Publication Date: November 11, 2025
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 after an epic meltdown that pulled the plug on her career, author Scarlett Frye wants a second chance.
Author Allie Samberts serves up a powerful story where past and present collide in Not a Strong Enough Word. To achieve her dreams of a comeback, Scarlett must put her latest literary baby in the hands of the man—and editor—she walked away from.
Told in alternating viewpoints, the emotional impact is strong. In his role at the publishing house’s new imprint, Ryan struggles with burnout. Compared to Scarlett’s effortless prose, everything pales in comparison.
The main characters manage to navigate a bit of deception that lands them back in writer/editor mode. Each encounter delivers top-notch angst. It is beautiful to see Scarlett’s vision come to life under Ryan’s skilled hands. Business aside, the two share a powerful connection, offering a shot at reconciliation.
Not a Strong Enough Word tugs at the heartstrings in all the right ways.
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, two kids, and a very loud beagle.
