Wasted Words by Staci Hart

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*

Reviewed by stacey_is_sassy on

4 of 5 stars

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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.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 22 August, 2017: Finished reading
  • 22 August, 2017: Reviewed