This was a solid read. The characters and situations felt very real. The first half of the book flew by. The last part of the book was a little bit of a struggle. How many times does the male protagonist need to mess up and make up? Two was ok, the third time was a little bit overdone. Library patrons should really enjoy this title.

Overall, this was a cute one! It was sweet, then a little spicy, and ended sweet. There were some serious portions, and some family drama but still felt somewhat like a sweet hallmark channel movie (in a good way!) I’d recommend to a friend!

Favorite quote: re childbirth: “im in awe of anyone who’s ever done this, frankly; everyone who has should get a million dollars and also an opportunity to punch someone they don’t like in the face” - I agree wholeheartedly 😂

Georgie, All Along has the bones of a highly-recognizable setup: Georgie Mulcahy has just lost her demanding, high-powered job as a personal assistant to a Hollywood star, and responds by stuffing her (very few) belongings into trash bags, throwing them in the back of her car, and driving home to the small Virginia town she grew up in. Once there, she discovers that her parents, off on a road trip, have "double booked" themselves a set of house-sitters: Georgie, and Levi, the taciturn, bearded older-brother of the golden-boy football star she used to be in love with in high school.

Hello, familiar genre waters! "Returning from your high-powered job to your small hometown only to find love with the hot older brother of your former crush" is one of romance's tales as old as time. And something I really appreciated about Georgie, All Along is that - while it inspects and questions and deepens its own relationship to this well-trodden genre staple - you never get the sense that it's looking down on it, or denying why it attracts readers.

That being said, this book is very much offering its own take. One way it does that is via its flashy "pick this book up" hook: upon returning home, Georgie discovers a "friend fic" that she and her best friend Bel wrote. And so Georgie - who is lacking direction in her life after losing her job - decides that maybe going back and living out her high school dreams, one by one, might give her a better idea of who she is and what she wants. And who better to help her than the grumpy older brother of the very same high school crush whose name is all over this friend fic in puffy sparkle pen? The fic is, on the surface, Georgie, All Along's principal invention - the hook it uses to bring readers to this iteration of a romance plot classic, rather than any other.

And... I don't want to say the "friend fic" has nothing to do with how this book creates its own version of a genre staple. But rather than being the fundamental innovative element, it served more as a thematic touchstone. One that the text could return to as it developed an incredibly nuanced deconstruction and exploration of two questions at the heart of its own genre referent: what is the appeal of "going back" home? And what is it that connects readers, on a human level, to the archetypes of a "flighty and somewhat aimless" heroine and the "taciturn outcast" hero?

So here's where I start to fall apart and lose coherence, because I kind of cannot believe how well this book does both of those things. I must say, I had my skepticism firmly in place for the "going back" element of this story from the very start. I have... the opposite of any interest in going back to where I grew up, either physically or (perhaps especially) emotionally. So Georgie's idea that she could somehow gain clarity on her life by returning to who she was and what she wanted when she was in high school was, to be perfectly frank, not appealing to me in the slightest. But I should have trusted Kate Clayborn, because if there's one thing she does well (though, trust me, there's more than one), it's having a central a theme in each book, and finding all kinds of interconnected ways to explore it without letting it take over the emotional experience of the novel, or crush it with thematic didacticism. This is A SKILL. I just love how the author creates these grounded, enormously specific stories about things like "going home and relocating my high school friend fic" or "feeling blocked in my job as a hand-letterer of bullet journals" or "trying to help my fake fiancé buy a summer camp because of our shared guilt over his brother's death" without ever sacrificing the breadth or universality of her thematic threads.

So even if, like me, you would sooner throw yourself off a pier than be anything like you were in high school... there's something intriguing here about the idea of what it means, in a broader sense, to go back. To pick a point in your life where things went down one path, and imagine what it would be like if you took another. And the truth - which I think this book understands - is that on a macro level, we can't ever really do that: go back and do life differently. Nor, necessarily, should we want to. But I loved the small moments where Georgie and Levi mess up with each other, and extend each other the grace to go back and try the interaction differently. There are all kinds of returns in this novel, large and small, but that was probably the one that meant the most to me. Even though this book depicts new love, the thematic exploration of ... iterativeness, for lack of a better word, really resonated with my experience of a longer-term relationship as well. Sometimes you have to keep going back to the same points, the same fights, the same apologies, and keep trying until you know how to progress away from them differently. And it can be really hard to extend the patience to someone to keep trying to go back. I loved how Georgie and Levi did that for each other. And I loved how "going back" felt, all at the same time, like an exploration of a familiar romance trope, a very specific story element for Georgie and Levi's narrative, and a universal consideration of what it is we're really seeking when we try to return.

(Sidebar that nobody asked for: I actually think though that, maybe, while this book starts out with time and "going back" as its major theme, it gently morphs that into being about taking up space and finding place? I know "this book is about space, not time" sounds horribly esoteric but I promise it's just so gently woven into the book that it works perfectly)

Anyway. I have already taken up too many words of this review without talking about the characterization of Georgie and Levi. Which is just... masterful. Especially, I think, in the way it interrogates the "flighty, quirky, disaster heroine" archetype with Georgie. I mean, she starts off the novel in a car full of her belongings in a trash bag, wearing quirky, wrinkly overalls, and forgetting her wallet while trying to buy strawberry smoothies- a predicament she needs to be rescued from by the hero. But as the book unfolds, the writing lends that characterization SO much depth. And, crucially, it asks readers to consider how at least part of our haste to label women as flighty is (gendered) misunderstanding and stereotype, but also how some of those same characteristics - creativity, adaptability, responsiveness to others - are in fact great strengths. I loved how Georgie's personality made her a good friend and an amazing asset at her (current and former) jobs, and how the book never, not once, lost sight of that. Also, the book is able to really clearly distinguish between how others see Georgie, how Georgie sees herself, and how the people who love her see her, and yet combine all three for a fully-realized, three-dimensional character.

I think what's going on with Levi is a bit more subtle, but no less powerful. He has a pile of romance hero stereotypes to match Georgie's: he's got a beard, he's the town hermit, he's shy, he's gruff, he's good with his hands, he's the Older Brother. A lot of this seems like very straightforward code for Romance Novel Man. But I think - as with Georgie - the author is very thoughtful in showing the reader what elements of Levi's personality are external misunderstanding and gender stereotype, and which elements merit a much more thorough grounding via backstory and exploration and understanding. Something I thought a lot about while reading is the idea I came across recently in an unrelated reading, positing that books don't belong to genres so much as they use genres. And I think that's exactly what Kate Clayborn does with Georgie and Levi: rather than trying to make them belong in genre-hero-and-heroine boxes, she uses recognizable codes of "romance novel depictions of masculinity/femininity" to create characters, but also deconstruct where those codes are coming from. Genre in Kate's work - especially the characterization - often feels like the terms of what she's working with, rather than its boundaries or its limits.

And I think part of what is so magical about these characters who come to us with so many different dimensions, is that almost every reader will find something about them to connect to. Even if neither Georgie nor Levi feel exactly like us. In my case, while I don't think I've ever really read to people as flighty, there was something very relatable in Georgie's feeling lost in her career, and her deeper worry that everyone around her knows what they want from their life but her. And Levi. Obviously I am not a beardy man with a checkered past who builds docks for a living. But I connected really deeply to the specific depiction of his shyness and introversion ... the way it's both just a part of who he is, and an outgrowth of his bone-deep fear that people will dislike him for taking up any space in their lives.

Anyway, I say this not to get overly personal but to point out that... this depth of characterization is what made the ending of this book work so well for me. Without going into detail, both Georgie and Levi go through some tough stuff at the end, and while I didn't love exactly how those hard moments were catalyzed (this is maybe my only major complaint about the book), the emotional aftermath of the low moment is done really well. And throughout it all, I kept coming back to the fact that while these characters were suffering... the book was taking so much care with them, and extending them so much grace. By giving them space to learn and grow, even in the tightly-packed pages of the final 20%. And most of all, by creating moments where both Georgie and Levi benefit from others' kindness and support, while being really compassionate about how they react in the absence of those things. And I think, precisely because these characters are so dimensional and so open to points of personal connection with the readers... reading it felt like seeing those parts of myself treated with care, as well. Which is a very special thing.

Anyway, this is a very moving, well-written, thoughtful, and lovely book, which might just make you feel a bit of much-needed care while you read. I highly, highly recommend.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author, with whom I am friendly on Twitter.

Georgie has made a career out of taking care of everyone else as a personal assistant but now she finds herself having to take care of herself when her last client retires and doesn't need Georgie. Georgie headed to her hometown to help her best friend Bel get ready to have a baby, but Bel doesn't need much help, except cleaning out boxes from her childhood home. Georgie finds a notebook of stories, that were a bucket list for her and Bel, that they never did. Georgie decides that maybe by completing the challenges in the notebook she might figure out her next steps. What she doesn't expect is Levi, the black sheep brother of her high school crush Evan (who plays a starring role in the stories), to also be staying at her parent's house. How is she going to figure anything out with Levi around? This is a story of finding your own way in life and not being held back by other's expectations..

It took a little bit to get into this one but it was totally worth it! I loved Georgie and Levi together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Though this book started slow, I appreciated the complex development of the characters, and watching their love story (with eachother and themselves) evolve. Would definitely recommend to someone looking for something smalltown and sweet.

Clayborn (Love at First, 2021) is skilled at creating out-of-the-norm, captivating characters with nuanced finesse.

Full Review: Booklist, Sept 15 issue

Georgie, All Along was absolutely lovely! Clayborn wrote a story that was so well written I found myself flying through the pages, unable to put the book down, pondering what would happen next. My favorite piece of this entire story was how believable the characters were.

The writing is clear and clean, and very immersive. The book hums along at a good clip, but the pacing makes sure we're given time to breathe between plot-intensifying moments. The story was absolutely engaging and the work that went into the settings was noticeable and superb. I felt absolutely transported and I'm so incredibly glad I was able to read an arc of this story.

This book in 3 words: Endearing. Nostalgic. Sincere. 

Georgie comes back to her small home-town, when her boss retires. Reunited with her pregnant best friend (and an old "friend-fic" from high school), and multiple cameos from her past, she's forced to think about where she's at and where she's going. 

This book has some of my favorite tropes: small town romance, grumpy/sunshine, and close proximity. A simple going-back-to-your-small-town trope spun on its head in the best way. While the idea seems a little familiar, it's executed with its own quirks. Kate Clyborn makes this idea fit perfectly, in her own way, in Georgie, All Along. 

With easy-to-love characters, immersive writing, and moments with such a great nostalgia feel, this story is everything I was looking for. I was invested, found characters to cheer for, and loved the wholesome storyline. Told in dual POV, we get strong character voices as well as strengths and insecurities.

Kate Clayborn has done it again but this time I think it’s my favorite. Georgie is messy and indecisive and expansive. Levi is tidy and quiet and keeps his life small. But when you put them together you get something that looks an awful lot like love and warmth and personal growth. Not to mention, Hank, who is a VERY good boy. This book has all of the warm fuzzy feels that you need after a cold winter.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You know it's a great book when you've got a smile on your face the whole time you're reading, and you're still thinking about it days later. I loved Georgie and oh my gosh, Levi. Levi. Levi. What a fantastic character who shows such strength and growth throughout the story. And Hank! Didn't forget you, pal. Gotta love a canine sidekick. The friendship between besties Georgie and Bel was beautifully written. There is so much depth to Clayborn's writing, so emotional but not sappy. I absolutely loved this, would give it more than 5 stars.

mf - contemporary romance - roommates to lovers - small town - grumpy MMC - bucket list - ARC - 5 stars. One of my favorite authors, this book was just superb. Levi has such a troubled past and his emotions were just so perfectly written. And, god I love a farting pit bull with a human name (see also: Maggie Moves on by Lucy Score)

This latest by Clayborn never fails to deliver. My favorite part was the love and warmth in Georgie's parents, who could have easily been a punchline, but instead were a loving supportive family.

I loved Kate Clayborn’s book Love Lettering so I was so excited to have the opportunity to read another of her books and this did not disappoint!

Georgie is a personal assistant who is newly out of work. Unable to decide what she wants to do next, she heads back to her hometown to stay at her childhood home. Her parents are out of town so it seems like the perfect place to rest and regroup- until it turns out that her parents have also offered it to Levi, who has quite the reputation from his teenage years. Georgie finds her list of things to do from her childhood diary and decides to work her way through it with some unexpected help.

This was SO cute! I love Kate Clayborn’s writing style. I thought the secondary characters were also super strong and really added to the story. I also love a good grumpy character and Levi melted my heart with his love for his dog. This book was an emotional journey that was so so engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was a great book about self discovery as Levi and Georgie both work through life issues. So many familiar situations with family and work and pressures from others reminded me of the issues we all face. It was well written and a very enjoyable story as Levi and Georgie find each other and help each other face what life throws at them.

While this novel isn’t my favourite Clayborn story (Love Lettering will always win that title), I can say that I would definitely recommend it for anyone who is a fan of Kate Clayborn’s work. Georgie, is loveable, messy, and endearing; however, she wasn’t my favourite character in this novel, that title goes to Levi Fanning. Not since Mr. Darcy have I met a more stoic and proud character, that is until Mr. Levi Fanning came into the picture. Talk about a hurting heartthrob. I appreciated the development of Levi’s character in this book, but felt like Georgie’s was slightly diminished by the Fanning family drama. While slow in the beginning, the stuck together trope picks up by the middle and the second half of the book is an enjoyable romantic read. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the e-ARC version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn is a true page turner. Love Kate Clayborn writing style. She really draws you in from the first few pages and you fall in love with the Georgie Mulcahy . I found her relatable on how she always but others before herself. I know most of us have done this at one point our another in our life. We have put aside our needs for others but seeing Georgie grow and learn how to take her past and make it into a bright future was inspiring. Definitely a feel good novel.

This is the first book I read by Kate Clayborn. I love her writing style, the wonderful characters she created and amazing plot. I definitely will be reading her other books.

This story is about a young woman named Georgie, who is at a crossroad in her life. She is the type of person that does not set out a plan for her future, and she thinks this is a flaw. Having been raised by unconventional parents, she is a special person. Open, honest, forgiving, caring, joyful and of course, that all sums up to be a loving person. I adore this character!

This is a romance story and Georgie meets Levi under a strange situation, a result of her free spirited parents. Although this situation is not unique in romance stories, it is perfect for this one. It forces Georgie and Levi to get to know each other. It is a bit of a friendship to romantic partner theme, which is my favorite.

I recommend this book full of emotion. I was laughing and then find myself almost in tears. I was truly invested and will be telling all my reader friends to definitely pick up this book!

A huge thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

When Georgie’s job as a personal assistant suddenly ends, she heads home to regroup and try to discover who she is and what she should do next. While helping her best friend Belle and her parents she comes across a teenage diary and uses it to explore her youthful excitement about life. Her unexpected roommate, Levi Fanning, provides unexpected support and attraction.
This was such a fun novel and what was refreshing is that Georgie seemed a real character who was not perfect or extremely successful but a sensitive competent person trying to discover her true self. She read as genuine, and the story was fun and sweet. I love Kate Clayborn and cannot wait to recommend this novel to my library patrons. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.

Oh my! I feel blessed to have come across this gem of a book. It’s moving and witty and absolutely lovely. My husband asked why I was smiling. My daughter said mommy why do you look sad. I had all the feels reading about Georgie and Levi’s relationship. I loved reading (or in my mind experiencing) it develop. It opened on the pages and in my heart. I know this is a sappy review but that’s how much I loved this book! I saw a movie being made because it was so alive! Can we please have a follow up book so we can find out what happens with other characters (while getting updates on Georgie????)? That’s not too much to ask, is it?