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Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard
Miranda Monroe’s world just imploded. Not only did she just get dumped by her long-time boyfriend, but she got dumped in the most humiliatingly painful way imaginable. Very suddenly single, homeless, and heartbroken, she runs to the only person she knows will always be there for her.
Sam Church. Her best friend (and the man she’d once secretly been madly in love with).
Which is how she finds herself, emotionally spent and financially crippled, somehow agreeing to his outrageous that she move into his guest bedroom. Temporarily, of course. Just until she gets back on her feet.
There’s only one problem. In the midst of mending her shattered heart, in the process of trying to find herself again (just who is Miranda Monroe?), her thoughts keep getting distracted, wandering in the most confusing and forbidden of ways…just down the hall from her.
Which is ludicrous. The most commitment-phobic person she’s ever met, Sam is off-limits to Miranda for all kinds of reasons. But mostly, because he’s her best friend—and she loves him too much to lose him. So why, suddenly, can’t she seem to stop fantasizing about him? Why can’t she stop hoping for something more?
Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard is a best-friends-to-lovers romantic comedy underscored with notes of healing fiction and the echoing sentiments of an adult coming-of-age novel.
Sam Church. Her best friend (and the man she’d once secretly been madly in love with).
Which is how she finds herself, emotionally spent and financially crippled, somehow agreeing to his outrageous that she move into his guest bedroom. Temporarily, of course. Just until she gets back on her feet.
There’s only one problem. In the midst of mending her shattered heart, in the process of trying to find herself again (just who is Miranda Monroe?), her thoughts keep getting distracted, wandering in the most confusing and forbidden of ways…just down the hall from her.
Which is ludicrous. The most commitment-phobic person she’s ever met, Sam is off-limits to Miranda for all kinds of reasons. But mostly, because he’s her best friend—and she loves him too much to lose him. So why, suddenly, can’t she seem to stop fantasizing about him? Why can’t she stop hoping for something more?
Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard is a best-friends-to-lovers romantic comedy underscored with notes of healing fiction and the echoing sentiments of an adult coming-of-age novel.
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
284 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2023
23 people are currently reading
1918 people want to read
About the author
Amber Laura
13 books54 followersIt's that twisting pinch of excitement in your stomach when the girl rounds the corner and-your fingers slip quickly to the next page-and there he is. The guy. Her guy. Leaning up against the side of a building, just as though he'd been waiting for her there all along. And, of course, he had been.
It's that chapter when, over one too many glasses of wine, she finally speaks, sharing an intimate story of loss and betrayal; her voice thickens, the words rambling, bumbling over themselves as she tries to sort through a pain she's never let herself share before-and tears swim in your eyes as you read along....
It's that passage when the world shifts before your eyes, replaced by a still, quiet lake in the middle of the Midwest, replete with tall, mossy pines and the scent of sweet-grass; or perhaps it's a bustling side-street in Paris, or powdery sand in a small, pastel-colored coastal town-and you tag along for the journey, without ever leaving home.
It's the scene when friendships are made (and they're real and they are profoundly felt), that love is found, when ordinary lives are explored for all of the extraordinary moments.
It's excavation. Perspective. And, perhaps most important of all, it's creative imagination.
That's why I write. That's what I write.
And always: I write for you.
Get her FREE short story, The Seat Beside Her, here: bit.ly/3WYGvZy
It's that chapter when, over one too many glasses of wine, she finally speaks, sharing an intimate story of loss and betrayal; her voice thickens, the words rambling, bumbling over themselves as she tries to sort through a pain she's never let herself share before-and tears swim in your eyes as you read along....
It's that passage when the world shifts before your eyes, replaced by a still, quiet lake in the middle of the Midwest, replete with tall, mossy pines and the scent of sweet-grass; or perhaps it's a bustling side-street in Paris, or powdery sand in a small, pastel-colored coastal town-and you tag along for the journey, without ever leaving home.
It's the scene when friendships are made (and they're real and they are profoundly felt), that love is found, when ordinary lives are explored for all of the extraordinary moments.
It's excavation. Perspective. And, perhaps most important of all, it's creative imagination.
That's why I write. That's what I write.
And always: I write for you.
Get her FREE short story, The Seat Beside Her, here: bit.ly/3WYGvZy
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 6, 2024
Miranda fell in love with Sam when she met him in college but she realized it was one sided when Sam seemed to have a parade of females in his life. Years later this impression of Sam has not changed but Miranda accepted the fact that Sam would never be more than a good friend, in fact, her best friend. A best friend who introduced her to her now ex-boyfriend. She’s not just been dumped, no, he ran off and married someone else while they were still a couple.
This was an excellent romantic comedy, at times funny, other times sad and of course frustrating for the reader (well, me anyway) because they keep on missing their moment until the very end of the book. Of course, missing their moment is the whole point of the storyline. Neither party expresses their true feelings, which of course creates a lot of misunderstandings and wrong assumptions on both their parts and there you have a story. Girl thinks she’s misjudged boy’s intentions, girl ends up with someone else, girl gets dumped, boy is there for her and they still don’t get it until the very end.
I won this cute romance in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author, Amber Laura.
This was an excellent romantic comedy, at times funny, other times sad and of course frustrating for the reader (well, me anyway) because they keep on missing their moment until the very end of the book. Of course, missing their moment is the whole point of the storyline. Neither party expresses their true feelings, which of course creates a lot of misunderstandings and wrong assumptions on both their parts and there you have a story. Girl thinks she’s misjudged boy’s intentions, girl ends up with someone else, girl gets dumped, boy is there for her and they still don’t get it until the very end.
I won this cute romance in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author, Amber Laura.
April 21, 2025
So it took me long enough to start this book. But I’m glad that I got to finish it. I am friends with the author and it’s fun to see her show up in the characters and know what she was like as a person and she’s her come through in the writing. On the last paragraphs of the acknowledgments there is a paragraph for me. And it says that while I don’t read this genre that is very true, I am glad I bridged the gap to read this. I actually woke up at 3 this morning and couldn’t get back to sleep and just spent the last 5 hours finishing the book. The scenes in the restaurant are especially fun to read because that is were here and I met, working in a restaurant and we have had plenty of crazy nights of running around and getting heated with eachother mid shift and then laughing and tossing back drinks after it calmed down. While it is a hallmark book type genre, it’s always good to have a little bit of that in your life.
-Thank you Albert :)
-Thank you Albert :)
November 15, 2023
"Don't let the investment of time blind you to the investment of happiness. Don't let the fear of loneliness keep you from reaching for something better." -Sam
I had a hard time reading this because of the 3rd person pov, there was too much but I continued because I was very curious about what would happen and I loved the plot.
But I was anticipating more scenes between Noel and Miranda. Because honestly, I want her to get revenge.
I was hooked on the story, so I continued and I was not disappointed with the ending. Very emotionally fulfilling. I love Miranda and Sam, their friendship and their love for each other.
The healing discussed in this book is wonderful. It's not easy but it feels very fulfilling when you are healed.
I had a hard time reading this because of the 3rd person pov, there was too much but I continued because I was very curious about what would happen and I loved the plot.
But I was anticipating more scenes between Noel and Miranda. Because honestly, I want her to get revenge.
I was hooked on the story, so I continued and I was not disappointed with the ending. Very emotionally fulfilling. I love Miranda and Sam, their friendship and their love for each other.
The healing discussed in this book is wonderful. It's not easy but it feels very fulfilling when you are healed.
November 3, 2023
This book is a classic girl gets dumped, moves in with her guy best friend, they realize they have feelings for each other.
The 3rd person made it a bit hard to focus at times, but this was such a cute story. I love the way we experience Miranda's heartbreak and her healing process.
From the beginning it's clear how the story's gonna end, but I didn't mind that at all.
I just wish we also got Sam's pov. Just to learn about his thoughts and feelings toward Miranda.
Overall super cute and if you don't mind 3rd person and miscommunication throughout the entire book, you should read this!
The 3rd person made it a bit hard to focus at times, but this was such a cute story. I love the way we experience Miranda's heartbreak and her healing process.
From the beginning it's clear how the story's gonna end, but I didn't mind that at all.
I just wish we also got Sam's pov. Just to learn about his thoughts and feelings toward Miranda.
Overall super cute and if you don't mind 3rd person and miscommunication throughout the entire book, you should read this!
November 13, 2023
A funny and sweet story . Miranda and Sam are best friends since college and after her boyfriend of 4 years getting married while they were together she moves in with him . At first she is very heartbroken by the betrayal but slowly she realises that for some time they didn't communicate . Miranda used to have romantic feelinf for Sam but afraid of losing him she decide to be his best friend and never tell him about her feelings , now that they live together her feeling have make an appearance . Will they be able to be together ?
I received this book from author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
I received this book from author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
March 13, 2024
Amber Laura's romantic comedy, "Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard", tells a story that might be familiar to everyone. Miranda Monroe's life comes to a sudden and unexpected crisis when not only is she dumped by her long-time boyfriend, but in the most humiliating way possible. In an instant, she finds herself single, heartbroken and with no place to live, her only hope is her best friend Sam Church, who is always there for her.
Miranda and Sam's relationship is seemingly simple, but under the surface it's much more complicated. Sam is not only Miranda's best friend, but also the man she was once secretly in love with. But when Miranda has one of the hardest days of her life, she turns to Sam for help and is forced to accept his offer to move into his spare room. But she clarifies that this is only temporary and will only last until she gets back on her feet.
As Miranda tries to rebuild herself, mend her broken heart and recover emotionally, she realises that her feelings for Sam are not friendly. However, Sam is taboo for Miranda not only because of his attitude to relationships, but because he is her best friend and Miranda loves him too much to lose him.
Two of the most important elements of Amber Laura's masterpiece are the deep emotions and the humorous approach. Throughout the story, we follow Miranda's journey as her broken heart slowly heals and she comes to terms not only with the pain of the past, but also with the new, confusing emotions of the present. The author brings the characters to life on paper, infusing even the deepest emotions with humor and lightness, making the reader both cry and laugh.
While reading, I was highly enjoying getting to know the characters bit by bit. Miranda is a complex character whose emotions and thoughts are portrayed realistically and authentically. Sam is almost the complete opposite of Miranda's character, complementing her, so the dynamic between them keeps the reader glued to the pages of the book.
Ultimately, Amber Laura's novel "Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard" is a great choice for anyone who loves emotional yet humorous romantic stories. Amber Laura did an excellent job of creating the characters and keeping the story moving. This was my first book by this author, but I am sure it will not be my last.
I received a free copy of "Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard" by Amber Laura via StoryOrigin.
Miranda and Sam's relationship is seemingly simple, but under the surface it's much more complicated. Sam is not only Miranda's best friend, but also the man she was once secretly in love with. But when Miranda has one of the hardest days of her life, she turns to Sam for help and is forced to accept his offer to move into his spare room. But she clarifies that this is only temporary and will only last until she gets back on her feet.
As Miranda tries to rebuild herself, mend her broken heart and recover emotionally, she realises that her feelings for Sam are not friendly. However, Sam is taboo for Miranda not only because of his attitude to relationships, but because he is her best friend and Miranda loves him too much to lose him.
Two of the most important elements of Amber Laura's masterpiece are the deep emotions and the humorous approach. Throughout the story, we follow Miranda's journey as her broken heart slowly heals and she comes to terms not only with the pain of the past, but also with the new, confusing emotions of the present. The author brings the characters to life on paper, infusing even the deepest emotions with humor and lightness, making the reader both cry and laugh.
While reading, I was highly enjoying getting to know the characters bit by bit. Miranda is a complex character whose emotions and thoughts are portrayed realistically and authentically. Sam is almost the complete opposite of Miranda's character, complementing her, so the dynamic between them keeps the reader glued to the pages of the book.
Ultimately, Amber Laura's novel "Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard" is a great choice for anyone who loves emotional yet humorous romantic stories. Amber Laura did an excellent job of creating the characters and keeping the story moving. This was my first book by this author, but I am sure it will not be my last.
I received a free copy of "Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard" by Amber Laura via StoryOrigin.
November 2, 2023
Amber Laura took a very simple idea - girl gets cheated on/dumped, moves in with her dreamy best friend whom she used to have a crush on, and lines get blurred - and turned it into a masterpiece. The way she describes Miranda's heartbreak, the grieving process of an ended relationship, was SO SPOT ON that it made my heart hurt for this character. The banter between Miranda and Sam is hilarious, and the talent this author has with the way she uses words is beyond obvious as it made me feel like I was right there with Miranda and Sam as they had dinner, laughed over wine, and reminisced about college. I enjoyed the side characters, as well, and there's a nice message in this book about rediscovering who you are after a breakup, and that your world isn't going to end even though that's exactly what it feels like. I truly can't say enough good things about this book, I really REALLY loved it. This was my first read of Amber Laura's, but I will definitely be checking out more of her books because this literally had me in a chokehold. Read this book! You won't regret it!
June 21, 2024
Let me tell you, this is like a total rollercoaster of emotions! Miranda Monroe gets majorly dumped and ends up crashing at her bestie Sam Church's place. And guess what? Sam, who she's always secretly crushed on, starts giving her all the feels right down the hallway!
The story's told in third person, which was a bit weird at first, but once I got into Miranda's head, I was all in. I kinda wished we got inside Sam's head too, though, to really get the full scoop.
Overall, it's a sweet and emotional journey of healing and missed chances. I got this book as an ARC, and big thanks to the author for letting me dive in! I'm giving it a solid 4 stars!
The story's told in third person, which was a bit weird at first, but once I got into Miranda's head, I was all in. I kinda wished we got inside Sam's head too, though, to really get the full scoop.
Overall, it's a sweet and emotional journey of healing and missed chances. I got this book as an ARC, and big thanks to the author for letting me dive in! I'm giving it a solid 4 stars!
November 8, 2023
Everyone deserves a second chance
I liked the premise of this book. Miranda needed help coming out of a downward spiral. Who better to help than her best friend, Sam?
Throughout the story, it seemed like I was being told a story rather than experiencing the story in real time. At first, I believed it to be due to the third person narrative. But at about 75% in, I realized it was because there is so little dialog in the book.
I appreciated the growth Miranda experienced, recognizing how we change just to fit in, even if we're not meant to.
I liked the premise of this book. Miranda needed help coming out of a downward spiral. Who better to help than her best friend, Sam?
Throughout the story, it seemed like I was being told a story rather than experiencing the story in real time. At first, I believed it to be due to the third person narrative. But at about 75% in, I realized it was because there is so little dialog in the book.
I appreciated the growth Miranda experienced, recognizing how we change just to fit in, even if we're not meant to.
November 18, 2023
Miranda Munroe just got dumped in the most humiliating way possible.She runs straight to Sam , her best friend for comfort . He puts her up in his guest room , which is all good but her tantalising thoughts of the forbidden are keeping her awake. They have great banter , a good friendship and she can’t jeopardise that. Besides Sam Church is a commitment Phoebe… great job by the author to bring out the big romcom guns and the descriptions are a scream
I read an advance copy and my review is voluntary
I read an advance copy and my review is voluntary
January 20, 2024
I received an eARC of this book from the author, Amber Laura, and I am grateful for the generosity.
That said, this book was not for me. I think the story was sweet and I especially liked the friendship between protagonist Miranda and her boss, Greer. Where I found difficulty was in the slow pacing, possible lack of editor involvement (? I noticed quite a few spots with typos/grammatical errors), and interesting choice to place the climax at the very end of the book. I wish I could give this a higher rating.
That said, this book was not for me. I think the story was sweet and I especially liked the friendship between protagonist Miranda and her boss, Greer. Where I found difficulty was in the slow pacing, possible lack of editor involvement (? I noticed quite a few spots with typos/grammatical errors), and interesting choice to place the climax at the very end of the book. I wish I could give this a higher rating.
November 6, 2023
Ever go through a tough breakup? Starting over from scratch is hard. Miranda basically walks into her apartment and finds everything changed completely. Left alone and with no one to turn to except her best friend she starts to put her life back together. The road to recovery is long but it was interesting to follow her starting over and navigating finding herself again.
November 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story! It was nice to see how good Sam and Miranda were for each other! I love Sam's temperment and especially how he handled the apology from Miranda after the night she came home mostly drunk to find "friends" there. Enjoyable story! Thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
April 3, 2024
Who can’t relate to having their heart broken? The story starts with a humiliating break-up, which leads Miranda into a period of self-reflection, healing, and growth. Her best friend Sam is with her for her journey. Along the way she develops a friendship with Greer, her insightful boss and mentor. This is a story of heart ache, redemption, friendship, and finding oneself. Best of all is the humor brought to the story by Miranda. Entertaining and uplifting, this book will make you feel good.
April 29, 2024
I received this book as a ARC, my review is freely given
Of it’s so funny. The relationship between Sam and Miranda. The ending I saw coming a few pages in.
It was enjoyable to read about her recovery from a failed relationship, broken heart. Times I really wanted to hug her because of what she was going through
Of it’s so funny. The relationship between Sam and Miranda. The ending I saw coming a few pages in.
It was enjoyable to read about her recovery from a failed relationship, broken heart. Times I really wanted to hug her because of what she was going through
January 22, 2024
loved it!
I absolutely loved this book! I was so excited to keep reading and find out what was going to happen next. as the chapters went on and kept building up the anticipation. I just wish there was a sequel!
I won this book as part of a giveaway and im so happy i did!
I absolutely loved this book! I was so excited to keep reading and find out what was going to happen next. as the chapters went on and kept building up the anticipation. I just wish there was a sequel!
I won this book as part of a giveaway and im so happy i did!
November 18, 2023
I appreciate reading my first book from Amber Laura. Best friends Miranda and Sam have a always be there for each other no matter what. Their friendship is tested with feels that Miranda didn’t realize she was feeling before. Sam has always loved Miranda. Must read best friends to lovers romantic comedy!
January 22, 2024
A Missed Connection: 'Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard' by Amber Laura
'Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard' by Amber Laura, though a recipient of a giveaway, unfortunately did not align with my reading preferences. The story, while cute, lacked the heartwarming touch I anticipated. The author's dry tone contributed to a narrative that failed to engage my emotions, leaving the overall experience feeling somewhat lackluster.
Despite the breakup and the incorporation of the best friends to lovers trope, the story fell short in terms of depth and intrigue. The plot unfolded in a manner that failed to keep me eagerly anticipating the next turn of events. The lack of unpredictability left the narrative feeling straightforward, and I found myself yearning for more complexity to add depth to the overall storyline.
Additionally, the sporadic glimpses into Sam's thoughts and feelings, though present, felt unnecessary and did little to enhance the narrative. Instead, they contributed to a disjointed flow that hindered the immersive experience.
While the story predominantly follows Miranda's world, the intermittent shifts to Sam's perspective failed to create the suspense or excitement that would have kept me eagerly awaiting each plot development. Ultimately, 'Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard' fell short of providing the gripping and multifaceted narrative I seek in my reading adventures.
'Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard' by Amber Laura, though a recipient of a giveaway, unfortunately did not align with my reading preferences. The story, while cute, lacked the heartwarming touch I anticipated. The author's dry tone contributed to a narrative that failed to engage my emotions, leaving the overall experience feeling somewhat lackluster.
Despite the breakup and the incorporation of the best friends to lovers trope, the story fell short in terms of depth and intrigue. The plot unfolded in a manner that failed to keep me eagerly anticipating the next turn of events. The lack of unpredictability left the narrative feeling straightforward, and I found myself yearning for more complexity to add depth to the overall storyline.
Additionally, the sporadic glimpses into Sam's thoughts and feelings, though present, felt unnecessary and did little to enhance the narrative. Instead, they contributed to a disjointed flow that hindered the immersive experience.
While the story predominantly follows Miranda's world, the intermittent shifts to Sam's perspective failed to create the suspense or excitement that would have kept me eagerly awaiting each plot development. Ultimately, 'Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard' fell short of providing the gripping and multifaceted narrative I seek in my reading adventures.
May 2, 2024
Cute!
This has a lot of fluff. It never really gets going until the very end. Its a cute story and nothing special. Very clean and sweet.
This has a lot of fluff. It never really gets going until the very end. Its a cute story and nothing special. Very clean and sweet.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews