Wasted Words (The Austens, #1)

by Staci Hart

Some universal truths refuse to be ignored.

Peanut butter and jelly are a match made in heaven. Spaghetti and meatballs are best friends forever. And guys like Tyler Knight don’t go for girls like Cam Emerson.

She knew from the second she met him that he didn’t belong on her bookshelf, the six-foot-six ex-tight end with a face so all-American, it could have sold apple pie. So she shelved him next to the supermodels and rock stars and took her place on her own shelf — the one with the flannel-clad, pasty-faced comic book nerds. Most of her boyfriends have existed between the pages of books, but rather than worrying over her own lacking love life, she puts all her energy into playing Cupid, using her job at the book bar, Wasted Words, as her stomping ground.

Tyler Knight always looks on the bright side. His career-ending injury turned into a job as a sports agent. A horrible breakup led him to Cam, his quirky, smart roommate who is far more beautiful than she realizes. She’s made it perfectly clear she’s not interested in him — not like that at least — but if she ever changes her mind, he won’t hesitate. Because he doesn’t see the lines she’s drawn between them, as much as she insists that they’re there. Deep down he knows that despite their differences, they’re a match well made.

*A standalone romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma*

• ASIN: B01FOIRU3C
• Publish Date: 19 May 2016 (first published 14 May 2016)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Staci Hart Novels
• Format: eBook (Kindle)
• Pages: 349
• Language: English

Reviews

[stacey_is_sassy]

Don't waste your words

***3.5 stars***

Wasted Words was my first read by Staci Hart. It was cute and quirky with an original storyline that kept my attention from start to finish.

Communication is the key to any successful relationship but seems to be the first thing missing in Romacelandia. There is plenty of communication skills being used but not with each other. He's talking his problems out with his parents and she's sharing her concerns with her best gal pal. Here's a refreshing change, have an HONEST chat with the person who matters, your partner/lover.

Do you risk your heart when it seems like you don't match?

Should you only be with someone who is similar to you?

For me, the answer is definitely NO! I couldn't be more different from my hubby if I tried. He's laid back and I stress. I love reading and he couldn't think of anything worse. He watches TV and I hate the fake, unrealistic and monotonous tv shows. But, we're happy and we balance each other out. In this story, Cam's greatest fear is risking her friendship with Tyler by starting a relationship. Cam is sure that Tyler will get sick of her and move on...but if she takes the risk, she could lose everything.

Once Cam and Tyler realise their friendship was more, things seemed to settle, except for Cam's doubts. Will Tyler be able to convince Cam that their relationship is worth taking a risk? Will all the doubters, who think they're mismatched, make it even harder for Cam to commit?

Silly, young whippersnappers, open your bloody mouths and communicate.

There were parts of this story I struggled with a little. Cam is extremely messed up and, for such a supposed smart person, very silly. Her matchmaking skills were a way to distract her from her own issues and lead to some very uncomfortable situations for her friends. To try and match Tyler up with someone else, knowing she had some feelings seemed crazy.

Tyler came across as a little weak to be honest which is strange considering he's muscly and 6ft 6. Keeping a friendship with someone like Kyle, who bad mouthed Cam, was something I found hard to forgive him for. He is sweet, just needed to be sensible when he decided to use his backbone.

I enjoyed reading Wasted Words and will try another book from this author.

[thebookdisciple]

Good, but not mind blowingly good. Cam's insecurities were annoying after awhile.

[whisperingchapters]

This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.


Cam is all about matchmaking. She studies a person and can immediately tell their drink preference and also, who to set them up with. She believes opposites don't attract due to a nightmare she experienced in high school. Tyler is her best friend and there's a girl that seems interested in him so Cam sets out to help but she starts to realize that maybe she wants Tyler for herself. Will she finally believe opposites attract?

I was in love with love. There's something terribly satisfying about imagining two people falling in love and then witnessing it. To know that you had a hand in them finding someone to love, especially when you hadn't found love yourself.

Cam was a very interesting character. She is whimsical, nerdy, beautiful inside and out. She wants people to have their happy ending without going through heart ache so she gives them the push they need to go in the right direction of finding that special someone. Something I didn't like about Cam was that she despised to be wrong. So when Tyler suggests a girl shouldn't be paired with who Cam set her up, Cam doesn't believe it for a second and does everything in her power to push the couple she chose together. This ended up in a mess and I was so furious with Cam because of it. Still, she saw the error of her ways and I was able to forgive her. One thing I did love about her is that she's a reader! She talks about re-reading her favorite book and I was able to relate to her!

I'd lived a thousand lives through the books I'd read, which meant I was certain I could conquer just about anything.

Tyler... *fans face* This guy is freakishly hot, okay? I felt like I would melt! He's a very respectable character, with a good career even after his football injury. He always looked for the positive in every situation. When he realized he should make his feelings for Cam known, he was so determined! I was rooting for him to get down to business ;) But once again, Cam was a tough pill to swallow. I understand where her insecurities come from, I do because I've been there but she takes it to an extreme. She has Tyler showing her he adores her so much that their shouldn't be room for doubts, yet she manages to second-guess their relationship because she truly believes opposites don't attract.

I'd never even entertained the idea of him and me as anything more than what we were. He belonged on his shelf and I belonged on mine.

The rest of the characters were a fantastic addition. We even have Rose and Patrick from Last Call making an appearance! Despite Cam's behavior, I was able to enjoy the book because of Tyler and the secondary characters. Plus, I love the friends-to-lovers trope way too much, and even more if they are roommates!

Overall, it was a fun story with all the quirks. If you like the friends-to-lovers stories with a bit of drama thrown in it, then this one is for you.

I received an eARC for free in exchange for an honest review.This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.

[limabean74]

*image created by Staci Hart

First Impression:

I was a little nervous getting into this book only because it is inspired by Emma by Jane Austin and I never read that, however, even without reading it this was still very enjoyable. The cover, as always, is gorgeous, she always has that best covers and it really gives you a good idea of what the characters look like. I adore Staci Hart so I know right away I would love this book and I love her writing style. Lots of funny moments and just knows how to tell a great story.

The Story & Characters:

Cam is a nerd and Tyler is a super sexy ex-football player. They are the complete opposite but something in the stars has a different outcome for these two. Cam only wants someone that is on her "shelf" and things Tyler is completely not for her. She spends most of her time finding matches for everyone else. When something changes between them can Cam finally realize that Tyler might just be the guy for her?

I loved the flow of the story, I enjoyed all the funny moment. With just enough steamy moment balanced with a great cast of characters and a fantastic story. This books was so cute and I adored Cam and Tyler together. I really think she needed to stop thinking and just let whatever happened happen. The only real issue I had with this books was all this talk about the Giants. As a Jets girl this was very upsetting. ;) Staci has a great way of writing villain character that would really would love to meet in person and just punch in the face. They always seem to make me so angry.

I loved the cameo of some characters from the Habits series and I thought the secondary characters add so much more to this book. I enjoyed everyone. Whenever I read Staci's books I always want to have friends like she writes, they just seem so amazing and supportive. Plus her steamy scenes are always something I may or may not like to read twice. She really knows how to make you get butterflies in your tummy.

Final Thoughts:

Once again, Staci has written a fantastic story with a great group of characters. I adore her and her writing and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. One of my favorite Authors, I highly recommend checking out Wasted Words, you will not be disappointed!

*image created by Staci Hart

Thanks for stopping by to check out my review.

Have a great day and Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life