
Member Reviews

I really enjoyed the main character and the growth the relationship had to go through as Scarlett had to find and follow herself! The depiction of mental health struggles was done nicely without losing track of the romance plot. My favorite part was the supportive friend/agent, I think it really showed the power of relationships when people who love you really understand you.

I have no words. Well, I have lots of words, but I'm struggling to find the right words to communicate how much I love this book. I feel like I got a wonderful insight into the publishing world and could start to understand the pressures associated with publishing books. I am so glad there are self-publishing avenues, but I assume that this only swaps out one pressure for another. I have to mention the mental health aspect. Reading about the FMC's breakdown and recovery was heart-wrenching and seeing the possible backwards slide of the FMC was scary. I am so glad that she and the MMC could recognise this and prevent a relapse. Oh the MMC is gorgeous and I love him! Their journey back to each other is a story for the ages. The surprise at the end made me cry and it's a very slow burn.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Allie Samberts for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved, “Not a Strong Enough Word.” I had only read one by Allie Samberts and it was her Halloween novella, Pumpkin to Talk About” and I adored it. This was the perfect second chance romance where the MMC is so in love with the FMC. And I’m sorry but a man with emotions, feelings, and not afraid to cry, sign me up! Their relationship was so fun and romantic. The side characters were great. There are definitely some triggers that I suggest looking up before reading. I really loved how Scarlett made decisions for HERSELF and not others or money. That’s a hard thing to do as women. Great job, Allie! Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Yep yep yep, a new Allie favorite right here friends!
The amount of heart and soul that was written into the pages of this story is unbelievable! I adored Scarlett from the very beginning. The amount of strength her character has throughout the entire story had me in awe. Seeing her struggle with her depression brought this story to reality and I think that the visuals we were given for Scarlett’s journey were written incredibly well. I fell in love with Ryan very quickly… He is something else entirely. I loved seeing his care for Scarlett even throughout their parting and that tattoo scene had me so emotional! Their growth was unlike anything else and I just adored seeing them make it work! Overall, such a beautifully written second chance romance! I cannot recommend it enough 🥺

4.5 stars rounded up — SO honoured to get to champion this book— it’s a good one! Let’s talk about it!
NaSEW is a second chance romance novel between best-selling author, Scarlett Frye (who grapples with balancing a successful career and what she wants out of life), and Ryan Whitlock, her editor (who only wants to help her but gets lost in the mix of what she truly needs).
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥? 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭?”
God, I loved this book 🥲 I was hooked from the very beginning. I mean with dual POV and timeline, short chapters, bookish main characters, and a sprinkle of tacos, how could you go wrong!? There’s even a bit of mystery as the reader unravels what happened all those years ago, and it’s all just done so well 👏
“𝘐𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘥.”
The romance between Ryan and Scarlett oozed this history and delicious familiarity that I just ate up! There was this constant push and pull between a happy reunion and grappling with grieving/uncovering their past that was 🤌 chef’s kiss!
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴: […] 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
And the mental health rep 👏 Rather than simply telling the reader what Scarlett was diagnosed with, Allie showed us. And I just can’t commend her enough for her execution of this!!
“𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳.”
Cannot recommend this one enough! Still can’t believe she’s indie! Definitely will be thinking about this one for a while!lol

Not A Strong Enough Word is an emotional, beautifully written story that dives deep into themes of mental health, healing, second chances, grief and rediscovering passion.
Scarlett Frye was once a literary star—until the pressure became too much, and she disappeared from the scene entirely.
Five years later, she’s finally ready to write again, but her return forces her to confront Ryan Whitlock, the editor she once loved but left behind.
Scarlett’s journey of healing was one of my favorite parts. The author does a great job portraying the reality of setting boundaries, learning to separate work from life, and making sure she doesn’t burn out again. Her agent was such a great source of support, and I was so relieved she had someone in her corner.
As for the romance—Ryan is an absolute gem. Sweet, patient, and so devoted to Scarlett, even after all these years. The flashbacks from five years ago were heartbreaking, seeing what he went through when she walked away.
He’s not perfect, but I appreciate that he eventually realized that what was best for Scarlett mattered more than chasing opportunities for the literary world.
While I loved the themes and the writing style, I have to admit the middle dragged a bit, with some moments feeling repetitive. And I wish we’d gotten even deeper into the emotional layers of the characters—it felt like we were just skimming the surface at times.
Overall, this was such a thoughtful, compelling read giving insight to the world of publishing.
My first time reading this author, but definitely not my last—I’m curious to see what else she has in store.
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: sexually explicit content (on-page), depressive episodes (on-poage), miscarriage, loss of a parent, grief, toxic friendship

Wednesday was pub day for @alliesambertswrites new book, NOT A STONG ENOUGH WORD and I really enjoyed it!
This book is different than Allie’s other books. This one is more emotional, raw. It’s a book that Allie needed to write, to help her own healing ❤️🩹
TW: miscarriage.
While this book touches on a difficult topic, it also sheds insight into just how tough the publishing world can be, if you are with a publishing house that cares more about the numbers than the actual authors. Scarlett’s voice wasn’t heard twice in this book. Once in the past (5 years ago, on the precipice of her walking away from a million dollar book deal), and then once in the present after her new publishing house tries to save face by using Scarlett.
Let this book also be a message that authors are REAL people with REAL feelings and opinions on how they want to write books, and his much press and interviews they are willing to do.
Okay let’s talk about Scarlett and Ryan for a minute. Scarlett is so strong, despite bit thinking that if herself. She has worked tirelessly the last five years both on herself in therapy, and writing a new book. She takes a giant leap when she decides she wants to publish it after walking away from that whole world five years ago. She confuses to show strength, perseverance and determination, adore learning that her new edition is Ryan- her old editor/ex boyfriend. This won’t be complicated at all right? She can let him edit her book and not get caught up in him again right?
Ryan. The best book boyfriend to ever book boyfriend. He is all green flags. Well, there is one instance when he acts quite stupid, but it’s because he believes in Scarlett and that she deserves the best… ❤️ Ryan has never stopped loving Scarlett after all these years not even knowing where she was or if she’s okay. He cares for her deeply, and looks after her while exiting her new book. They eventually grow closer and rekindle their relationship. It’s safe to say that Ryan is simply the best AND the best person for Scarlett.
I highly recommend reading this one!

I don’t think I have the right words for how this book made me feel — and maybe that’s fitting, because as the title says… sometimes love just isn’t a strong enough word.
From the very beginning, I felt held by this book. The author’s note was so thoughtful — content warnings, spice indicators, all laid out with such care and respect. It felt like being gently invited into a story that might hurt, but would also heal.
Scarlett and Ryan’s emotions are so real. Their pain, their hope, their grief, their joy — I felt all of it like it was happening to me. I cried. I laughed. I felt. And honestly, I think that’s the highest praise I can give any book.
I loved the dual POV — it made their connection even deeper. And the way mental health was portrayed? Raw, honest, and beautifully done. It didn’t shy away from the hard parts. It showed the darkness, yes, but also the light that comes when someone chooses to keep fighting — and is finally met with compassion instead of shame.
There are quotes from this book that will live in my heart for a long time:
“You are more important than the sum of all your words.”“Love might not be a strong enough word to describe how I feel about her, but I resolve, right then and there, to be strong enough for her so she can anchor herself to me forever.”
Not A Strong Enough Word isn’t just a romance — it’s a reminder that healing is messy, that love is a choice we make again and again, and that sometimes the most beautiful stories come from the most broken places.
This one will stay with me.

I have never felt so seen with a book!! The anxiety m/depression representation this book has is dealt with such such care. Immediately five stars because of how validated I felt!

Thank you to NetGalley and Allie Samberts for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
A beautifully done commentary on mental health and burnout. Our MMC is DOWN BAD. Still. Always. Our FMC is unwell, mentally from the burdens of being awesome. Truly. And capitalistic ways sucking the life out of her. It made me concerned for many of our beloved authors that publish often and tour non-stop.
The way our MMC was pulled to her art before he knew it was her, and how she gives the best work when he's by her side- made the chemistry so believable. Everyone in this story was believable.

The mental health rep in this book means so much to me. Anxiety is becoming more well-known and talked about, but low-functioning depression to the point of not being able to eat or shower is its own beast. I would love to see depression accurately represented in more books, like in this one! This is a very character-driven story — I could picture Scarlett and Ryan as real people. I ached for them in times of struggle and cheered them on at their best. It was emotional, relatable, motivating (as a writer myself), funny at times, and had the perfect amount of spice for my liking.

it’s NOT A STRONG ENOUGH WORD day!!! 💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this story soooo much!!! it’s a tender, sweet, loving, spicy story that authentically shows how one can grow and re-prioritize as life happens. and even the cruelest moments of life can be made just a little more bearable with your person by your side. Ryan and Scarlet are two of the most authentic, truly sweet characters I’ve ever read. they just love each other so much and have to navigate the best way to accept that and show it to the other…and get it right this time.
it’s also a book about books and storytelling which is one of my fav microtropes!!!
make sure you check out this newest, amazing wonderful story from Allie Samberts!!! 💜

Scarlett is a literary sensation who walked away from a publishing contract, and from Ryan who was her editor, and partner.
Now it's five years later and she's back with her next work. Turns out Ryan will be her editor again and this romance centres on their second chance together, and her second book. For me, it feels more about depression and (lack of) self care than it is about writing and writers. Scarlett has some significant mental health challenges and seems almost to be unable to care for herself. I felt for Ryan, and as much as he loves her, I wasn't persuaded that she could be an equal partner for him.
I love Allie's style and all things bookish, but this didn't work for me. I'll be dipping into her backlist though!
Thank you Allie Samberts and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Scarlett is a bestselling author who gave up everything five years ago and disappeared. Ryan was her editor and boyfriend at the time. Now Scarlett has written a new book and is ready to be back in the spotlight. Ryan ends up being Scarlett’s editor again and has never gotten over her. This second chance romance has dual timelines and an inside look at the writing and publishing world. There’s also mental health representation.

Thank you Allie Samberts and NetGalley for this Advanced Copy of Not a Strong Enough Word. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this! It made me tear up a couple times and smile many times. I cannot relate to the story line in any way, but that didn’t stop me from being fully invested.
I love Scarlett and Ryan’s love story. I love that they overcome some really hard obstacles and that they never stopped loving each other even though they were apart for so long. I love that Scarlett comes through her depression and gets what she wants by advocating for herself.
This is a pretty quick read. It could easily be read in one sitting. There is some spice, but not a lot. Some parts of the story may be triggering for people which I’ve listed below.
Trigger Warnings:
Miscarriage

This book is incredible! Guys it has all the feels! It was so beautifully written. It’s heartbreaking and redemptive! It’s love in its truest and deepest form! The characters feel so real and raw. This was an incredible second chance romance. This does deal with depression and miscarriage and the gut wrenching emotions that come with that! The hard topics were addressed gently and vulnerably. It was a beautiful story!

I've read all of Allie's books, and like all her books you'll be tearing up and feeling everything so deeply. So make sure to check the TW for this one!
This is one of the most raw, heartbreaking second chance romances I've ever read. Scarlett and Ryan's love story wrecked me. Yes, there's miscommunication, but honestly I get it here. Scarlett is a writer and was offered a million dollar deal but turned it down, stopped writing, and ghosted everyone - including her editor boyfriend, Ryan. You get some flashback chapters but mainly stay in the present where Scarlett tells Ryan the whole story and about her depression during her 5 year hiatus. The story continues with Scarlett doing better and writing again, and her new book lands in the hands of Ryan.
Not a Strong Enough Word is a deeply emotional book, and you can tell Allie put her soul and feelings in it.

absolutely loved this book! I was instantly sucked into the story and invested in both Scarlet and Ryan’s characters. They were just so real and relatable. The chemistry between the MCs was amazing and I love how, even after 5 years, they are still so comfortable with each other. Their relationship was just so sweet! I really appreciated all the care Allie put into telling Scarlett’s story. I also loved the way Ryan cared for Scarlett and learned the best way to support her on her healing journey. The mental health rep in this was so well done. If you love second chance, dual POV and timeline, a golden retriever MMC and mental health rep, highly recommend checking this one out! It is a quick read, but one definitely stay with me!

What happens when you have everything you could have ever dreamed of, a creative, lucrative and fulfilling career and a deeply loving relationship - but the pressures of it are slowly and quietly breaking you? For Scarlett Frye, that means walking away from it all and essentially disappearing for five years, and this is the story of her comeback.
There’s so much depth and emotion in this book. At the centre of it all is a gorgeously depicted second-chance romance, but it also deals with mental health management, balance in life, and the very real effects of burnout. It’s also a homage to the highs and lows of writing: Scarlett and Ryan connect and then re-connect through his editing of her words, and their past love story is carefully revealed as they slowly knit their lives together again in the present. They feel very real and flawed, as do the supporting characters, and all of that drew me in and got me thoroughly invested in their development and path to eventual happiness.

Oh, how I loved this book.
Allie Samberts is a ridiculously talented author. That much is clear. Ryan and Scarlett kept loving each other despite obstacles that kept them apart for 5 years.
I do wish the plot was a little bit faster in the beginning but truthfully, I think she captured the tone of how it feels to live with depression. Sometimes it feels like the days go by without things happening despite how difficult it is to keep going.
I cannot wait to read the rest of her backlist.