Kate Clayborn is the critically acclaimed author of contemporary romance novels. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Bookpage, and more. By day she works in education, and by night (and sometimes, by very early morning) she writes contemporary romances about smart, strong, modern heroines who face the world alongside true friends and complicated families. She resides in Virginia with her husband and their dog.
Longtime personal assistant Georgie Mulcahy has made a career out of putting others before herself. When an unexpected upheaval sends her away from her hectic job in L.A. and back to her hometown, Georgie must confront an uncomfortable truth: her own wants and needs have always been a disconcertingly blank page. But then Georgie comes across a forgotten artifact—a "friendfic" diary she wrote as a teenager, filled with possibilities she once imagined. To an overwhelmed Georgie, the diary's simple, small-scale ideas are a lifeline—a guidebook for getting started on a new path. Georgie's plans hit a snag when she comes face to face with an unexpected roommate—Levi Fanning, onetime town troublemaker and current town hermit. But this quiet, grouchy man is more than just his reputation, and he offers to help Georgie with her quest. As the two make their way through her wish list, Georgie begins to realize that what she truly wants might not be in the pages of her diary after all, but right by her side—if only they can both find a way to let go of the pasts that hold them back.
I loved that the romance between Georgie and Levi wasn't rooted in lust—sure, I love instant attraction as much as the next romance reader, but the romance overall feels sweeter when the initial interactions are colored by confusion and kindness, because it makes the relationship feel real, and all the more rewarding for it. Georgie and Levi aren't just characters in a romance novel—Clayborn fleshes them out to well, and in such a detailed way, that it feels like they are very real people. Relatability to characters is important to me, and I found parts of both Georgie's and Levi's characters resonating with me. Getting to explore their characters and their growth through dual POV was a treat, and Clayborn balances their voices well, making the story stronger because of both contributions.
Georgie's best friend, Bel, and her teenage crush, Evan (also Levi's brother) both play big roles in the story. What I love about the side characters in Georgie, All Along is how they prove that love stories are full of more than just the person you're falling in love with. Georgie's journey is affected by Bel's, and vice versa. Getting to watch both of them grow on the page was a treat, because it demonstrated that everyone is growing and that friendship adapts. Evan's role, while mostly passive until near the end, was also heart-wrenchingly sweet, and the story is stronger for it. Clayborn's ability to include strong side characters makes the romance between the main characters stronger, and the overall story richer.
The romance between Georgie and Levi wasn't the whole point of the story; Georgie's and Levi's ability to grow as individuals contributed to their romance, making the focus of the story truly falling in love with yourself and understanding yourself in order to be ready to accept the love of another. Both characters struggle in paralleling ways. While they don't need the other to recognize their struggle, or need the other in order to solve their problems, having the other person is a great help in their journey. I loved how Clayborn depicted all of this with strength and grace, showing that love is so much more than lust or those fickle feelings that fade. That's what makes Georgie, All Along so special and unique, that I hope every romance reader picks it up off the shelf to fall in love with Georgie and Levi—it's more than romance and everything a good romance should be.
I can't wait for more Kate Clayborn, but for now I think I'll check out all the books she's already published!
*This review can also be found on my Goodreads page*
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