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Stepping Stones
Josie has always been the friend people outgrow, the girlfriend they leave behind when someone better comes along. She's spent four years making herself small for a boyfriend who never quite chose her back, and she's almost convinced herself that's enough.
Then she meets Parker.
Quirky, persistent, and impossible to ignore, Parker sees something in Josie that she stopped looking for in herself. What starts as an unlikely friendship slowly pulls her toward a version of college, and a version of herself, she never knew existed.
But with her plans back home becoming unavoidable, Josie has to choose between the life she's always settled for and the one she's only just begun to build. Walking away means losing everything she thought she wanted. Staying means risking everything on someone who might actually choose her back.
Then she meets Parker.
Quirky, persistent, and impossible to ignore, Parker sees something in Josie that she stopped looking for in herself. What starts as an unlikely friendship slowly pulls her toward a version of college, and a version of herself, she never knew existed.
But with her plans back home becoming unavoidable, Josie has to choose between the life she's always settled for and the one she's only just begun to build. Walking away means losing everything she thought she wanted. Staying means risking everything on someone who might actually choose her back.
228 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 12, 2026
1.5⭐️ but rounding up bc go tops
July 11, 2026
It was really fun to read about fictional characters going to western and being able to relate to so many of their thoughts about campus and be able to mentally picture exactly where things are taking place. Super fun, quick read! Excited for the 2nd one.
July 23, 2026
such a sweet book, especially as a wku student! i wish it was longer for more thorough plot development, but i really enjoyed it!
July 2, 2026
This was such a heartfelt and uplifting read. While the romance is wonderful, what stayed with me most was the journey of self-discovery and learning that you deserve to be chosen—not because you've made yourself smaller for someone else, but simply because you're enough as you are.
Josie completely stole my heart. She's spent so long believing she's temporary in everyone's life that watching her slowly gain confidence and recognize her own worth was incredibly rewarding. Her growth felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
Parker was the perfect complement to Josie. Patient, kind, and wonderfully persistent, Parker never tried to change who Josie was. Instead, Parker encouraged her to see the strengths and potential that had always been there. Their relationship develops naturally through friendship first, making every romantic moment feel genuine and well earned.
Beyond the romance, I loved the themes of found family and discovering where you truly belong. The friendships felt just as important as the love story, reminding us that family isn't always defined by blood but by the people who consistently choose to stand beside us. Watching these characters find a community where they could finally be themselves added so much heart to the story.
This is a quiet, character-driven romance that focuses on healing, growth, and finding the courage to choose the life—and the people—that make you happiest. If you enjoy college romances with emotional depth, found family, supportive friendships, and a slow-building love story, I highly recommend picking this one up. It left me smiling long after I finished the final page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Josie completely stole my heart. She's spent so long believing she's temporary in everyone's life that watching her slowly gain confidence and recognize her own worth was incredibly rewarding. Her growth felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
Parker was the perfect complement to Josie. Patient, kind, and wonderfully persistent, Parker never tried to change who Josie was. Instead, Parker encouraged her to see the strengths and potential that had always been there. Their relationship develops naturally through friendship first, making every romantic moment feel genuine and well earned.
Beyond the romance, I loved the themes of found family and discovering where you truly belong. The friendships felt just as important as the love story, reminding us that family isn't always defined by blood but by the people who consistently choose to stand beside us. Watching these characters find a community where they could finally be themselves added so much heart to the story.
This is a quiet, character-driven romance that focuses on healing, growth, and finding the courage to choose the life—and the people—that make you happiest. If you enjoy college romances with emotional depth, found family, supportive friendships, and a slow-building love story, I highly recommend picking this one up. It left me smiling long after I finished the final page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2026
4.25/5
This is a rom com sort of a coming of age/adulthood read. Two young adults learning about life and growing to understand and love their true selves. A girl (Josie) who has never been enough, she feels less, unseen, and a bit down on her esteem. The enter Parker, a boy who has learned to transform to make everyone happy, while feeling empty inside. When they meet, they recognize each other as they see parts of each other in them, they clash, they banter, they communicate, and love blooms.
What shines is the growth of each of the characters, as persons, as a couple, and as friends and family.
A great way to start The COming Home series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a rom com sort of a coming of age/adulthood read. Two young adults learning about life and growing to understand and love their true selves. A girl (Josie) who has never been enough, she feels less, unseen, and a bit down on her esteem. The enter Parker, a boy who has learned to transform to make everyone happy, while feeling empty inside. When they meet, they recognize each other as they see parts of each other in them, they clash, they banter, they communicate, and love blooms.
What shines is the growth of each of the characters, as persons, as a couple, and as friends and family.
A great way to start The COming Home series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2026
“Some people think they’re just stepping stones in other people’s stories. But sometimes… they’re the reason the story exists at all.”
This is the story of two kids in college trying to find their true selves. They both have spent a ton of time bending themselves into what other people want them to be or what they think the world wants out of them. Slowly with more time and space they begin to find themselves alongside each other. This is a story of finding true family and sometimes that means they are not blood. As well as a bit of self discovery and trusting what your heart says that you want. And finding the right friends that show up for you.
This is the story of two kids in college trying to find their true selves. They both have spent a ton of time bending themselves into what other people want them to be or what they think the world wants out of them. Slowly with more time and space they begin to find themselves alongside each other. This is a story of finding true family and sometimes that means they are not blood. As well as a bit of self discovery and trusting what your heart says that you want. And finding the right friends that show up for you.
July 1, 2026
Book 1 of The Coming Home Series. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'Walking away means losing everything she thought she wanted. Staying means risking everything on someone who might actually choose her back.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Walking away means losing everything she thought she wanted. Staying means risking everything on someone who might actually choose her back.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2026
I read the entire book in one sitting last night, and that rarely happens. But this book - sooo good. The two main characters have anxiety that presents itself in different ways, and for different reasons. I could easily relate to both. With mention of Grey's Anatomy, Twilight, Chick-Fil-A and so much more, Stepping Stones felt more like a real-life friend telling me a story than reading a book. I was completely immersed in the world of Josie and Parker. One of the best books I've read in a while! Can't wait for the next one in the series.
July 9, 2026
As a WKU alumni, this book took me right back to a time and place that I loved! I spent 4 years in PFT and visiting spots mentioned in this book.
Kaitlyn did a great job pulling different ideas into play here and it was a wonderful story! I found myself laughing and smiling all the way through. I also found myself in some of these pages; as someone who spends a lot of time overthinking scenarios, I felt so much empathy for the characters.
Great job, Kaitlyn! I can’t wait to read the next one!
Kaitlyn did a great job pulling different ideas into play here and it was a wonderful story! I found myself laughing and smiling all the way through. I also found myself in some of these pages; as someone who spends a lot of time overthinking scenarios, I felt so much empathy for the characters.
Great job, Kaitlyn! I can’t wait to read the next one!
Review of advance copy
This was a solid debut novel from a first-time author! I really enjoyed the story and appreciated the effort and creativity that went into building the characters and plot. I especially loved that it was set in KY!! Overall it was an enjoyable read that kept me interested from beginning to end. I'm excited to see how the author's writing grows and develops, and I will definitely be picking up the next book when it's released in November. Looking forward to continuing the journey!
July 2, 2026
This was such a sweet and fun story. I loved Josie and Parker. They were so good together. Their banter and their sweet moments. It was really nice reading something that was lighter and fun after all the dark romance I’ve read lol. This was a perfect story for a nice cozy weekend read.
July 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this read. It was cute and wholesome s as bd the characters were sweet and made me feel all the feels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2026
As a 2023 alumni from WKU this hits close to home (literally as I live in the next town over lol)
I practically lived inside of the Fine Arts Center while I was earning my BFA in Graphic Design. Running down the hill to DSU for lunch, then running back and being halfway late for my next class. Reading about it and all the other places brought back so many wonderful memories of my time there. I could visualize every place and it made it so much more personal than any other romance I've read. I'm so excited for the next books in this series!
I practically lived inside of the Fine Arts Center while I was earning my BFA in Graphic Design. Running down the hill to DSU for lunch, then running back and being halfway late for my next class. Reading about it and all the other places brought back so many wonderful memories of my time there. I could visualize every place and it made it so much more personal than any other romance I've read. I'm so excited for the next books in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute book and helped me get out of a reading slump! I was excited to jump back into it every moment I could!
Review of advance copy
Received an early copy as an advanced reader for the author!
i truly enjoyed this book. i read it within a day! it got me out of the slump that i was in. i definitely recommend it!
i truly enjoyed this book. i read it within a day! it got me out of the slump that i was in. i definitely recommend it!
June 28, 2026
Very cute book! I liked the banter between Josie and Parker. Definitely a great read
July 2, 2026
Love love love! The characters are great and easy to love. The story is so sweet and feels like a rom com with a little drama. Such a fun read!
July 3, 2026
If you attended WKU between 2010-2014, you will be entertained.
July 14, 2026
this book was so good and so sweet! all the characters were so easy to fall in love with. already cannot wait to follow quinn’s story!
July 9, 2026
Such a cute new adult/college romance. Parker is quirky and sweet- helping Josie step outside of her comfort zone and showing her what it looks like when someone actually cares for you. Josie is quiet, anxious and held back by a toxic relationship. Watching them become friends was beautiful. Watching them become lovers was both beautiful and heartwarming as they navigate past trauma and insecurities.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews