<i>georgie, all along</i> by kate clayborn is a romance story with vulnerability and growth at its heart.

georgie, an individual who has no idea who she is or what she wants from life so consistently puts others' needs before her own, meets levi, a retired bad boy and local grump as the duo form a connection through a ‘friendfic’ diary georgie and her best friend created in high school. the diary is where georgie once envisioned the dreams of her high school self and looks to them in adulthood in an attempt to find a sense of direction in her directionless life. local grump helps her, and along the way, the two discover more about themselves and accept pieces of who they are that they never thought they would be able to grasp. also, did i mention that local grump is the gorgeous older brother of our georgie’s former crush? it’s a tale as old as time, and yet clayborn seemingly freshens up the trope, welcoming us into their world as the pair benefit from each other and the situation they find themselves in.

overall this is a lovely romance, well-written with the issues at hand and full of characters to connect to. i just know it will be one of my favourite 2023 romances.

<i><b>thank you to netgalley and kensington books for the arc.</i></b>

The blurb for this book describes it as "tender" and I couldn't agree more. Georgie is experiencing a quarter-life crisis that leads her back to her parent's house in her hometown. While much of the book centers on Georgie's journey, the best part for me was the hero, Levi. He is also on a journey, striving to be "friendly, not fragile" as his mantra tells us. Levi's progression toward understanding and healing is really beautiful. Both Georgie and Levi push the other in a way that is only meant to help that person, even if it doesn't mean a romance between them will be the end result. They truly want the best for each other and it's touching to read.

The characters in this book are vibrant and real, making messy decisions and putting themselves out there. Plus there is dog! A cute dog that has his own set of adorable doggy concerns.

This book is a perfect balance of character and romance and I loved it. Ms. Clayborn does it again.

This was such a beautiful and sweet story about starting over and self discovery! I absolutely adore Georgie and loved how relatable she was. She was spunky and fun even as she's trying to figure out what she does next!

Georgie Mulcahy has been in California for the past few years - busy living her life as a personal assistant in Hollywood. But Georgie soon finds herself without a job and on her way back home to the small town she grew up in.

Georgie isn't all too excited to be back home - high school wasn't always the best for Georgie and gossip spreads fast in a small town. But her best friend has since settled down there so it can't be all bad, right?! And while helping her friend get settled into her new home, Georgie comes across a fanfic she wrote. Most of it was silly stuff, but a lot of it was stuff that Georgie still wants to do - like jump off a pier and paint the town rock. Georgie feels restless being back in her hometown and maybe these small things will help her feel more in control of her life.

One person who is definitely not making her feel settled is resident hermit and once badboy Levi Fanning. The only Fanning Georgie was aware of was Levi's brother Evan and she had a huge heart eyes crush on him growing up. Levi Fanning is a man of a few words and when Georgie and Levi end up accidentally rooming together (whoops!) it's awkward and uncomfortable until they get to know one another.

When Levi offers to help Georgie with her list, they slowly begin to discover more about each other and themselves in the process. Will they try to make their budding relationship into something more, when Georgie never really wanted to settle down in her hometown in the first place?

I have read a few books by Kate Clayborn now and I seriously feel like every single book of hers is somehow better than the last?! And that's saying something because they have all been five star reads for me. I have so many pages and passages highlighted from Georgie, All Along. Passages about second chances, friendships, forgiveness and of course swoony love.

Georgie and Levi had so much chemistry and I loved their interactions. They were so patient and kind to one another. Forgiving their past transgressions because both of them were different people now than the ones they were in high school.

Kate's writing is always so beautiful. The way she talks about relationships - whether that be romantic relationships or relationships that her characters have with friends or family - really feels like she's speaking directly to you.

Highly highly recommend Georgie, All Along if you're looking for a book about second chances, friendships and love.

I loved this book! Thank you so much to the publisher, Kate Clayborn, and NetGalley for the early chance to read “Georgie, All Along.” This book was one of my most highly anticipated releases for next year and it did not disappoint. The characters were so strongly drawn, I wanted to befriend all of them. The romance between Levi and Georgie was sweet and romantic and beautifully paced. It is the kind of book you finish reading and want to immediately read it again. It is definitely a 5 star read and I highly recommend this book to all readers of contemporary romance.

4.5 Stars! Kate Clayborn does it again! I have LOVED her previous titles and Georgie, All Along is my new favorite. I love how the writing and dialogue has the feel of a romance without the cheesiness that can be so common. I loved the characters backstories, the side characters and their quirks, and also the ability that the author has for creating characters that you really do feel like you know.

Some detailed steamy scenes, but not frequent!

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

This is a romance full of whimsy, yet with its feet still firmly planted in reality. A very refreshing read, full of believable characters and behaviors. Georgie and Levi grow separately and together, and build a very down-to-earth relationship.

This is dual POV, which I usually greatly dislike, but it didn't bother me much here. It has the added advantage of giving insight into Levi's brain, without which he might come off as a bit of a jerk. However, the limited time spent in each character's perspective does create some distance between the reader and the characters.

Hugely solid and competent, but perhaps not iconic. Love Kate Clayborn forever, however.

There’s nothing like a Kate Clayborn novel, and Georgie, All Along might just be my favorite yet. It has definitely cemented her as my favorite romance novelist writing contemporary right now.

This book is magic. It sucks you in, making you feel like you’re right there in the room with Georgie and Levi — in her parents’ cluttered house, out on the docks, making your way through her ‘friend fiction’ list. I really, really loved everything about this story: Georgie’s journey of self-discovery, her friendship with Bel, and of course Levi Fanning. I am in love with Levi Fanning. If you like your romance heroes grumpy with a heart of gold, this is your guy.

I can’t recommend this book enough. Kate Clayborn deserves all the stars for this one.

Georgie has moved back to her hometown looking to rediscover the personal momentum for her life she once documented in a “friend fic” she and her best friend wrote before high school. Levi is a former town trouble-maker just keeping his head down and working hard to keep away the reputation of his youth. Levi offers to help Georgie on her path to rediscovery, and the two become inseparable as they are able to cut through the outward persona and reputations they’ve been given to see the truest, brightest, and loveliest versions of each other.

I am absolutely in love with this story. Georgie is so open and connected to everything and everyone, even when she’s unsure of where they’re intentions lie. Levi is the sweetest cinnamon-roll hero who deserves the happy ending he gets in this book. both characters are in need of some understanding and acceptance for the life they’ve chosen to have, and Georgie and Levi are able to be that for each other. neither of them were very understood by the people where they grew up and now live; both though can see the kind and loving souls beneath the surface which means the world to them for different reasons.

the themes of family and friendship in this book are truly beautiful. we see two very different types of families, and how they affected each character. I don’t know if I’ve ever wanted so badly a happy ending for a family-friend unit as much as the MC’s in a book ever. I will say I was not disappointed, and the way all the people who love each other come together at the end is truly lovely (it made me cry).

I loved Georgie and Levi together so much. even after a bit of a bumpy start, neither of them let’s fear or insecurity stand in the way of something they know can be amazing. I was a little worried at first this might be a love triangle trope, but it absolutely is not. this is a beautiful story of beautiful people who find peace and security in themselves, each other, and their loved ones. one of my absolute favorites 💛

(there were several typos and grammar infractions right now but ik this will be edited out later. I didn’t include that in rating the book)

My heart is so *so* full. 🧡 This book is so beautiful, and so beautifully written, too.

To oversimplify the basic plot, it goes like this: Georgie goes back to her small hometown after losing her job to "find herself". She planned to crash at her parents' place while they're away, but was met with a surprise: Levi, former town badboy and trouble maker, current town hermit. Levi was staying at Georgie's parents' place temporarily (while his house gets fixed), unbeknown to Georgie. Forced proximity and meaningful interactions has both their walls lowering. If only they could both let go of their pasts to make space for their future.

The story might sound familiar, but let me tell you right now, it's *so* much more than that. It is filled with meaningful, emotional, and engaging content. This book just envelopes and immerses you completely. The story and the characters, their arcs, are honest, and tender and just truly heartfelt.

𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦. 🧡

I first read a teaser sample for "Georgie, All Along" in Publishers Lunch's Buzz Books: Romance, and was quickly hooked, so once I saw it was available to request on NetGalley, I jumped immediately. I've been wanting to read Kate Clayborn's books for a while now, as reviewers have recommended them as really well-written contemporary romances, and I'm glad I got the chance to read this newest one!

"Georgie, All Along" focuses on questions and worries I'm sure many young people have: Am I good enough? What is my purpose in life? Does my past define me? After losing her job, Georgie moves back home and wonders about her future -- she feels lost and without purpose, and then she stumbles across a notebook from high school laying out all sorts of fun plans and things to do before graduation. Georgie sets out to complete those goals, trying to do all of the adventurous things that the younger her came up with, thinking this might be the key to discovering a new path in life. A complication in these plans is an unexpected roommate -- Levi, who was known as a troublemaker back in Georgie's high school days, and who's been estranged from his family for years. The two discover they have a lot more in common with each other than they thought, and together, begin to work out their insecurities and past traumas.

This was a really sweet book. It balances humor with healing, and I felt the moments of romance were done really well (maybe a little cheesy, but I truly loved watching Georgie and Levi's relationship progress!). I also loved the supporting characters, especially Georgie's parents and her best friend Bel. This is a great contemporary romance, and I'm excited to dig into Clayborn's backlog of books.

Thank you to Kensington Books for providing me a digital review copy of "Georgie, All Along" via NetGalley!

This book is IT.

Like, it is truly spectacular.

I was sucked in from page one, and generally didn't do ~life~ for 24 hours because of how invested I was in this story. I could NOT put it down. It was lovely, and raw, and real, and incredibly swoony and compelling. The writing is incredible. The characters are genuine, and I felt so *seen* in so many parts of this story. This book is a journey of the best, most heartfelt, heart-wrenching, and transformative kind.

GEORGIE ALL ALONG is a book I'm going to be re-reading and keeping close to my heart for a long time.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

I've been a huge Kate Clayborn fan since her breakout novel Love Lettering, and Georgie, All Along is now my favorite Clayborn yet. In her talented hands, the cliched "good girl falls in love with the town's bad boy" gets a new twist: both MCs have reputations of being wild and (in Levi's case) dangerous. When Georgie Mulcahy loses her LA job as a personal assistant, she decides to come home to Virginia for the first time in a decade. She plans to stay just long enough to figure out the next steps, give the finger to the teachers and others who thought she'd never amount to anything, and help her BFF Bel, who is expecting her first child. An old notebook of "friend fiction" that the BFFs wrote as young teenagers, spelling out their fantasies of all the wonderful things they would do in high school, serves as Georgie's inspiration: she will do all of the things her younger self imagined, and that will somehow lead her to her true path, the antidote to her lack of vocational direction.

Levi Fanning acted out all through his childhood, which led to some disastrously bad choices in the service of defying his controlling father, who tried unsuccessfully to mold Levi into his own preppy image. He's been back in Darentville for a few years, keeping his head down and running his small dock repair business. He still feels pretty broken inside, so his initial interactions with Georgie are surly and blunt. But when the two become unlikely housemates, Levi slowly starts to open up, and a spontaneous kiss from Georgie eventually becomes a passionate relationship. But his insecurities and Georgie's determination to pick a career path instead of drifting along might mean their affair is a short one.

I really liked Georgie, who lives to be helpful to others, but only sees a blank space where her future is concerned. Clayborn always does good female friendship subplots; Georgie fears that her relationship with Bel is growing more distant, but the real reason for the change is unexpected. Georgie's parents are modern hippies whom Georgie views with one part embarrassment and two parts loving gratitude. Even Darentville is interesting; what was once a unremarkable, slightly shabby town is now a tourist attraction, so the "heroine returns to small town and finds love" trope collides head first with redevelopment and gentrification.

But Levi just steals the book away. I'm so glad Clayborn uses dual POV so we can see what he is thinking and feeling even when he's silent. His stoic exterior hides a wounded but kind heart. You can see it when he interacts with his dog Hank (whose timely farts diffuse several tense situations), and as he supports Georgie's quest, even if he doesn't quite understand it. He experiences a lot of growth in the book, and Clayborn's unusual decision to let him narrate the last chapter (in dual POV the heroine usually wraps up the book) demonstrates that she's aware that Levi is one of her best, most complex, and lovable heroes.

Clayborn writes with depth, humor, chemistry, and a talent for staging both the Third Act Breakup and the Big Groveling Gesture. The book feels grittier than either Love Lettering or Love at First, which takes it out of the fairytale realm. But that just makes the love story that much more rewarding.

ARC received by Netflix in exchange for honest review.


comme

can’t thank netgalley and kensington books enough for this arc!!!

oh kate clayborn, how i’ve missed you. and that’s saying a lot when i find myself rereading my favorite parts of luck of the draw every other day.

my heart is so full right now and i loved these fictional people so much, definitely a 5 stars read!! georgie, all along is a beautiful story not about reinventions, but about going back on what you currently know and knew about yourself, and trying to find yourself through all of that. beautiful, hurt, humans feeling lost, seeing how and where they fit in, humans with a range of emotions and feelings that can go from perfectly normal to oh so complex, complicated. my favorite kind of story!!!

i loved georgie’s character a lot, her family, bel and harry, levi’s siblings, levi… oh levi, how much i loved this man!!!! but who are we kidding, it wasn’t georgie, it was hank, all along. hank’s the main character here.

Maybe the love story was a little bit rushed for me, because I love pinning and slow burns. But it works for Georgie, and how she is in life.

This was soft but also full of raw feelings, and exactly the type of romance I needed to read in one sitting.

Thank you netgalley for the ARC !

Oh, my heart! This book is so adorable and I loved to see Georgie find her path in her own way in her own time. They're both just so likeable and real and I rooted for them both so hard.

I also love books that are lower on the drama scale, and where adults can have adult conversations without flipping out over miscommunications (looking at you, 80% of romance novels out there). Georgie and Levi had some stuff to get through, but they did it like actual mature grown ups which I really appreciate. I love them and their story so much and will recommend this one to anyone and everyone!

P. S. At first I was a little confused as to why this whole to-do list thing was so important to Georgie and her storyline, and yet we really didn't participate in much of the actual items with them at all, but I've decided I love everything else so much I just don't care.

P. P. S. I don't even like dogs but the truth is Hank is the best dog ever and he also deserves 5 stars all on his own ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ those are for you Hank, you earned ‘em

I'm a big fan of Kate Clayborn but this one was a miss for me. The first 20% was just unbelievably slow. I had a hard time getting engaged with any of the characters, and when there was a hint of an upcoming romance with Levi amidst that, I didn't really feel any chemistry or excitement about it. It felt like the first 20% could be condensed into about a fourth of what it is now. I'm just not sure if I would have kept going if I had borrowed the book from the library instead of getting an arc on netgalley.

3.5 ⭐️ I really wanted to love this one. And parts of it I did. I just felt the character development was lacking. Things seemed to drag and happen suddenly all at the same time. It took me way too long to connect to the main characters. That was probably my biggest issue with the book. Plus I didn’t love Levi. He was just meh for me so it made it hard to get into. I know I’m in the minority because so many loved this one. I didn’t dislike it I just didn’t love it. And I’d definitely read a sequel.

Personal assistant Georgie has never put herself before others. She came across an old book that she wrote as a teenager and it became a guidebook for her. Levi, one time troublemaker and current town hermit offerred to help her and the two become close....

Love the chemistry between the two main characcters. It's a cute story filled with some serious issues... The story is magical and very sweet. I really enjoy it.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Kate Clayborn is an auto-buy for me, and her newest romance Georgie, All Along confirms her place as a top tier romance author. A burned out personal assistant heads home to sort herself out while housesitting at her parent's place, but it turns out they invited the town's bad boy whose home is under renovation to stay there as well. This is a book about discovering who you really are a little later in life, The pining and chemistry are off the charts, and I adored how family members (of both the adorably kooky and wicked variety) were seamlessly interwoven into the central romance plot. You'll gobble this one up!