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It Goes Without Saying
Throughout Bria’s teen years, Knox was her rock, her person, her constant—but never her boyfriend. And for all those years, she told herself that was exactly how she wanted it to be.
Yeah, right.
Knox wasn’t the one that got away—he was the one that never was.
Now, Bria’s full-on adulting, and she's crushing it. She’s got a grown-up job, a lush D.C. apartment, a dreamy med-student fiancé. What more could a girl want?
But when a family crisis lands her back in her hometown of Dalesville, she finds herself face-to-face with the one thing she always wanted and never had: Knox.
But she's determined to keep her feelings for Knox in the past. It doesn’t matter that he’s as charming as ever, and looks even better with age. It doesn’t matter that she discovers huge sacrifices he made for her, way back when.
Nope, it doesn’t matter.
. . . Right?
Yeah, right.
Knox wasn’t the one that got away—he was the one that never was.
Now, Bria’s full-on adulting, and she's crushing it. She’s got a grown-up job, a lush D.C. apartment, a dreamy med-student fiancé. What more could a girl want?
But when a family crisis lands her back in her hometown of Dalesville, she finds herself face-to-face with the one thing she always wanted and never had: Knox.
But she's determined to keep her feelings for Knox in the past. It doesn’t matter that he’s as charming as ever, and looks even better with age. It doesn’t matter that she discovers huge sacrifices he made for her, way back when.
Nope, it doesn’t matter.
. . . Right?
- GenresRomance
297 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2018
32 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
T.D. Colbert
25 books172 followersT.D. Colbert is a romance & women's fiction author. When she's not chasing her family, she's probably under her favorite blanket, reading a book, or writing one. Taylor lives in Maryland, where she was born and raised. For more information, visit www.tdcolbert.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 22, 2018
3.5-4 Stars
Let me start of this review by saying this was a solid 5 star read till 90% of the book.
This was an amazing friends to lovers romance that had me feeling such longing and anticipation! Bria and Knox were best friends in high school and there is obvious attraction and a sense of wanting more from both of them. Bria has to watch Knox go through a new girl every week; commitment is not really his thing. Bria is the girl that is always in his life though and we get a sense that he doesn't want to risk ruining that by getting involved romantically. These are the best type of slow burn romances that I just love! This was an absolute page turner for me and I was completely captivated by Knox and Bria's unfolding loves story.
The story is told in both the present and the past and it actually starts off with an older Bria coming home to her small town to help support her family in their time of need. She currently lives in the city and appears to have the perfect life with her med student fiancee and her recent job promotion. Coming home and seeing Knox again brings back old memories and feelings she can't ignore. I was so enamored with Knox! He was so sexy and confident but also vulnerable at times. He was completely selfless and the sacrifices he made for Bria and her family made me fall for him even more. When he finally exposed himself and layed out his feelings for Bria, I just about melted! Gah! I experienced ALL THE FEELS!
I was seriously loving on this book but then right at the end the author took the book in a completely unexpected direction and I just wanted to scream! I mean literally right at the end and it just killed me. It didn't make sense to me and so yes I dropped the rating for <10% of the book that I didn't like because just no...
Overall , if you asked me if I would recommend this book, yes absolutely! This was an absolutely delightful read with just enough angst with a sweet unfolding love story and a downright sexy hero. Some of you may be actually intrigued to read this to find out the ending and some of you may even enjoy how the author took their story. I would definitely read this author again because regardless of the fact that I didn't like how she ended it, she definitely made me FEEL!
3.5-4 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Mild
POV: Heroine
No cheating
HEA: ?
Stalking is encouraged!
Let me start of this review by saying this was a solid 5 star read till 90% of the book.
This was an amazing friends to lovers romance that had me feeling such longing and anticipation! Bria and Knox were best friends in high school and there is obvious attraction and a sense of wanting more from both of them. Bria has to watch Knox go through a new girl every week; commitment is not really his thing. Bria is the girl that is always in his life though and we get a sense that he doesn't want to risk ruining that by getting involved romantically. These are the best type of slow burn romances that I just love! This was an absolute page turner for me and I was completely captivated by Knox and Bria's unfolding loves story.
The story is told in both the present and the past and it actually starts off with an older Bria coming home to her small town to help support her family in their time of need. She currently lives in the city and appears to have the perfect life with her med student fiancee and her recent job promotion. Coming home and seeing Knox again brings back old memories and feelings she can't ignore. I was so enamored with Knox! He was so sexy and confident but also vulnerable at times. He was completely selfless and the sacrifices he made for Bria and her family made me fall for him even more. When he finally exposed himself and layed out his feelings for Bria, I just about melted! Gah! I experienced ALL THE FEELS!
I was seriously loving on this book but then right at the end the author took the book in a completely unexpected direction and I just wanted to scream! I mean literally right at the end and it just killed me. It didn't make sense to me and so yes I dropped the rating for <10% of the book that I didn't like because just no...
Overall , if you asked me if I would recommend this book, yes absolutely! This was an absolutely delightful read with just enough angst with a sweet unfolding love story and a downright sexy hero. Some of you may be actually intrigued to read this to find out the ending and some of you may even enjoy how the author took their story. I would definitely read this author again because regardless of the fact that I didn't like how she ended it, she definitely made me FEEL!
3.5-4 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Mild
POV: Heroine
No cheating
HEA: ?
Stalking is encouraged!
October 14, 2018
Possible spoilers
Things I liked -
Single POV.
No graphic sex in every chapter.
Things I didn't like -
OM drama.
What was this book supposed to be about, exactly? Bria's family and her sister Kate?
The family drama and all the players took the focus from what I mistakenly thought was a romance between Bria and Knox. But after slogging through it and reaching that inexplicable ending, I have no idea what this story was supposed to be.
And really, this book was just boring. It went on without going anywhere, and was more about Bria's family than anything else. Bria was irritating, wishy-washy and too codependent wrt her family. Not to mention all her OM-drama with Drew.
It was hard to feel anything about Knox because the writer did a poor job in fleshing him out and he often came off bland and one-dimensional, like a secondary character.
And Bria's priorities were completely off-kilter, but then that's unsurprising given her only goal in life was to be barefoot and pregnant.
*Yawn*. 1950's much?
But the thing is, she could have had all that with Drew - who was a good guy and a successful one...yet she threw him over for Knox. And for what, exactly?
There was something vital missing from this tale. Heart and emotion, to begin with. I felt like I was reading and reading waiting for something to happen, but even the 'dramatic' parts were flat.
What caught my attention early on was that I couldn't define Bria and Knox's relationship. They didn't behave as though they felt more than friendship. There was no chemistry. But Knox's feelings came out in actions, the sacrifices he made for her and her family were above and beyond. He proved Bria was his person, but he wasn't ready for certain things yet. And she was just blind and selfishly willing to sacrifice anything for him. It had to be her way and now. The 2.5 kids and white-picket-fence crap was more important than being her soul-mate, who at that time just wanted to be with her.
Well, she got what she deserved, but I wish she would have admitted it.
The 'epilogue,' such as it was, leaves things open and therefore subject to interpretation, but to me it was just an annoying footnote to a pointless story. I don't read romances to have them end like that. Waste of time.
Would not recommend this book.
Things I liked -
Single POV.
No graphic sex in every chapter.
Things I didn't like -
OM drama.
What was this book supposed to be about, exactly? Bria's family and her sister Kate?
The family drama and all the players took the focus from what I mistakenly thought was a romance between Bria and Knox. But after slogging through it and reaching that inexplicable ending, I have no idea what this story was supposed to be.
And really, this book was just boring. It went on without going anywhere, and was more about Bria's family than anything else. Bria was irritating, wishy-washy and too codependent wrt her family. Not to mention all her OM-drama with Drew.
It was hard to feel anything about Knox because the writer did a poor job in fleshing him out and he often came off bland and one-dimensional, like a secondary character.
And Bria's priorities were completely off-kilter, but then that's unsurprising given her only goal in life was to be barefoot and pregnant.
*Yawn*. 1950's much?
But the thing is, she could have had all that with Drew - who was a good guy and a successful one...yet she threw him over for Knox. And for what, exactly?
There was something vital missing from this tale. Heart and emotion, to begin with. I felt like I was reading and reading waiting for something to happen, but even the 'dramatic' parts were flat.
What caught my attention early on was that I couldn't define Bria and Knox's relationship. They didn't behave as though they felt more than friendship. There was no chemistry. But Knox's feelings came out in actions, the sacrifices he made for her and her family were above and beyond. He proved Bria was his person, but he wasn't ready for certain things yet. And she was just blind and selfishly willing to sacrifice anything for him. It had to be her way and now. The 2.5 kids and white-picket-fence crap was more important than being her soul-mate, who at that time just wanted to be with her.
Well, she got what she deserved, but I wish she would have admitted it.
The 'epilogue,' such as it was, leaves things open and therefore subject to interpretation, but to me it was just an annoying footnote to a pointless story. I don't read romances to have them end like that. Waste of time.
Would not recommend this book.
July 24, 2018
I was lucky enough to receive this novel before it was published and Taylor’s writing blew me away. I was INSTANTLY in love with Knox and not only was the romance part of this novel absolutely amazing, but so was the inter turmoil that each character has! I highly recommend if you love swoon-worthy romances!
August 8, 2018
Knox has always been there for Bria- her friend, her protector; her constant by her side. But he’s never been what she’s always truly wanted him to be- her boyfriend, her lover. But Bria is now an adult and just loving her life- not thinking of Knox at all right? When Bria is forced make home she finally has to confront Knox and her feelings for him. She can try and deny she doesn’t feel that way but deep down both Knox and Bria know that it’s more than just the past between them- their feelings are still very much in the present.
“All these years, their timing was so off. It never worked out. And she was so afraid of falling victim to his charm, that she refused to let it even be an option. But as she thought about everything, every moment she had spent with Knox, she knew her sisters were right. It was time to put on her big girl panties and come clean.”
This was a great, slow burner romance. Too often I find romance novels do insta love so they can fit it all in but this was a refreshing read where we truly saw the low grow and the relationship between the two main characters just build and build. I also loved Bria and Knox so it was easy to get sucked into their story.
Both Bria and Knox were very easy to fall in love with. They felt refreshingly real in their emotions and how they handled the situations that came across which is what I really enjoyed about this book. When you fall in love with the characters it’s easy to get invested in their story!
“The beautiful, tragic, wonderful, terrifying roller coaster of Knox.”
This really was a roller coaster ride of emotions. We are watching these two people who have been in each other’s lives for so long but never quite taken that step from friends to lovers. We had such high emotions - heart break, love, sadness and joy- we literally go through it all. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting at all and if I’m honest I don’t know how I feel about it yet but again it was such a refreshing change to the usual. Overall this was a great, refreshing, slow burning romance read.
~Bethany
“All these years, their timing was so off. It never worked out. And she was so afraid of falling victim to his charm, that she refused to let it even be an option. But as she thought about everything, every moment she had spent with Knox, she knew her sisters were right. It was time to put on her big girl panties and come clean.”
This was a great, slow burner romance. Too often I find romance novels do insta love so they can fit it all in but this was a refreshing read where we truly saw the low grow and the relationship between the two main characters just build and build. I also loved Bria and Knox so it was easy to get sucked into their story.
Both Bria and Knox were very easy to fall in love with. They felt refreshingly real in their emotions and how they handled the situations that came across which is what I really enjoyed about this book. When you fall in love with the characters it’s easy to get invested in their story!
“The beautiful, tragic, wonderful, terrifying roller coaster of Knox.”
This really was a roller coaster ride of emotions. We are watching these two people who have been in each other’s lives for so long but never quite taken that step from friends to lovers. We had such high emotions - heart break, love, sadness and joy- we literally go through it all. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting at all and if I’m honest I don’t know how I feel about it yet but again it was such a refreshing change to the usual. Overall this was a great, refreshing, slow burning romance read.
~Bethany
August 3, 2018
I really enjoyed Taylor Danae Colbert debut novel and it was a great romance read! I found the novel to be very well done and the voice of Bria was refreshing and down to earth. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of not having the typical “ have kids get married” concept as their are bigger issues in Bria’s life and finally a romance novel where the woman gives herself the power to choose for herself! Power to you Bria!
Although I found the concept to be the usual romance novel and a great debut for this author, I did find a few things that kind of drew me away from the book while I was reading. At some points, I found myself thinking “why is this being drawn out so long” and “I’m hoping there is more to this concept”. I really enjoyed Knox’s character as the love interest grew gradually and not thrown at the reader all at once. THe love was true and you could sense it with every sentence and I truly enjoyed watching the love grow throughout the book.
I would rate this book 3/5 simply because I felt it dragged on and I found myself wanting to put it down because I was losing interest. I admired Taylor’s storyline and creativity through the novel but if I had to say anything about my rating, it would be that I couldn’t find myself wanting to read the book again. I love a good romance story but I just thought this needed something different and something more memorable.
Nonetheless, I loved Taylor’s debut novel and feel as if her books will only get better from this point on. Keep up the great work girl, I look forward to reading your next book.
Although I found the concept to be the usual romance novel and a great debut for this author, I did find a few things that kind of drew me away from the book while I was reading. At some points, I found myself thinking “why is this being drawn out so long” and “I’m hoping there is more to this concept”. I really enjoyed Knox’s character as the love interest grew gradually and not thrown at the reader all at once. THe love was true and you could sense it with every sentence and I truly enjoyed watching the love grow throughout the book.
I would rate this book 3/5 simply because I felt it dragged on and I found myself wanting to put it down because I was losing interest. I admired Taylor’s storyline and creativity through the novel but if I had to say anything about my rating, it would be that I couldn’t find myself wanting to read the book again. I love a good romance story but I just thought this needed something different and something more memorable.
Nonetheless, I loved Taylor’s debut novel and feel as if her books will only get better from this point on. Keep up the great work girl, I look forward to reading your next book.
September 7, 2018
I have to start off by saying that I love this cover! The colors, the font and even the models just kind of click. I think it matches the feelings I get from this story.
The book starts off with us meeting Bria. She finally got the promotion at work she has been working hard for, has a wonderful fiancé and an amazing family! Just when everything seems right, her sister gets sick and she moves back home.
Bria is a relatable character. Just the fact that she is looking forward to going home on Friday to take off her bra and sit with a jar of Nutella made me like her from the beginning, haha. She loves her family and will do everything for them. That is one thing that's clear from the start.
It Goes Without Saying isn't your typical friends to lovers romance. Knox was her best friend in high school and they grew apart during college. I love the fact that the author gives us a look in the past, by switching chapters between the present and others about memories from awhile ago. I loved getting to know the characters this way.
I have to say I wasn't a fan of Drew. He seemed like a sweet guy, but I had a feeling from the start the he wasn't the one for her. I think this would've been different if we had gotten more information about him or their relationship in the beginning of the book. It's clear from the start that Bria is engaged, but that is about it. It's not until later in this book that we learn how they meet, etc.
There were a few other things I think should've gotten a bit more attention at times. I get that this really was Bria and Knox's story in the end, but it took quite some time before we get more information about her new job and how he sister is doing. I mean she did move home for her!
That being said, I love the relationship she has with her sisters. They seemed like a lot of fun and I would love for them to have their own stories. Bria seems to think she needs to be strong for them, but they teach her she can lean on them at times as well.
And of course, there is Knox. Literally kind of the boy next door, haha. I loved him from the start. There is so much more to him and in the end he was just as insecure about losing her as she was him. I loved that this wasn't the typical romance where something happens, everything is right again and they live happily ever after.
The author did an amazing job giving a little twist to this story! I think it was the best for both characters. I can't say too much without spoiling, haha. For a debut novel, this was amazing! I can't wait to see what Taylor Danae Colbert does next!
The book starts off with us meeting Bria. She finally got the promotion at work she has been working hard for, has a wonderful fiancé and an amazing family! Just when everything seems right, her sister gets sick and she moves back home.
Bria is a relatable character. Just the fact that she is looking forward to going home on Friday to take off her bra and sit with a jar of Nutella made me like her from the beginning, haha. She loves her family and will do everything for them. That is one thing that's clear from the start.
It Goes Without Saying isn't your typical friends to lovers romance. Knox was her best friend in high school and they grew apart during college. I love the fact that the author gives us a look in the past, by switching chapters between the present and others about memories from awhile ago. I loved getting to know the characters this way.
I have to say I wasn't a fan of Drew. He seemed like a sweet guy, but I had a feeling from the start the he wasn't the one for her. I think this would've been different if we had gotten more information about him or their relationship in the beginning of the book. It's clear from the start that Bria is engaged, but that is about it. It's not until later in this book that we learn how they meet, etc.
There were a few other things I think should've gotten a bit more attention at times. I get that this really was Bria and Knox's story in the end, but it took quite some time before we get more information about her new job and how he sister is doing. I mean she did move home for her!
That being said, I love the relationship she has with her sisters. They seemed like a lot of fun and I would love for them to have their own stories. Bria seems to think she needs to be strong for them, but they teach her she can lean on them at times as well.
And of course, there is Knox. Literally kind of the boy next door, haha. I loved him from the start. There is so much more to him and in the end he was just as insecure about losing her as she was him. I loved that this wasn't the typical romance where something happens, everything is right again and they live happily ever after.
The author did an amazing job giving a little twist to this story! I think it was the best for both characters. I can't say too much without spoiling, haha. For a debut novel, this was amazing! I can't wait to see what Taylor Danae Colbert does next!
September 20, 2018
Let me preface this by saying, this would have been a 4 Star read, but the digital copy I purchased through amazon had a fair amount of editing and formatting errors that are normal in arcs, not paid copies.
I’m not usually much for romance novels so this was a great read me as the romance bloomed over years and years. Characters definitely fit the story and were well developed. The relationship was relatable and I personally loved the twist at the end!
If you like some cheese, but typically romance is too much for you, this is your book!
I’m not usually much for romance novels so this was a great read me as the romance bloomed over years and years. Characters definitely fit the story and were well developed. The relationship was relatable and I personally loved the twist at the end!
If you like some cheese, but typically romance is too much for you, this is your book!
August 26, 2018
A slow, slow, very slow burn
This book is a good friends to lovers slow burn that was endearing and frustrating all at the same time. A good read with so much emotional turmoil.
The ending... I'm not sure how I feel about it. The book is well done. The author fleshed her characters and their story out well.
This book is a good friends to lovers slow burn that was endearing and frustrating all at the same time. A good read with so much emotional turmoil.
The ending... I'm not sure how I feel about it. The book is well done. The author fleshed her characters and their story out well.
August 26, 2018
3.5-4****
I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I hope I never screw it up."
I am really conflicted with how I feel about the ending. This was a solid 4.5-5 star read till about the last 10%. I still very much enjoyed it and although it is a long book it left me wanting more at the end; feel it ended abruptly.
I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I hope I never screw it up."
I am really conflicted with how I feel about the ending. This was a solid 4.5-5 star read till about the last 10%. I still very much enjoyed it and although it is a long book it left me wanting more at the end; feel it ended abruptly.
August 3, 2018
"I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I hope I never screw it up."
This was a great debut novel from Taylor- I thought the writing was so great that there was no way this was her first book! She definitely shows way more maturity as an author than your typical debut author!
Knox and Bria have been friends since high school. They have both watched each other have other experiences with other people, and they have both hurt each other in the process. At the end of the day, the first and only person that they need is each other, but sometimes that just isn't enough.
I love how book explored Bria's life before and after Knox. Drew made me want to punch him at times because he was soooo uncaring! But I didn't hold it against him too long, because that's not what the book was about. I loved how even though Knox and Bria were always just friends, they were never just friends. I did enjoy the past and present views because I felt like we could really connect with the characters that way. I am not going to lie, the ending did make me mad but that's because it was the most real thing about the book. My heart just wasn't prepared for it!
It Goes Without Saying is a friends to lovers type book, but the story was told in a completely different way than I have seen. There were some things that seemed more like real life experiences at times, and then other times it was predictable. I will always enjoy a book about organ donation given our personal experiences with it, and I thought it was done beautifully.
I give this book 3.5 stars and would recommend you checking out this debut author! I can't wait to see where Taylor goes from here!
This was a great debut novel from Taylor- I thought the writing was so great that there was no way this was her first book! She definitely shows way more maturity as an author than your typical debut author!
Knox and Bria have been friends since high school. They have both watched each other have other experiences with other people, and they have both hurt each other in the process. At the end of the day, the first and only person that they need is each other, but sometimes that just isn't enough.
I love how book explored Bria's life before and after Knox. Drew made me want to punch him at times because he was soooo uncaring! But I didn't hold it against him too long, because that's not what the book was about. I loved how even though Knox and Bria were always just friends, they were never just friends. I did enjoy the past and present views because I felt like we could really connect with the characters that way. I am not going to lie, the ending did make me mad but that's because it was the most real thing about the book. My heart just wasn't prepared for it!
It Goes Without Saying is a friends to lovers type book, but the story was told in a completely different way than I have seen. There were some things that seemed more like real life experiences at times, and then other times it was predictable. I will always enjoy a book about organ donation given our personal experiences with it, and I thought it was done beautifully.
I give this book 3.5 stars and would recommend you checking out this debut author! I can't wait to see where Taylor goes from here!
September 5, 2018
I genuinely loved this story it was the perfect friends to lover book up until the author threw in a major curveball and I definitely was not expecting it. It’s a sexy story that leaves u wanting more from Bria and Knox!!!
August 24, 2018
It Goes Without Saying
Author: Taylor Danae Colbert
Synopsis:
After Bria is hit by a ball thanks to school's heart throb Knox, they soon become best friends and inseparable throughout their teenage years. They are each others' rock and support when times get rough. Bria tells herself that this is all she wants with Knox but despite fighting with her feelings, Knox becomes the 'one who got away.'
Bria grows up, moves away, starts a new life for herself and meets the perfect man who is eager to make her his wife. However a family crisis sends Bria back home and back to Knox. Bria is determined to keep her feelings towards Knox in the past despite him looking as dreamy as ever, after all she is soon to be married.
However Bria discovers that Knox has made some huge sacrifices for her and her loved ones in the past which changes everything and turns what she thought to be the perfect life upside down.
Review:
Firstly I'd like to thank Taylor Danae Colbert for allowing me to get my hands on 'It Goes Without Saying' before its release to the general public.
It Goes Without Saying was such a lovely read and it was difficult not to get drawn in to the story line. I generally felt that I was riding an emotional rollercoaster throughout. This tugged on my heart strings so much that I generally felt the characters' emotions. The tone of the book was perfect and I loved how light hearted I felt when reading certain chapters. I genuinely caught myself smiling in places and it was such a good feeling!
I generally liked and connected with all the characters and Taylor did a fantastic job at character building. Bria the main female lead was genuine and I found I could really connect and like her because she was real. I could relate to her, especially during her school years. We are also similar in a way that we both put our families first and would do anything it takes to make sure our loved ones are ok, which makes her very believable in my eyes.
As for the main lead, Knox, he was just your typical cheeky chappy. He was the popular, good looking boy that everyone wanted but what I loved about him is that he wasn't your typical bad boy and he was in fact quite a vulnerable soul. He was the type of guy I would fall for and I am still praying that I find my own Knox one day!
I found Bria's partner Drew to be quite smothering when reading. He was the guy that could give you the life everyone wanted but his character was proof that you shouldn't settle and that when it comes to love, when you know, you know.
When I began to read It Goes Without Saying I found it extremely difficult to put the book back down again. I found the flash backs from the present to Bria and Knox's teenage years easy and straight forward. I found that the flash backs did a fantastic job at showing the difficulties of relationships and break up when you are young and again I could generally relate to this. I particularly loved the repeated phrases throughout also- they had such a huge impact and really toyed with my emotions.
I found that I often had those 'scream and the TV' moments when reading It Goes Without Saying. I have never wanted to bang to characters heads together as much in my life! The ending especially left me on the edge of the seat and got me into a bit of a tizzy. I had my fingers tightly crossed that things would work out in the end from start to finish.
Taylor Danae Colbert not only did a brilliant job at writing such a fantastic book but she also did a brilliant job at raising awareness for both Lyme's Disease and Depression. I never knew what Lyme's was until reading this book- which means Taylor Danae Colbert will be educating other readers out there too which is amazing. Taylor touched on the subject of depression brilliantly and sent a strong message to her readers also that depression can affect anyone of any gender and again this will educate other readers and give them a better understanding of how depression can affect a person. Lots of praise to Taylor for this, thank you for a wonderful little book!
Author: Taylor Danae Colbert
Synopsis:
After Bria is hit by a ball thanks to school's heart throb Knox, they soon become best friends and inseparable throughout their teenage years. They are each others' rock and support when times get rough. Bria tells herself that this is all she wants with Knox but despite fighting with her feelings, Knox becomes the 'one who got away.'
Bria grows up, moves away, starts a new life for herself and meets the perfect man who is eager to make her his wife. However a family crisis sends Bria back home and back to Knox. Bria is determined to keep her feelings towards Knox in the past despite him looking as dreamy as ever, after all she is soon to be married.
However Bria discovers that Knox has made some huge sacrifices for her and her loved ones in the past which changes everything and turns what she thought to be the perfect life upside down.
Review:
Firstly I'd like to thank Taylor Danae Colbert for allowing me to get my hands on 'It Goes Without Saying' before its release to the general public.
It Goes Without Saying was such a lovely read and it was difficult not to get drawn in to the story line. I generally felt that I was riding an emotional rollercoaster throughout. This tugged on my heart strings so much that I generally felt the characters' emotions. The tone of the book was perfect and I loved how light hearted I felt when reading certain chapters. I genuinely caught myself smiling in places and it was such a good feeling!
I generally liked and connected with all the characters and Taylor did a fantastic job at character building. Bria the main female lead was genuine and I found I could really connect and like her because she was real. I could relate to her, especially during her school years. We are also similar in a way that we both put our families first and would do anything it takes to make sure our loved ones are ok, which makes her very believable in my eyes.
As for the main lead, Knox, he was just your typical cheeky chappy. He was the popular, good looking boy that everyone wanted but what I loved about him is that he wasn't your typical bad boy and he was in fact quite a vulnerable soul. He was the type of guy I would fall for and I am still praying that I find my own Knox one day!
I found Bria's partner Drew to be quite smothering when reading. He was the guy that could give you the life everyone wanted but his character was proof that you shouldn't settle and that when it comes to love, when you know, you know.
When I began to read It Goes Without Saying I found it extremely difficult to put the book back down again. I found the flash backs from the present to Bria and Knox's teenage years easy and straight forward. I found that the flash backs did a fantastic job at showing the difficulties of relationships and break up when you are young and again I could generally relate to this. I particularly loved the repeated phrases throughout also- they had such a huge impact and really toyed with my emotions.
I found that I often had those 'scream and the TV' moments when reading It Goes Without Saying. I have never wanted to bang to characters heads together as much in my life! The ending especially left me on the edge of the seat and got me into a bit of a tizzy. I had my fingers tightly crossed that things would work out in the end from start to finish.
Taylor Danae Colbert not only did a brilliant job at writing such a fantastic book but she also did a brilliant job at raising awareness for both Lyme's Disease and Depression. I never knew what Lyme's was until reading this book- which means Taylor Danae Colbert will be educating other readers out there too which is amazing. Taylor touched on the subject of depression brilliantly and sent a strong message to her readers also that depression can affect anyone of any gender and again this will educate other readers and give them a better understanding of how depression can affect a person. Lots of praise to Taylor for this, thank you for a wonderful little book!
May 25, 2019
When I first read the blurb it sounded like something I might have liked. It looked really promising. The whole thing between best friends-turn-to-lovers is a topic that I always find cute and entertaining, but in this case, it turned way too frustrating. This kind of storyline is so easy that ends up being hard, if that makes any sense, because the line between frustratingly good and just frustrating is too thin.
In this case, I think the storyline has all the potential to grow into something interesting, but right now I feel there were some things that just were unnecessary or could’ve been done differently. For example, the book is narrated in third person, which distracted me a lot and even got me confused at times, especially when there were several people involved (I lost track of who was who). I think the readers could relate more to the main character and her story if it was written in first person. It might sound like something way too simple, but I think it would’ve given it a new perspective. The writing style felt a bit basic at points: the conversations were too short and the descriptions way too long, or even sometimes, we were left to imagine what would happen next.
Now, about the story itself. We have Bria, who to me has the perfect life. Her childhood was somewhat normal but she always got whatever she wanted, which tended to feel way too unreal, and this goes on throughout the entire book, which made it impossible for me to feel bad for her or even relate to her. Then we have Knox. The ultimate player. Bria’s best friend and the hero of all things. He’s definitely not my kind of guy, not even for a fictional one. He felt unrealistic with his perfect timing for everything and his perfect way to solve anything that was going on in Bria’s life. It’s obvious both have feelings for each other and it was too frustrating for them to realize it so late and that it took them so long to actually do something about it. These two characters have a lot of work to do about themselves.
Like I said before, there’s something about best friends that have feelings for each other that always catches my eye. It’s the kind of story we’re always expecting it to have the happiest of endings, but this one had so many opportunities to make it happen, and it kept dragging it for way too long.
There’s a lot of space for improvement, I truly believe that. But right now, there were a lot of things that put me off from enjoying the story.
In this case, I think the storyline has all the potential to grow into something interesting, but right now I feel there were some things that just were unnecessary or could’ve been done differently. For example, the book is narrated in third person, which distracted me a lot and even got me confused at times, especially when there were several people involved (I lost track of who was who). I think the readers could relate more to the main character and her story if it was written in first person. It might sound like something way too simple, but I think it would’ve given it a new perspective. The writing style felt a bit basic at points: the conversations were too short and the descriptions way too long, or even sometimes, we were left to imagine what would happen next.
Now, about the story itself. We have Bria, who to me has the perfect life. Her childhood was somewhat normal but she always got whatever she wanted, which tended to feel way too unreal, and this goes on throughout the entire book, which made it impossible for me to feel bad for her or even relate to her. Then we have Knox. The ultimate player. Bria’s best friend and the hero of all things. He’s definitely not my kind of guy, not even for a fictional one. He felt unrealistic with his perfect timing for everything and his perfect way to solve anything that was going on in Bria’s life. It’s obvious both have feelings for each other and it was too frustrating for them to realize it so late and that it took them so long to actually do something about it. These two characters have a lot of work to do about themselves.
Like I said before, there’s something about best friends that have feelings for each other that always catches my eye. It’s the kind of story we’re always expecting it to have the happiest of endings, but this one had so many opportunities to make it happen, and it kept dragging it for way too long.
There’s a lot of space for improvement, I truly believe that. But right now, there were a lot of things that put me off from enjoying the story.
August 25, 2018
Thanks to the author, Taylor Danae Colbert, for a free e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
Bria and Knox were best friends throughout high school, each other's person and confident, but nothing more than just friends - or so they told themselves. Fast forward into adulthood, Bria is engaged to an awesome guy and working her dream job. However, a family crisis brings her back home to her small town and back into her old life seeing Knox. They haven't talked in years and begin to see each other every day. Bria is determined to stay just friends, but life proves to be challenging and she finds herself drawn back to Knox.
I really enjoyed this one and read it really fast -1/2 days! I felt like it was a nice and light romance book that I needed during my crazy life now. Very easy to read! Bria and Knox felt like real people to me and not like some fake and drawn up romance some books describe. They were likable and relatable characters. I was rooting for them the entire book and could feel their love for each other ever since they were back in high school. This one brought back high school memories for me and made me nostalgic for those fun old times, which i really liked about this book. I enjoyed being drawn back to the past and into this romance. I thought many of the scenes were to be expected, but I was also surprised by the ending. It kind of made me mad but I also liked that it wasn't exactly how I was thinking it would turn out! I have been liking to read more romance this summer but am not a huge fan of very steamy books, and I was very happy that this one wasn't one of those!
Bria and Knox were best friends throughout high school, each other's person and confident, but nothing more than just friends - or so they told themselves. Fast forward into adulthood, Bria is engaged to an awesome guy and working her dream job. However, a family crisis brings her back home to her small town and back into her old life seeing Knox. They haven't talked in years and begin to see each other every day. Bria is determined to stay just friends, but life proves to be challenging and she finds herself drawn back to Knox.
I really enjoyed this one and read it really fast -1/2 days! I felt like it was a nice and light romance book that I needed during my crazy life now. Very easy to read! Bria and Knox felt like real people to me and not like some fake and drawn up romance some books describe. They were likable and relatable characters. I was rooting for them the entire book and could feel their love for each other ever since they were back in high school. This one brought back high school memories for me and made me nostalgic for those fun old times, which i really liked about this book. I enjoyed being drawn back to the past and into this romance. I thought many of the scenes were to be expected, but I was also surprised by the ending. It kind of made me mad but I also liked that it wasn't exactly how I was thinking it would turn out! I have been liking to read more romance this summer but am not a huge fan of very steamy books, and I was very happy that this one wasn't one of those!
July 28, 2018
I'll start by saying that I think this is an awesome debut novel!
There are flaws: Its drawn out so long, that at parts you lose that tension of the reader's invested interest in the relationship between Knox and Bria. I also think that there were a few plot points that were a little conveniently contrived:
What I liked: Its a breath of fresh air from the usual romance novel. A good example of this is when I like that the author took it in another direction. A perfect marriage and a couple of kids is not everyone's idea of a happy ending, real life is often more complicated than that. I also like that
I have found the friends-to-lovers trope to be very common in the Contemporary Romance genre, this story was one of the more realistic interpretations of how that platonic-to-romantic relationship manifests organically. Don't get me wrong, the plot has issues however, the author certainly has the makings of a unique voice. I will definitely read the author's next novel.
My rating: 3.5 stars
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
https://reneecheesman.com/
There are flaws: Its drawn out so long, that at parts you lose that tension of the reader's invested interest in the relationship between Knox and Bria. I also think that there were a few plot points that were a little conveniently contrived:
What I liked: Its a breath of fresh air from the usual romance novel. A good example of this is when I like that the author took it in another direction. A perfect marriage and a couple of kids is not everyone's idea of a happy ending, real life is often more complicated than that. I also like that
I have found the friends-to-lovers trope to be very common in the Contemporary Romance genre, this story was one of the more realistic interpretations of how that platonic-to-romantic relationship manifests organically. Don't get me wrong, the plot has issues however, the author certainly has the makings of a unique voice. I will definitely read the author's next novel.
My rating: 3.5 stars
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
https://reneecheesman.com/
August 2, 2018
Bria is engaged. Bria needs to go home. Bria finally sees her best friend from back home after so many years.
Bria and Knox were best friends. She knows him so well, and he knows her.
Bria has been away and is brought back due to news about her sick sister. So, she heads home. Bria and Knox see each other, and there is something there. There is a pull and though they are just friends reuniting, there is something. While she figures out everything and helping with her parents financially with her sisters Lyme disease, she spends more and more time in her hometown and Knox.
This was a cute story, but it felt a little too long. I understood why, it doesn't reflect my rating or review, but I was so upset, when they finally got together, it was magic, my heart bursts, like finally!!! But then......
I don't want to say too much, but I liked it and enjoyed all their time together and Knox's love for her.
Bria and Knox were best friends. She knows him so well, and he knows her.
Bria has been away and is brought back due to news about her sick sister. So, she heads home. Bria and Knox see each other, and there is something there. There is a pull and though they are just friends reuniting, there is something. While she figures out everything and helping with her parents financially with her sisters Lyme disease, she spends more and more time in her hometown and Knox.
This was a cute story, but it felt a little too long. I understood why, it doesn't reflect my rating or review, but I was so upset, when they finally got together, it was magic, my heart bursts, like finally!!! But then......
I don't want to say too much, but I liked it and enjoyed all their time together and Knox's love for her.
August 30, 2018
I loved the characters, the storyline was a little too much back and forth for me, but that was what kept me interested through the whole book and I couldn't get enough. And then the end happened....
Let me just say, a 5 star read went down to a 2. I finished it with great pain in my heart and threw my e-reader.
I am so angry with myself for reading this book because the ending alone ruined the whole story for me. I cannot even bring myself to recommend this book.
What the hell kind of ending is that?! I mean why would that happen?!!! I don't think I have been so angry at a book ending in a long time.
Gotta remember to read the other reviews next time 😡
Let me just say, a 5 star read went down to a 2. I finished it with great pain in my heart and threw my e-reader.
I am so angry with myself for reading this book because the ending alone ruined the whole story for me. I cannot even bring myself to recommend this book.
What the hell kind of ending is that?! I mean why would that happen?!!! I don't think I have been so angry at a book ending in a long time.
Gotta remember to read the other reviews next time 😡
April 30, 2019
This is the second book of Colbert's I've read, the first being her third (Off the Record). It seems to me that Colbert has a knack for taking time-old stories and twisting them into something fresh, modern, and one-hundred percent irresistible. I'd hate to spoil any of this gloriousness for you, but I must say, Colbert has a brilliant way of playing with your emotions, if such a way ever existed. Another marvelous love story . . . Here's your chance to read it. Don't screw it up ; )
August 30, 2018
Loved it
I really enjoyed reading It Goes Without Saying! Oh my gosh.... it took me back! Back to those horrible insecurity filled days of my youth! A time when you love your best friend unconditionally, from the friend zone! Bria’s story is so like real life. It’s like no matter how bad it hurts, something is always meant to be! This book is so good! You’ll definitely enjoy it. I highly recommend it. It’s a little different, but in a totally good way! It’s not a cookie cutter story. It’s real and beautiful, definitely a 5 star read!! ⭐️❤️
I really enjoyed reading It Goes Without Saying! Oh my gosh.... it took me back! Back to those horrible insecurity filled days of my youth! A time when you love your best friend unconditionally, from the friend zone! Bria’s story is so like real life. It’s like no matter how bad it hurts, something is always meant to be! This book is so good! You’ll definitely enjoy it. I highly recommend it. It’s a little different, but in a totally good way! It’s not a cookie cutter story. It’s real and beautiful, definitely a 5 star read!! ⭐️❤️
November 1, 2020
There was a bit of a heartbreak in this story but man this author is making me so emotional, I can't handle it. I'm hiding under my blanket, crying and sipping wine. Yeap this is how you are supposed to read this book. The characters were annoyingly awesome... and I say annoyingly because "they freaking belong together and they don't aknowledge it". (I'm not yelling) But still awesome.
Taylor is the author that made me realised that I don't have just one favorite trope, enemies to lovers, I love also the childhood friends to lovers trope.
She opened my eyes!!
Taylor is the author that made me realised that I don't have just one favorite trope, enemies to lovers, I love also the childhood friends to lovers trope.
She opened my eyes!!
September 13, 2018
What a ride!
This novel was heartfelt, beautifully written and thought provoking. As much as I wanted the outcome of certain events to be different, I couldn’t help but admire how the author depicted the reality of stages in life we all go through. Reading this story took me on a ride that brought me back through several chapters of my own life.
This novel was heartfelt, beautifully written and thought provoking. As much as I wanted the outcome of certain events to be different, I couldn’t help but admire how the author depicted the reality of stages in life we all go through. Reading this story took me on a ride that brought me back through several chapters of my own life.
March 18, 2019
I loved Knox! I’m an unrealistically happy ending lover, so the ending threw me for a loop, but that’s life isn’t it? This was definitely a slow burn romance, which are my favorite kinds. An enjoyable read!
September 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this one, but I am struggling with the ending!
October 29, 2018
No thanks. I cannot root for an annoying basic bitch who doesn't know she's basic. This also needed an editor for storyline inconsistencies.
January 15, 2022
Small town romance - you’re just dying to see if they end up together. It rips your heart out & then puts it back into your chest a few times, but I loved it all so much.
March 23, 2025
I’m not going to lie, when I read the synopsis I thought this sounded like a boring cliché love story. And since I know the author, I was definitely meeting this book with a much more critical eye than I would have if I picked it up at a Barnes & Noble.
I was very pleasantly surprised by my experience. While there were parts where the family subplot felt slow & drawn out, taking too much away from the main story of Bria and Knox, I found myself far more addicted and invested than I would have predicted.
The first day I read it, I stayed up so late that my eyes started to close mid chapter. When I woke up the next day I couldn’t stop thinking about it and spent the rest of that morning finishing up the book.
This book really hit me in my feels. Knox felt so lovable and real to me. His character was oozing with charisma, yet his flaws were still obvious and visible which I enjoyed. Most of the side characters however lacked depth, especially Bria’s husband.
The way the book shifted back and forth between past and present was so well done. It kept me turning the page because of the little teasers you saw from the future and then having your curiosity satisfied by the following “flashback” chapter. The formula worked well for this book and I was NOT disappointed.
KIND OF A SPOILER?
One of my problems with this story is every plot twist was pretty obvious. I think this was kind of ruined by the synopsis on the back of the book saying “years later, Bria found out about the sacrifices he made for her…” it kind of spoiled the whole plot twist of how her family got back on their feet and didn’t lose their house the first time.
SPOILERS IN THE NEXT 4 PARAGRAPHS:
The main plot point that really took me by surprise was Knox getting in the car crash. It rattled me even though I obviously knew he wasn’t going to die, it still made my stomach drop. It was so well written and inspired me in my own writing.
When Bria and Knox finally got together it felt like a huge payoff. I was so excited to see the two people who should obviously just hook up already actually have their moment. Unfortunately the breakup was so rushed and out of nowhere. The epilogue was left so open ended. Open ended endings aren’t necessarily bad, and I don’t disagree with the ending because Bria & Knox have incompatible goals in life…but I feel like it was done in a way that left me feeling a little cheated. It would have been nice for Bria and Knox to be in a longer relationship and watch that develop so that by the time that they broke up, your heart is tearing into pieces, but you know it’s the right decision.
Instead, everything seems to be going perfectly until Bria has a pregnancy scare and then they’re just like “This isn’t going to work, is it?” They’re right, but it felt like it was all over too soon. I’d want to see it crumble a little before getting to that point.
I liked the plot line of the fair and the kidney transplant, but almost every plot twist was obvious. As soon as Katie needed a kidney, I knew Knox would be the donor. This part of the book is necessary, but it was way too much time between seeing Knox again. However, it was still a good way of getting the characters back together.
NO MORE SPOILERS:
In spite of any flaws I found in this story, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a delicious, lighthearted, quick read with a love interest thats easy to fall in love with. I can’t believe this was a debut novel and is one of my favorites I’ve read so far this year. Proud of you, Taylor.
4/5 stars 🔥
I was very pleasantly surprised by my experience. While there were parts where the family subplot felt slow & drawn out, taking too much away from the main story of Bria and Knox, I found myself far more addicted and invested than I would have predicted.
The first day I read it, I stayed up so late that my eyes started to close mid chapter. When I woke up the next day I couldn’t stop thinking about it and spent the rest of that morning finishing up the book.
This book really hit me in my feels. Knox felt so lovable and real to me. His character was oozing with charisma, yet his flaws were still obvious and visible which I enjoyed. Most of the side characters however lacked depth, especially Bria’s husband.
The way the book shifted back and forth between past and present was so well done. It kept me turning the page because of the little teasers you saw from the future and then having your curiosity satisfied by the following “flashback” chapter. The formula worked well for this book and I was NOT disappointed.
KIND OF A SPOILER?
One of my problems with this story is every plot twist was pretty obvious. I think this was kind of ruined by the synopsis on the back of the book saying “years later, Bria found out about the sacrifices he made for her…” it kind of spoiled the whole plot twist of how her family got back on their feet and didn’t lose their house the first time.
SPOILERS IN THE NEXT 4 PARAGRAPHS:
The main plot point that really took me by surprise was Knox getting in the car crash. It rattled me even though I obviously knew he wasn’t going to die, it still made my stomach drop. It was so well written and inspired me in my own writing.
When Bria and Knox finally got together it felt like a huge payoff. I was so excited to see the two people who should obviously just hook up already actually have their moment. Unfortunately the breakup was so rushed and out of nowhere. The epilogue was left so open ended. Open ended endings aren’t necessarily bad, and I don’t disagree with the ending because Bria & Knox have incompatible goals in life…but I feel like it was done in a way that left me feeling a little cheated. It would have been nice for Bria and Knox to be in a longer relationship and watch that develop so that by the time that they broke up, your heart is tearing into pieces, but you know it’s the right decision.
Instead, everything seems to be going perfectly until Bria has a pregnancy scare and then they’re just like “This isn’t going to work, is it?” They’re right, but it felt like it was all over too soon. I’d want to see it crumble a little before getting to that point.
I liked the plot line of the fair and the kidney transplant, but almost every plot twist was obvious. As soon as Katie needed a kidney, I knew Knox would be the donor. This part of the book is necessary, but it was way too much time between seeing Knox again. However, it was still a good way of getting the characters back together.
NO MORE SPOILERS:
In spite of any flaws I found in this story, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a delicious, lighthearted, quick read with a love interest thats easy to fall in love with. I can’t believe this was a debut novel and is one of my favorites I’ve read so far this year. Proud of you, Taylor.
4/5 stars 🔥
August 23, 2018
This book was a breath of fresh air! I don’t mean because it was light hearted and airy- although it can be at times- I mean because it’s raw and realistic in nature. These days, most story lines are so far fetched they are just fantasies, but not It Goes Without Saying. The author does a great job displaying life’s ups and downs and how they follow us through all stages of life. She also does a fantastic job of illustrating the hardships of chronic Lyme disease and depression. The ending may not be your average “happily ever after,” but that’s what I like about it. In life, there are rarely ever happily ever afters and I think this shows Taylor Danae Colbert’s ability to bring realism back into the literary world. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
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