Publication Date: August 18, 2026
They agreed on no strings. But their hearts keep landing on the same page.
A year ago, literary agent Trina McBryde and editor Casey Endersen ended their no-strings arrangement. It was perfect for two people who didn’t want a relationship. But what started as a way to blow off steam and have a little fun almost put their careers at stake, along with their feelings for each other.
When an important publishing conference brings them together again, the desire they tried to deny is back, and stronger than ever. But the real challenge comes afterward-Casey needs Trina to sign a promising new writer, which means that after a year of avoiding each other, they’ll be forced to work together again. Late-night calls, whispered strategy sessions, and stolen glances make every professional interaction dangerously personal.
Every secret meeting carries the risk of exposure. If anyone finds out, they could lose more than just their jobs-they could lose their reputations.
But Casey has already fallen…again. And Trina is running out of ways to resist.
As professional boundaries blur, they’ll have to decide if being on the same page means following the rules-or finally writing their own.
Not on the Same Page is the second book in Allie Samberts’ Strong Enough series and is an emotional read that explores issues that sometimes cross professional boundaries.
Trina isn’t sure she has the capacity to cope fully in life and both love and be loved, especially since she’s not sure she deserves it.
Trina and Casey tell their stories in alternating chapters. She’s an agent, and he’s an editor who were hooking up on-again, off-again a year ago but ended it because they shouldn’t be since they have a work relationship and it wouldn’t be appropriate. The prologue sets the journey in motion and gets messy fast. Then we fast-forward a year, and their paths unexpectedly cross on the way to a work conference they are both attending. Will they pick up where they left off?
There are vivid descriptions throughout, along with very steamy moments that they know could cost them their jobs, especially when they are working together to represent a new young author. We see them go back and forth, wanting to be together and make it work, but also pulling back.
We learn about their families, their fears and hurts, but also their successes. There’s a good flow to the story, and the epilogue takes place six months later and offers some closure, but I wish it had gone on a little longer, since there were a few loose ends and the ending felt rushed, with a few details just dropped in.
Not on the Same Page is a contemporary romance set in Chicago that highlights books and publishing, with heartwarming and heartbreaking moments.
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.
