Not a Strong Enough Word: Volume 1
Will be published approx. on 2. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-1-964264-59-2 (ISBN)
Description
A slow-burn second chance romance set in the publishing world, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Colleen Hoover.
Five years apart. One unfinished love story.
Scarlett Frye was once a literary genius. With two bestselling novels, a million-dollar book deal, and a love story of her own, she had it all-until the pressure broke her. Five years ago, she canceled her book tour, shredded her contract, and disappeared. She left everything behind, including Ryan Whitlock, the editor who believed in her... and the man she loved.
Now, after years of healing, she's ready to write again.
For Ryan, Scarlett's disappearance wasn't just a professional loss, it was personal. It shattered his heart and sent him into a slump. That is, until an anonymous manuscript lands on his desk. The writing is brilliant, raw, and achingly familiar-it can only be Scarlett's.
As fate brings them back together, Scarlett reluctantly agrees to let Ryan edit her comeback novel, even though it means working with the man she never stopped loving. Old passions reignite, but when pressure builds and buried secrets resurface, Ryan fears history will repeat itself.
Scarlett walked away once. But as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of the past, she and Ryan must be strong enough to rewrite their story before it's too late.
Five years apart. One unfinished love story.
Scarlett Frye was once a literary genius. With two bestselling novels, a million-dollar book deal, and a love story of her own, she had it all-until the pressure broke her. Five years ago, she canceled her book tour, shredded her contract, and disappeared. She left everything behind, including Ryan Whitlock, the editor who believed in her... and the man she loved.
Now, after years of healing, she's ready to write again.
For Ryan, Scarlett's disappearance wasn't just a professional loss, it was personal. It shattered his heart and sent him into a slump. That is, until an anonymous manuscript lands on his desk. The writing is brilliant, raw, and achingly familiar-it can only be Scarlett's.
As fate brings them back together, Scarlett reluctantly agrees to let Ryan edit her comeback novel, even though it means working with the man she never stopped loving. Old passions reignite, but when pressure builds and buried secrets resurface, Ryan fears history will repeat itself.
Scarlett walked away once. But as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of the past, she and Ryan must be strong enough to rewrite their story before it's too late.
Reviews / Votes
"Not a Strong Enough Word is a masterclass in the heartfelt, emotional journey of a second-chance romance. From the relatable characters, to the literary setting, to the friendships, I adored every page. Scarlett and Ryan's love is deeply romantic, in a soft, tender way that will pull at readers' heartstrings!" -- Jillian Meadows, USA Today bestselling author of Give Me Butterflies "A deeply emotional tale about healing, re-connection, and the strength it takes to face the past." * Kirkus Reviews * "Readers who appreciate tender rekindled romances, strong female characters, and stories set in the publishing world will find this story deeply rewarding." * Kirkus Reviews * "There's something about Allie's writing that feels like a warm cup of coffee and Not a Strong Enough Word was not the exception. Except, this time, the cup of coffee came with a box of tissues as a side. Every word in this book was delivered with emotion and something that I can only describe as magic. Allie comes straight to break your heart, but don't worry, by the end, she mends it again."-- Ambar Cordova, author of <I>The Truth Never Spoken</I> "Allie Samberts delivers a heart wrenching second-chance romance, drenched in the messy, beautiful weight of grief, burnout, and hope. Raw, poignant, and unflinchingly real-Not a Strong Enough Word will stay with you long after the last page."
-- Linny Mack, author of <I>Changing Tides</I> "Perhaps the perfect words for this breathtaking love story are 'must-read.'"
-- M.K. Williams, author of <I>The Infinite-Infinite</I> "Allie has mastered the art of balancing the rawest emotions with hope, and joy, and pleasure. A truly special book. I have not stopped thinking about this book. Allie has captured grief, and overwhelm, and the weight of pressure so astutely I felt she could have ripped these words from my own soul. A must-read for fans of Book Lovers, Writers and Lovers, and Beautiful World Where Are You."
-- Holly June Smith, Author of <I>Can I Tell You Something?</I>
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Meredith Wild LLC
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 133 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
295 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-964264-59-2 (9781964264592)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Allie Samberts is a romance writer, book lover, and high school English teacher. She was voted funniest teacher of the year for 2023 by her students, which is probably her highest honor to date. She is also a runner, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two kids. You can follow her on Instagram @alliesambertswrites, TikTok @alliesamberts, YouTube @alliesamberts, subscribe to her newsletter at alliesamberts.substack.com, and get other updates at www.alliesamberts.com.