett at Anastasios Press. This story picks up with Trina McBryde, Scarlett's literary agent, and Casey Endersen, Ryan's editor friend and colleague, after a year apart from their "no-strings attached" arrangement that had become a bit precarious. Trina and Casey just so happen to be attending the same out-of-town literary conference and, well, what fun would it be if I told you what happens next as they reconnect?

Will they ever get on the same page? You'll just have to turn the pages of this book to find out!

Allie has truly come into her own with the Strong Enough series. I am so inspired by her writing and how she handles difficult themes around grief and mental health. The found family is perfect and I've personally enjoyed learning more about the writing and publishing world through these stories. I cannot wait for the third and final book in the series, Not The Way It Ends 🤩

I had the privilege of receiving an ebook from Page & Vine Publishing after attending a release party for Not a Strong Enough Word in June. I was also graciously given an advanced listener copy through NetGalley, which thrilled the immersive reader in me!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook. Dahlia Summers' narration of Trina's chapters was absolutely brilliant, capturing all the characters perfectly. It's amazing how some female narrators can alter their voices so well that you don't even know it's the same person! While I enjoy James Cavenaugh's narration in general, I didn't think he was an ideal fit to embody Casey's character and voice. That said, this did not distract me from the story.

Thank you again to Allie Samberts, NetGalley, Page & Vine Publishing, and Tantor Media for advanced reader and listener copies in exchange for my honest review.

[TenshiMari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing a digital review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review

I read the previous book Not a Strong Enough Word by this author and was not impressed, so you're probably wondering why I requested an arc for the sequel? I wanted to see if any of my complaints about the previous book have been addressed. I can happily report I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one, though some major flaws remain the same. It's very clear Casey and Trina feel a very strong attraction to each other, but to call it love feels a bit of a stretch. Similarly to our couple from the first book, the communication level between them is absolutely zero. Like the first book, they get together almost immediately, despite there being a lot more spice in this book than the previous book, there's no real tension between our main couple, sexual or otherwise, and they don't communicate or form any kind of emotional connection until they're forced to at the end of the book for the sake of plot reasons. They stand strong as individuals and I enjoyed their characters, I just didn't enjoy their romance. I felt like they needed to actually spend time getting to know each other and talking about their issues because every time these two are together they immediately start fucking. You would expect the amount of spice in this book to be a good thing, but ironically, I found it a bit of a turn-off. I felt their relationship was purely physical and there was no emotional connection to be found. This gets addressed a tiny smidge towards the end of the book after the third act conflict, so I felt satisfied enough to give it a better rating than it's predecessor. I don't think it's a bad book, and I can tell by the other ratings that a lot of people adore this book, so you might too. I just think perhaps I'm not the right target audience for this series. Despite the flaws I have listed, this was a light and easy read and very easy to binge, so I finished the book in a single sitting. I hope whoever ends up reading this will love it a lot more than I did.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trina is a successful literary agent, and until a year ago, was in a no-strings relationship with an editor. When things felt like they were getting too serious, and their careers fell on the line, they agreed it was better to walk away rather than risk everything. A year later, Trina still thinks about him, but has been able to avoid him, until they find themselves at the same publishing conference. While a night of blowing off steam seemed harmless at the time, when they end up having to work together to sign a new writer, the lines quickly get blurred, and soon it becomes hard to keep work and life separate, or pretend there are no feelings involved.

Casey hasn’t stopped thinking about Trina in their year apart, but when he’s offered a position as the editorial director for a newer YA press, he wonders whether this could mean he and Trina might have a chance, given that she doesn’t represent authors in that genre. But as they both met the same author at the conference, he knows she is the only one who could do her justice, and they find themselves right back where they started. While he’s ready and willing to risk everything for a chance at something real, he knows Trina keeps her walls high for a reason, he just doesn’t know what it is.

I was able to do an immersive read of this book, thanks to @Netgalley, and I really enjoyed it. Trina and Casey both have their insecurities and trauma they need to work through, with different motivations keeping them apart. While Casey focuses on doing whatever it takes for his family, Trina has been on her own for most of her life, meaning that her job is the only thing keeping her grounded. As they gradually see pieces of the other’s real life, outside of work or the bedroom, the walls slowly begin to come down, but it was difficult watching them try to fight their own insecurities. As they both begin to realize what’s truly important in life, it gave them hope that they could truly become more.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one just killed me!
Casey and Trina. Editor and Agent. Dynamic Duo. But….
OMG! Why can’t they just figure this out???

So, they had a short run of fun, sexy flings… no feelings attached… no strings… and then they just cut it off. ✂️
Nothing. Nada. Zilch…

And then one day they run into each other again.
I mean, how big can this world be? They’re both in the same field… kind of….

So, each of them start to remember things. But they can never go back. Can they??

They’re at a writing forum….
Trina is approached by a young, new author looking to promote her new book. But, this is not her area… and she really doesn’t know anyone in that YA (Young Adult) field…
But what about Casey? Can he help???

Again, this killed me because they just couldn’t seem to figure it out! Why??? I mean they both have feelings, no?

And sometimes crazy things just happen!

I loved the family dynamics for Casey. Loved how they all stick together through even the toughest of times.

Felt bad for Trina and her family dynamics. Sad all around…. But maybe in the long run, things will turn around! 🤞🏼

Great story! Great family! Great friend circles! Great camaraderie… for the most part, and when it really counts!

#NotOnTheSamePage by @AllieSambergs and narrated beautifully by @DahliaSummers and @JamesCavenaugh.

4 crazy, loving, get-a-hold-of-yourself stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


It has not been released yet, but look 👀 for it soon! Release date is August 18, 2026!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @TantorAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Bari (justbookedup) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s just something about a romance set in the book world that immediately works for me, & Not on the Same Page gave me all the publishing industry goodness I wanted with so much emotional depth.

Trina is a literary agent, Casey is an editor, & a year ago they ended their no-strings relationship when their careers & feelings started getting a little too tangled. They’ve managed to avoid each other ever since, until a publishing conference & a promising new author put them right back in each other’s orbit.

I really loved Trina & Casey together. There’s so much history, chemistry & unresolved emotion between them, but I especially loved getting to know who they were beyond their relationship. Casey is ready to admit that what they have could be something real, while Trina has spent so much of her life relying only on herself that letting someone else in feels almost impossible. Watching those walls slowly come down gave their romance so much more weight.

Both characters are also navigating complicated relationships with work, family, anxiety & self-worth, which made them feel messy, vulnerable & incredibly real.

I jumped into this without reading the first book & never felt like I was missing anything. It absolutely works as a standalone, but getting glimpses of Scarlett & Ryan definitely made me want to go back & read their story.

I listened to the audiobook narrated in dual narration by Dahlia Summers & James Cavenaugh, & I really enjoyed their performances. They fit Trina & Casey well & made this such an easy story to get wrapped up in.

Emotional, romantic & full of publishing-world drama, this was such an enjoyable listen.

💕 No Strings Attached
✍️ Workplace Romance
🧲 Opposites Attract
💋 He Falls First
❤️‍🩹 Anxiety Rep
🫶 Found Family
✌🏻 Dual POV in Dual Narration

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Allie for the e-ARC!

Everything Allie writes is phenomenal, and I can always tell that every sentence was crafted with so much care. Not on the Same Page has that same care, yet there's something special lurking beneath the surface. Trina and Casey are my favorite couple Allie has ever written, and Allie has truly outdone herself with this book.
I could not put this book down. It was beyond perfect. I was immediately drawn to Casey and Trina. They are such emotional characters (even if they themselves like to act like a couple of hardasses lol) and they balance each other so well. They're passionate about their work, passionate about each other, and it's just so 🥹. I have no words for how much I loved them.
Trina's character growth throughout this book is amazing to see. I really resonated with her anxious habits, and it made me feel seen. I love that about Allie's books - the characters are SO real.
Casey's character was also very well written, and the imposter syndrome he works through throughout the book is all too relatable. But you know what? He crushes his new role and it was very inspiring. His relationship with his family, too, was very sweet to read about. Casey is literally the perfect man.
I think I loved this story so much *because* the characters are real and face real life obstacles. I related to both of them in some way, and seeing them figure it all out in the end was AMAZING.
I am blown away by this book, and I hope everyone who loves Allie's previous works loves this one, too.

[casey ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc and alc.

⋆˙⟡ tropes ⟡˙⋆
🌿 no strings attached
💻 workplace romance
📚 found family
🪻 opposites attract
❤️‍🩹 anxiety rep
💍 he falls first

⋆˙⟡ thoughts ⟡˙⋆
another beautiful story that has me wanting more (like book three hehe). i absolutely adore casey and trina. we met them in book one, so i was excited for their story, and this did not disappoint. they really do complete each other and have such great chemistry, both emotional and physical (hence the attempted no strings attached) 😮‍💨🤪

i also love me a story set around the book world especially being a workplace romance. there are deeper elements so i recommend reading the author’s note. i also appreciated the anxiety rep with trina as someone who suffers from severe anxiety myself.

⋆˙⟡ synopsis ⟡˙⋆
a year ago, literary agent trina and editor casey ended their no strings arrangement. what started as a way to have a little fun almost put their careers at stake, along with their feelings for each other.

when an important publishing conference brings them together again, the desire they tried to deny is back, but the real challenge comes afterward: casey needs trina to sign a promising new writer, which means that after a year of avoiding each other, they’ll be forced to work together again.

🎧audio: the narrators did a great job at bringing trina and casey to life (especially since reading book one, i’ve been excited for their story!) it was easy to follow and i ended up listening within twenty four hours!

[Cassie O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trina is a former foster kid, adulting in a world where she's never felt truly wanted or loved, but successful all on her own. Casey has known grief and heartache, but falls for the woman he works with anyway. Taking place after the end of Not A Strong Enough Word, we pick up on Casey and Trina working together again by chance with a debut author. Previously having given up their physical relationship to avoid workplace problems, the two now face an element of forced proximity and the decision of whether they can maintain their distance or give in to the chemistry between them.

I liked this novel far more than NASEW, Trina is relatable and damaged, Casey is formidable but kind, and together, they fill in gaps that the other struggles with. Despite this, I struggled with some of the book's elements. I felt like there was a lack of communication between our main characters despite a lot of dialogue and, while there was definitely character growth, I wanted some of it to happen somewhat sooner to encourage along the plot. I appreciated all the easter eggs from other Allie Samberts novels, seeing Scarlett and Ryan from NASEW, Daniel and Mac from the Leade Park series, and even the coffee shop from Common Grounds, I only wished for a bit more meat to the tension and a stronger sense of resolution beyond what was offered.

Thank you to Page and Vine and Allie Samberts for the opportunity to ARC read!

[Rebecca M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tension: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Prose: 🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️

Something about this book spoke directly to my heart. Allie Samberts knows how to write a book that exposes the honest emotions of her characters and that connects the internal, external, and romantic stakes. I absolutely adored this story from start to finish!

Trina is a literary agent who needs to sign new authors to appease her boss, Casey is an editor who's just been giving his own publishing imprint, and even though they ended a no-strings-attached relationship a year ago, the threads connecting them are about to become a lot harder to untangle.

I adore a man who knows exactly what his partner needs, both in the bedroom and outside of it. Whenever Trina is a mess of anxiety, Casey's presence calms her... and when she needs a break from overthinking all the aspects of her past and present, Casey knows exactly how to take control in the bedroom. It's HOT and ADORABLE how much he's head over heels for this amazing woman.

This heartfelt contemporary romance offers:
🩵 no strings attached
🩵 workplace romance
🩵 he falls first
🩵 opposites attract
🩵 anxiety rep
🩵 found family

I love Allie Samberts for writing romances that don't forget the heart that exists with the heat and for tackling mental health in her stories. Not on the Same Page has soft edges and digs deep into struggle and healing. We need more books like this one!

Thank you, Allie Samberts for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Leahspinkpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way my heart dropped and stopped with the book! First off a workplace romance that began a few years ago and then they never saw each other but often thought of one another ! My man my man! Casey he knows how to make a woman fall at his feet ! When you have an editor and Trina the Literay agent having to end their workplace romance the way they did obviously they had some unfinished business ! I must say to see how Trina always wants to make sure that her and Casey were on the same page and at times they weren’t but to see how Trina wanted to fight to be better and be able to learn to entrust again and to see her try to figure that part of her self and what she went through meant a lot

I loved seeing that even with the tension and the unresolved feelings they both had they were able to be professional in the office and well even outside of the office but to see how there banter and chemistry just flowed so effortlessly made my heart dropped so much 🤍🤍🩷 how they have each other the second chance they knew they deserved was evryting.

This was my first book by Allie and I have to thank Libro Fam and Story Hollow Page for the ALC and vine for the e arc

This was evryting ! You all need to add it to your TBR 🤍🩷

Tropes
Workplace Romance
Literary Agent
editor
Second Chance

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Casey and Trina’s story ever since I finished Not A Strong Enough Word, and Allie Samberts absolutely delivered.

One of my favorite things about Allie’s writing is how effortlessly she makes you feel connected to her characters. They never feel like people you’re just reading about. They feel real, and you become so invested in their journey. Casey and Trina were no exception.

I loved watching the way they brought out the best in each other. Casey’s quiet, steady support for Trina was everything. He never tried to rush her or “fix” things. Instead, he showed up in all the little ways that mattered most, giving her the time, space, and unwavering support she needed. Their relationship felt so genuine and heartfelt.

And let’s not forget the chemistry… the spice was definitely spicing. 🔥

It was also such a treat getting little glimpses of Ryan and Scarlett throughout the story. Seeing familiar faces always makes returning to this world even more special.

Allie has once again written characters that will stay with me long after I turned the last page. If you’ve been waiting for Casey and Trina’s story like I have, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[Booked & Dreaming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to Page & Vine and NetGalley for blessing me with this wonderful ARC! This is actually my second book by this talented author. I read the first one in this series and really enjoyed it, but I have to say I absolutely loved this one even more. I really appreciate how the author masterfully develops the characters; she ensures they act in ways that truly match their age, personality, and motivations, which is no small feat. I especially liked Trina; she’s a strong, independent, and capable literary agent, yet she also carries the vulnerabilities from her tough childhood. Casey is simply amazing; I was completely taken with this solid, strong, respectful man. He’s got insecurities that only make him more endearing. Their journey together, both as individuals and as a couple, is truly captivating. I noticed there are more steamy scenes than in the previous book, which makes sense since their relationship begins physically before anything else. If you enjoy down-to-earth romances with complex, genuine-feeling characters and a peek into the bookish world, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

[Niihariiikareads (warner's) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When it said "perfect for Colleen Hoover fans," that probably should've been my warning sign. I'm so dumb 😭😭😭😭

I went into it expecting to love it, especially after really enjoying the first book in the series, but unfortunately this one just didn't feel like it was for me.

The no strings situation had SO much potential, and I liked the idea of two people clearly wanting more but being completely incapable of admitting it. The problem was that the story kept circling the same emotional conflicts without actually moving the relationship forward. After a while, I felt like I was reading the same conversation in different outfits.

The book also tries to bring in heavier themes like grief and abandonment, but they never really landed for me. Even with the dual POV, I found the characters' emotions surprisingly surface level, and I never felt as connected to them as I wanted to be.

I did enjoy the publishing setting and some of the chemistry between the MCs, and I'm still invested enough in the series to read the final book. This one just felt like a significant step down from the first.

A decent romance, but unfortunately, we were very much not on the same page.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! This is book two in the Strong Enough series, and even though I haven’t read book one yet, I never felt lost. It was such a fun workplace romance centered around a literary agent and an editor, and I loved getting a little peek into the publishing world. It definitely had me wondering… does this actually happen? 👀

Trina and Casey have had a no strings attached situation before, but when they end up in the same place again a year later, things start to feel a lot less casual. I loved watching them fall for each other while slowly opening up and confiding in one another. They had a lot of fun with each other and the chemistry was felt through my immersive read.

I really felt for Trina and everything tied to her upbringing. This was light and fun, but still had those emotional moments that made the story feel grounded. I had such a good time with it and would definitely continue the series.

Tropes:

✨ no strings attached

✨ workplace romance

✨ he falls first

✨ opposites attract

✨ anxiety rep

✨ found family

Narrated by Dahlia Summers & James Cavenaugh
Many thanks to Page & Vine for arc & alc.

[Katie Hodgie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie Samberts does it again!

I loved Trina and Casey from when we saw them in book 1, and this felt glorious - all the best bits of them from book 1 with so much more of their stories and how they grew together. I loved Trina learning to stand up to her boss and starting to advocate for what she believed in, and I loved that we saw that echoed in Casey. Allie Samberts writes friendships and romance so genuinely and emotively - the characters never develop in isolation and that really makes their storylines special. The romance felt really well paced - at no point did it feel like they weren't acting on being together in a way that was out of character for what we'd learnt of them before.

This book felt less emotive and less serious than the first book in the series which I think was really necessary and made the whole series feel more well rounded. Scarlett's book was so heavy, we needed a little more romance and lightness from Casey and Trina, without being so light as to just be fluff. I can't wait for number 3!