This was such a beautiful story - soft and gentle and completely heartwarming - I loved every second.

Thank you for the review copy.

Thank you for my eARC of this book. I liked the premise of this and though I feel the delivery was somewhat lacking in places, it was an enjoyable and easy read.

I requested this one because I've loved so many other books by Kate Clayborn, but sadly, I didn't enjoy this one as her other books.
It was a bit long and slow for me, with too much of the character's inner thoughts.

I did like Georgie though, and loved her relationships with her friends and family. It was cute.

This is such a great piece of writing that whatever I say won’t be enough to express how much I truly loved this book! Read it if you want to feel your heart wide open!

"Georgie, All Along" by Kate Clayborn is a heartwarming and character-driven contemporary romance. The story unfolds as Georgie, a renowned musician, and her childhood friend Lennon, a talented composer, navigate their evolving relationship and past secrets. Clayborn's skillful character development and vivid storytelling bring these complex individuals to life, making the reader's connection with them all the more meaningful. This novel is a beautifully written exploration of love, friendship, and the power of forgiveness.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances and technical issues I cannot review this book, although when I read the bibliography and looked at the front cover, I absolutely loved the idea of this book and I am so gutted that I cannot read this book. I don’t have a copy to read as net. Galley has not sent the document properly to my kindle so unfortunately I don’t have a copy to read so although it is outside of the download threshold I cannot read download this book so I can’t leave a review unfortunately, but I may purchase this book in future as it does pique my fancy.

This easy to read novel was equal parts a tender romance and a story of self-acceptance. The plot remained quite contained within the main characters’ lives but this only added to the novel’s warm, cozy feeling.

Georgie went on a personal journey, coming to realise that she was enough just as she was. It was fine to not have big grand plans or be hustling for the next career stepping stone. I appreciated the message that doing what feels right is more important than doing what society expects.

The romance wasn’t as slowburn as I thought it was going to be. There was definitely a sense of longing between Georgie and Levi but things progressed a lot sooner than I thought. Even though I did enjoy the romance, there was something about Levi’s character that prevented me from fully getting behind their love story. He didn’t give off the reformed bad boy energy that I was looking for. The little that was described of his chequered past was so far removed from his current self that I couldn’t fully understand his character. This meant I didn’t fall in love with him as I hoped.

Despite the novel’s emphasis on Georgie’s personal journey and her romance with Levi, my favourite aspect was actually her friendship with Bel. Bel was the driving force behind Georgie moving back to her small hometown, as Georgie wanted be there for her best friend as she got closer to the date her baby was due. Likewise, Bel was massively supportive of Georgie in her quest to achieve her ‘friendfic’ goals.

Overall, this novel gave off a warm, comforting vibe as it followed its endearing heroine on her journey to self-acceptance. Along the way, it featured a tender romance and an empowering friendship.

A cute, charming story of love and self-discovery.

This was everywhere on social media recently and now I know why.

Thanks NetGalley and Little Brown Group UK, Piatkus for the ARC!

Synopsis –

Georgie Mulcahy has led a crazy hectic life as a personal assistant in the movie industry of LA. Now back to her home town, she has a huge blank space in front of her to fill. Thanks to her best friend Annabel, she finds her ‘friendfic’ that she had written as a teenager – a diary full of ideas for the future life. Along with her housemate Levi, Georgie embarks on a new journey checking items off her wish-list, falling in love with her life as well as finding her true love.

Review -

Alternating between Georgie and Levi’s narratives, It took me some time to warm up to both of them. But slowly, they got me on board with their stories. Soon, I cared for them, swooned and cheered for them “all along”!

Clayborn has done an incredible job with her debut - creating complex characters, handling their backstories and emotional states sensitively, portraying their flaws, quirks, deepest thought processes and desires poignantly, along with a touch of humor.

Georgie All Along involves several elements I appreciate in a feel good romance –

1) Quaint small town
2) Enjoyable supporting characters
3) A delightful and reliable best friend for the heroine – Annabelle
4) Instant attraction but a sweetly, slowly developed chemistry between the MCs.
5) The hook – ‘friendfic’ that acts like an anchor, giving meaning and purpose to Georgie when she feels clueless about her life.
6) Easy beautiful writing, that ebbs and flows with the characters’ emotions
7) A rewarding and satisfying ending that oozes love, joy, upliftment and positivity

It was heartwarming to see Georgie and Levi deal with their past, embrace their love, find their footing and gear up for their wonderful future.

Definitely recommend if you love the genre!

[ARC provided by NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Piatkus. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Georgie, All Along.]

Rating: 4.5/5

Georgie, All Along was everything I could possibly want from a contemporary romance and more. Grumpy love interest? Here for it. Forced Proximity? Say no more. Adorable dog that can do no wrong?? Sign me up! This book ticked so many boxes and on top of that, the characters were lovable and relatable. This is a book that every romance lover needs to read, especially if you love a brooding male lead because trust me, you’re going to love Levi.

This story starts with the main character, Georgie, returning home after leaving behind her fast-paced life in LA. This unwelcome upheaval leads her to question what she wants to do with her life, and how she’ll fill in this next chapter that for now appears to be nothing more than a blank page. When she arrives home, she is met with an unexpected roommate – Levi Fanning, a man with a troubling reputation. As they both battle with the weight of their pasts, they also grow closer and realise that they each have more to offer than they might think.

This is a tender story that came at the right point in my life because Georgie feels so incredibly familiar and it wasn’t until I was halfway through the story that I realised it’s because I see so much of myself in her. Admittedly I had a little bit more of a plan than she did growing up, but now that I’m in my late 20s it can sometimes feel like I’m coasting along aimlessly, taking the wins and losses as they come without much thought. The best thing about this story? It’s reminder that there’s nothing wrong with that.

Georgie, All Along is a dual POV story so we get Levi as well as Georgie’s insight into the story as it progresses which I really loved, and more than anything, I just want to give Levi the biggest hug. Despite his troublemaking backstory, he’s now grown up and living a hermit life that involves his work, his dog, and keeping his head down. I really felt for him as more was revealed and enjoyed watching his character development throughout the story. Despite his flaws, he really tried to be better and there’s no denying how much he loved Georgie and all of her quirks.

I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet and thoughtful contemporary romance. I came away from this story really feeling like I knew all of the characters and reaching that final page was so bittersweet. I came for the romance but stayed for the life lessons, and for the dog. I love you Hank.

3.5 Stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

Kate Clayborn is a great writer and I’ll definitely be picking up more of her books. I enjoyed how engaging this book was

I wasn’t a fan of Georgie and Levi individually as they both came across as emotionally immature, but I did like them as a couple.

There was a missed opportunity for a bit of a love triangle with Levi’s brother Evan, who was Georgie’s teenage crush.

Oh my! I just loved this book! Its full of emotions and just a beautiful read! I thought the whole story was gripping and so easy to read.

Diving into this story was like embarking on a slow burn adventure that demanded patience and investment, but the journey was undeniably worth it. The intricate backgrounds of the characters added a layer of complexity that initially posed a challenge, but ultimately enriched the narrative in profound ways.

The unveiling of secrets throughout the narrative was executed with a subtlety that showcased the author's mastery. Each revelation felt like a carefully placed puzzle piece that fell into perfect alignment, creating a satisfyingly complete picture. The gradual unraveling of these mysteries kept me engaged and invested in the characters' fates.

What truly stood out was the delicate exploration of emotions that resonated with authenticity. The characters' internal struggles, as well as their journey towards honesty and vulnerability, were depicted with a rare and refreshing honesty. This portrayal added a genuine depth to the story, making the emotional payoff all the more impactful.

As I progressed through the pages, I found myself gradually becoming more engrossed in the characters' lives. The patient build-up allowed me to connect on a deeper level, fostering a bond that intensified as the story unfolded. By the time the journey reached its conclusion, I felt a profound sense of satisfaction and attachment to the characters' growth.

In a world where instant gratification often takes precedence, this story is a reminder of the beauty that lies in taking one's time. It's a testament to the power of storytelling that unfolds gradually, leaving a lasting impression that lingers well after the final page. For those willing to invest their time and emotions, this slow burn masterpiece

Thanks so much to Little Brown, Kate Clayborn and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own!

This is such a heartwarming and introspective novel that explores themes of self-discovery, second chances, and the beauty of embracing one's true desires. This book is a journey filled with emotion and growth.

Georgie Mulcahy is a relatable and endearing character whose life has revolved around putting others before herself. The sudden change that sends her back to her hometown becomes an opportunity for her to confront the empty spaces in her own life. As Georgie stumbles upon her 'friendfic' diary from her teenage years, weaving together a narrative that captures the essence of hope and possibility.

Levi Fanning, the unexpected roommate and former town troublemaker, serves as an intriguing foil to Georgie. Their interactions are nuanced and filled with a mix of vulnerability and genuine connection. Clayborn's exploration of their growing relationship is both tender and thought-provoking, as they help each other face their pasts and navigate the uncharted waters of their futures.

The story's pacing is well-balanced, allowing for introspective moments and character growth while maintaining a sense of momentum. The diary's role as a guide to Georgie's new path is a clever device that adds depth to the narrative and encourages readers to reflect on their own dreams and aspirations.

Clayborn's prose is emotive and evocative, capturing the small-town atmosphere and the complex emotions of the characters. The emotional depth of the novel is its greatest strength, as it delves into the fears and insecurities that often hold us back from pursuing our true desires.

With its relatable characters, poignant storytelling, and themes of personal growth, this book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a heartfelt journey of rediscovery and second chances.

It got me out of my reading slump finally!

It's about Georgie who comes back to her hometown in Virginia after she loses her job as the personal assistant of a Hollywood hot shot. She's been flaky all her life, indecisive about what she really wants to do with her life. Back home, she meets Levi, the estranged elder brother of her high school crush. It has romance, friendship, and the need to find oneself in the truest of senses.

Fans of Colleen Hoover and Emily Henry would love this.

I loved this book and how emotional it was as well as how sweet it ended up being. My favourite part of this book was all the complexities in Levi and Georgie and how they worked through it all.

A really great, fun and intriguing read. I loved the characters and the story. Will look out for more from this author.

I’ve seen this book around Instagram so much that when I got the chance to get an early copy of it, I didn’t hesitate to request it!

And I’m so glad I got this opportunity🥰 although the book initially was a tiny bit too slow, once the pace picked up, I couldn’t put it down! I was invested in the characters and their personal journeys -as well as the romance, of course!

I loved Georgie and Levi! They were so relatable and I loved their character development and seeing them go from two lost, insecure souls who were questioning their entire identities to two happy people, who weren’t afraid of putting themselves first and were confident about their futures (or at the very least, looking forward about what they would bring).

Their similar (yet also very different) struggles made them a perfect match and they perfect partners for their journeys. I LOVED their relationship from the moment they met at the shop!

If you’re looking for a great book with amazing romance, realistic characters and fantastic character development and growth, make sure to get this one!

★ 4.5/5 Stars ★

A huge thank you to Little Brown Book Group, Piatkus and Netgalley for sending me this amazing ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a cute cosy read! The MCs were really likeable and I really liked that they both had their own struggles that they were working through. Their journey of self acceptance was lovely however maybe a little rushed towards the end of the book for my taste. I really enjoyed this overall and it gave me a lovely warm fuzzy feeling.

This is a great one for you if you like: grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, small town romance, and opposites attract tropes!

3.75 stars ⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Georgie, All Along was a pretty standard romance – I read it in a couple of days and I enjoyed the Virginia setting, the figuring-yourself-out storyline and the small hometown that didn't at all feel stereotypical. But I found Levi's perspective to be soooo unconvincing, which sadly made this not a favourite!

I really loved parts of this book. I got all the fuzzy feelings from Georgie and Levi’s relationship and their connection with each other and an understanding of who each other is. Levi’s trying to shed a reputation from his youth in a town that remembers his past and Georgie is trying to work out what she wants instead of solving everyone else’s problems. Together, they’re very sweet and they challenge each other but they’ve both got a lot to work through. I liked how patient and understanding Georgie was with Levi. He makes mistakes and he doesn’t always react as he should but by having his narrative, we see what his thought process is and what makes him afraid and upset and he’s a big imperfect softy. This book definitely shows you it’s okay to make mistakes and change your mind about things, whether through Georgie and Levi or through Bel and Harry. Despite all the things I enjoyed about this book it was sometimes very slow going and had some sections focusing on single conversations that were overly long because of the waffly thoughts of the person narrating jammed in between the dialogue. However, this was a good book and I definitely have a soft spot for Georgie and Levi, but even more so for lovable Hank, and I’m glad I picked it up!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.