Have you read and reviewed it yet?

Cross-posted on Substack.

I’m an author with a pretty thick skin, but I don’t typically read reviews of the books I write. That said, I had a really wonderful PA this time around (hi, Brooke!), and she combed through the reviews so I didn’t have to. I wanted to share some of those awesome reviews with you today! (And make sure you get to the Updates section because I have a few reminders there, too!)

But first…

The cicadas are slowly, SLOWLY disappearing. (I say “disappearing” because it sound better than “dying,” though we all know I don’t mind if those devil-bugs go back to the underworld where they came from.) They’re very quiet in the mornings, now, which has allowed me to enjoy my coffee on the patio with a book. It has been lovely. That said, right around 10:30 am, they start up again, and they are still super loud. Not only that, but they’re starting to get stupid. I’d say they’re dive-bombing people, but I think they’re just kind of dropping from trees and falling wherever they fall, which is often on people. Their little inanimate (dead) bodies are starting to pile up on sidewalks. Sometimes they’re not inanimate, and they jump up at you if you pass too close to them. That’s always fun. Between them and the heat dome, I’m back to running on the treadmill for at least the next week or so.

But, my friends, the end is in sight.

I am just absolutely blown away by all the positive feedback Common Grounds has been getting. I have a hard time tooting my own horn sometimes, but I do think this is my best book yet, and it holds a special place in my heart. Maybe it’s the coffee, or the Croatian heritage, or Emery feeling stuck in her job, or the waffles and whipped cream. I don’t know, but there’s just something about this book that makes me happy.

But don’t listen to me. I’m biased. Here are some of the amazing reviews straight from Goodreads! (click to enlarge)

If images are tough, here they are in text form:

*****
Allie Samberts has become an auto-buy author for me and Common Grounds was all I wanted it to be and more! First— I LOVED the older MCs. As a 37-year old woman, I can’t really get into college student love stories anymore. It was a breath of fresh air to read a love story featuring full-grown adults with adult challenges! I also thought the storyline was unique, and | liked that the stakes were super dear for both characters. This was a swoony, steamy, cozy read and one you won’t regret picking up!

*****
This was SOOOOO COZY! I was smiling the entire time, tbh.

Trevor was dreamy and Emery was a soft lil grump and I was delighted watching them fall for each other. He falls first and he falls FAST and frankly everyone should be looked at by their partner the way Trevor looks at Emery!

*****
This is such a sweet rom-com and will really make you want a cup of delicious coffee so come prepared!

*****
A well crafted rom com with deeply rich in personal growth, and hints of bitters. You will love the fragrant open door scenes and classic hot vs cold brew in Trevor and Emery’s relationship.

*****
Fix your favorite cup of coffee (I hear honey lavender lattes are pretty good), grab a comfy blanket & get ready for a read that is so sweet you can’t remember if you just read a book or drank 4 lattes while reading said book.

*****
Common Grounds by Allie Samberts is a relevant, relatable, fun romance in the medium sized town of Baker’s Grove, Indiana. With some giggle out loud moments, this story leaves you longing for Emery and Trevor to discover the perfect blend for their HEA while the diverse cast of characters do their best to intervene for their friends (with the best of intentions of course). This is one book you won’t want to put down!

*****
This story was amazing from start to finish! A golden retriever mmc and a black cat fmc. I absolutely LOVE Trevor! He was practically head over heels in love with Emery since the moment he saw her and was never really hiding that fact from her or anyone else. Their first meeting was like destiny, they were truly made for each other (that entire ‘date’ was perfection!)

If you have read and reviewed Common Grounds, I cannot thank you enough. These past few weeks have been amazing. I truly have the best readers. And if you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy at the link above, fix yourself a latte, and enjoy this steamy, summer romance. And, when you’re done, don’t forget to leave a review!

So many things are happening!!!

• Did you get your Common Grounds bonus epilogue? If not, you need to subscribe to my Substack and a link will be delivered to your email!
• SUNDAY, JUNE 23 (I’m extending the deadline!) is the last day to order your signed copy of the hardcover special edition of The Write Place. After today, I’m closing the order form, and the only way you’ll be able to get one signed after that is to see me in person. So, if you want a signed special edition, grab it now!
• But, you can see me in person! Next Thursday, June 27, I’ll be doing a Q&A (with @ alyssa__reads !!!) and a signing at The Last Chapter Bookshop in Chicago. You can get tickets here, and it comes with a copy of Common Grounds!
• I’ll also be at Romance Con in Milwaukee on September 6-7, 2024. Come meet me and get your books signed! If you don’t have copies yet, you can preorder them here.
• I have a limited number of signed copies of all of my paperbacks in stock! If you are trying to grab one for you or as a gift, get them now before they run out again.

Now that school is done and Common Grounds is out, I have been reading a TON. Mostly fantasy novels by KF Breene. She’s my go-to author when I need something funny with a badass FMC and some spice. I finally finished what’s available of the Leveling Up series (An FMC in her 40s? Sign me up.) and have moved on to the Demon Days, Vampire Nights series. If you’re looking for some fun fantasy, look no further.

If you’ve read Common Grounds already, thank you. Whether you were an ARC reader, or you bought it or read it on KU, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you. And if you haven’t read it yet, it’s the perfect, bingeable read for when you’re sitting by the pool. When you’re done, be sure to leave a review!

☕️ May your coffee be iced and your books be HOT. ☕️

Happy reading!