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Stuck Behind Her
Love is strong, ma la colpa è molto più forte.
Valentina Hart is an American famous pop star. At the peak of her success, she begins to look for a new event to put out to her fans. But, not everything goes as planned when her best friend Lorenzo Russo decides to come for a long visit.
Lorenzo is the son of two successful business owners and has many friends and connections, though none of them top that of which he has with Valentina. Val had become his first priority since the beginning of their friendship, and he promised that she would be for the rest of his life.
In the midst of attending school disguised as Violet in search of two winners for her new winter event, she forms unexpecting bonds with contrasting figures Aurora, a favorable friend, and Elias, not so much. The group slowly connects together, but Val’s growing intimacy with a certain person triggers an unsettling anxiety.
In an unforeseen twist, Valentina becomes trapped in an endless labyrinth of terror, torn between the compelling feelings of love and guilt.
Valentina Hart is an American famous pop star. At the peak of her success, she begins to look for a new event to put out to her fans. But, not everything goes as planned when her best friend Lorenzo Russo decides to come for a long visit.
Lorenzo is the son of two successful business owners and has many friends and connections, though none of them top that of which he has with Valentina. Val had become his first priority since the beginning of their friendship, and he promised that she would be for the rest of his life.
In the midst of attending school disguised as Violet in search of two winners for her new winter event, she forms unexpecting bonds with contrasting figures Aurora, a favorable friend, and Elias, not so much. The group slowly connects together, but Val’s growing intimacy with a certain person triggers an unsettling anxiety.
In an unforeseen twist, Valentina becomes trapped in an endless labyrinth of terror, torn between the compelling feelings of love and guilt.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2024
7 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 1, 2024
Stuck Behind Her is one of those books where you go in with so many expectations about what it will be like and it fulfils absolutely none of those but you can't even be mad because what it actually is is still so good in its own right.
With a diverse character-driven plot, it tugs on those heart strings and will absolutely leave you bawling in the last ~15%. I am still reeling from that ending.
The start was a little slow, and I think this was only contributed to by it not being what I expected at all. I felt it was very much marketed as a story following a famous singer and we really didn't get to see as much as this as I would have liked, but it was also nice to just see the main character Valentina as a 'normal' person of whom you could relate to. At some points, I felt a little disconnected from Val though given some of her actions which I personally couldn't understand, but I was always kept in the story by some of the other characters like Elias, Lorenzo and Aurora.
Marketed as a romance book, I really expected there to be a little more of this, particularly with the ending of the book. By this I don't mean I expected more physically driven romance, but just more of an elaboration on the connection between the two lovers that find their way together.
The ending of the book definitely picked up in pace and had me absolutely on the edge of my seat. A few times I had to just put down my Kindle and take a few minutes (with my hand clamped over my mouth in shock) to process what just happened.
There were a few moments where the plot drama just had me a little confused as there seemed to be really simple explanations to these and it felt a little forced, but I could always explain these by saying well, that's just humans for you; bound to make things harder for themselves by avoiding the problem rather than talking about it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the second book as there is so much that is left open to be answered in this. The ending is really what has me rating this book a four star even with these earlier things that had me kind of disconnecting with the plot, as it just impacted me so much and moved me emotionally in such an intense manner. I think it is important to note that this story likely isn't for plot-driven folks, and is definitely directed towards an audience that want to feel an emotional connection to the characters of the story.
It is evident the author grows into their story, and I only think their storytelling will continue to improve the deeper they get into the lives of these characters, so I can only imagine how emotionally driving the next book will be.
With a diverse character-driven plot, it tugs on those heart strings and will absolutely leave you bawling in the last ~15%. I am still reeling from that ending.
The start was a little slow, and I think this was only contributed to by it not being what I expected at all. I felt it was very much marketed as a story following a famous singer and we really didn't get to see as much as this as I would have liked, but it was also nice to just see the main character Valentina as a 'normal' person of whom you could relate to. At some points, I felt a little disconnected from Val though given some of her actions which I personally couldn't understand, but I was always kept in the story by some of the other characters like Elias, Lorenzo and Aurora.
Marketed as a romance book, I really expected there to be a little more of this, particularly with the ending of the book. By this I don't mean I expected more physically driven romance, but just more of an elaboration on the connection between the two lovers that find their way together.
The ending of the book definitely picked up in pace and had me absolutely on the edge of my seat. A few times I had to just put down my Kindle and take a few minutes (with my hand clamped over my mouth in shock) to process what just happened.
There were a few moments where the plot drama just had me a little confused as there seemed to be really simple explanations to these and it felt a little forced, but I could always explain these by saying well, that's just humans for you; bound to make things harder for themselves by avoiding the problem rather than talking about it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the second book as there is so much that is left open to be answered in this. The ending is really what has me rating this book a four star even with these earlier things that had me kind of disconnecting with the plot, as it just impacted me so much and moved me emotionally in such an intense manner. I think it is important to note that this story likely isn't for plot-driven folks, and is definitely directed towards an audience that want to feel an emotional connection to the characters of the story.
It is evident the author grows into their story, and I only think their storytelling will continue to improve the deeper they get into the lives of these characters, so I can only imagine how emotionally driving the next book will be.
January 27, 2024
No need for an explanation. It’s my book, I would rate it 6 stars if I could 😙
February 16, 2024
4.75★
as the book is out now so here's my review
first and foremost im stuck at that ending 👍🏻
and now about the book it's written well and the characters, and storyline was real good and more of what i felt like realistic 🥹
val being an artist and hiding her identity for that event was done well 😽 and my prediction of what i was thinking that val would like 🌚🌚🌚👍🏻(not going to spoil naahhhh)
and i really feel so badddd for enzo(im here to love him forever) 😭🤌🏻💝
the other characters in the book were nicely written as well
i don't want to exaggerate my review though but y'all should read this one (it's a clean romance)
y'all might be like if she mostly rates 5 everybook why .25 is missing that is because of something that happened in the end of this book (sshhh) and i felt like this was a bit detailed 🤏🏻 like the first half but overall this book was real good and congratulations to lilly for being a published author now 💖✨
(don't mind me for being bad at writing reviewsb🥲)
as the book is out now so here's my review
first and foremost im stuck at that ending 👍🏻
and now about the book it's written well and the characters, and storyline was real good and more of what i felt like realistic 🥹
val being an artist and hiding her identity for that event was done well 😽 and my prediction of what i was thinking that val would like 🌚🌚🌚👍🏻(not going to spoil naahhhh)
and i really feel so badddd for enzo(im here to love him forever) 😭🤌🏻💝
the other characters in the book were nicely written as well
i don't want to exaggerate my review though but y'all should read this one (it's a clean romance)
y'all might be like if she mostly rates 5 everybook why .25 is missing that is because of something that happened in the end of this book (sshhh) and i felt like this was a bit detailed 🤏🏻 like the first half but overall this book was real good and congratulations to lilly for being a published author now 💖✨
(don't mind me for being bad at writing reviewsb🥲)
January 21, 2026
THE ENDING!
This is what I want to talk about first. That ending was absolutely devastating. It broke me in million pieces and I cried so bad I can't wait to start the second one.
now for the characters Elias was my favorite. He was so thoughtful for everyone around him. He cared to make sure everyone was ok and took care of everyone so much. He understood and accepted everything. And all the bad talk about his father 🥺. We know and understand he is a bad father but it gotta hurt!
and also him and Val!!!! AGHHHH ABSOLUTE PERFECTON.
This is what I want to talk about first. That ending was absolutely devastating. It broke me in million pieces and I cried so bad I can't wait to start the second one.
now for the characters Elias was my favorite. He was so thoughtful for everyone around him. He cared to make sure everyone was ok and took care of everyone so much. He understood and accepted everything. And all the bad talk about his father 🥺. We know and understand he is a bad father but it gotta hurt!
and also him and Val!!!! AGHHHH ABSOLUTE PERFECTON.
February 25, 2024
The book was well written and the story itself well thought of. There was a little too much description for my taste though. I felt like those little description paragraphs were sometimes pulling me out of the story. Those combined with the what I thought was a kind of confusing ending didn’t keep me from enjoying the book and crying and laughing along to the ups and downs of the characters. All in all, it might not be my favorite, but it’s still a good book
February 17, 2024
Here's my review for this amazing book!! Firstly, I would like to say is I looooove that it's a clean romance! The book is so well written and each character is amazing in their own way. This was such an emotional (towards the ending), beautiful and overall amazing book! I can't wait to see what the second book has in store! But for now, I say.... Get your copy from KU or Amazon asap!
February 29, 2024
Ngl this was acc an amazing book. If you’re looking for a romance book with a very emotional plot then this is for you. Not smutty at all which I loved and just genuinely a fluffy romance with relatable, funny, characters. AND THE ENDING, literally shocked… cannot wait for book 2 so all my questions can finally be answered.
March 4, 2024
Such a cute, romantic and emotional love story! Congrats for writing such a great debut, Lilly!
That ending... Whew. Can't wait for book 2!
That ending... Whew. Can't wait for book 2!
February 6, 2025
all i have to say is this book just emotionally destroyed me.. such a good book i loved it and i wish he would have stayed to see her happy. i am so excited for the next one.
February 16, 2024
This was beautiful, heartbreaking, and dangerously shocking all at once...arrhhhhh
October 6, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OMGGGGGGGG, I've been wanting to read this for a while and even though I read it back in June, I feel like Lilly needs a review still. So, here it is. And yet, I have so many things to say, but no way to say it from all the heartbreak.
First of all, Lilly, if you're reading this, you don't have permission to break my heart again. You really don't. This book had to be one of the saddest books I've ever read. (And no, I am not exaggerating.) I sobbed at like 7pm for three hours straight. I got a headache from all the crying, like what-
Lilly, WHY DO YOU LIKE TO BREAK MY HEART IT'S NOT ALLOWED!
Okay now for the actual review.
Val, ugh I loved her so much. She wasn't my favorite out of all the characters, but she was still so well written. The one thing I loved about Val was her and Enzo's relationship. I literally loved them so much, but I felt so bad for Val. Like, I was literally crying for her when. . . well, if you've read the book you know, which you should if you haven't. I cried for Val a lot. My baby deserved better.
Enzo, oh my god. Enzo had to be my favorite character in the whole book. Every moment with him I absolutely loved. I couldn't believe the ending. I sobbed. Like SOBBED with that ending, I was expecting it, but I just didn't want it to be true. Enzo was my favorite character. No explanation needed.
Elias, I hated him at the beginning. I started liking him towards the middle-ish end of the book. I hated his father and I think we can all agree he was. . . ugh. I don't really have much to say about Elias because again, I only started liking him in the middle-ish end of the book, but now, I love him. He was such a good character and had great character development.
Aurora was my second favorite. She's my queen. Again, no explaination needed.
BUT ANYWAYS THERES SO MUCH I WANNA SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK, BUT NOT ENOUGH WORDS TO EXPLAIN IT. This book was one of the saddest books, but it was also amazing. I would definitely buy a second book if Lilly were to do that 🤭😏(Hear that Lilly.) And I'd probably read it in one day because let's be honest, that ending was. . . suspicious. LILLY I NEED A SECOND BOOK PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
OMGGGGGGGG, I've been wanting to read this for a while and even though I read it back in June, I feel like Lilly needs a review still. So, here it is. And yet, I have so many things to say, but no way to say it from all the heartbreak.
First of all, Lilly, if you're reading this, you don't have permission to break my heart again. You really don't. This book had to be one of the saddest books I've ever read. (And no, I am not exaggerating.) I sobbed at like 7pm for three hours straight. I got a headache from all the crying, like what-
Lilly, WHY DO YOU LIKE TO BREAK MY HEART IT'S NOT ALLOWED!
Okay now for the actual review.
Val, ugh I loved her so much. She wasn't my favorite out of all the characters, but she was still so well written. The one thing I loved about Val was her and Enzo's relationship. I literally loved them so much, but I felt so bad for Val. Like, I was literally crying for her when. . . well, if you've read the book you know, which you should if you haven't. I cried for Val a lot. My baby deserved better.
Enzo, oh my god. Enzo had to be my favorite character in the whole book. Every moment with him I absolutely loved. I couldn't believe the ending. I sobbed. Like SOBBED with that ending, I was expecting it, but I just didn't want it to be true. Enzo was my favorite character. No explanation needed.
Elias, I hated him at the beginning. I started liking him towards the middle-ish end of the book. I hated his father and I think we can all agree he was. . . ugh. I don't really have much to say about Elias because again, I only started liking him in the middle-ish end of the book, but now, I love him. He was such a good character and had great character development.
Aurora was my second favorite. She's my queen. Again, no explaination needed.
BUT ANYWAYS THERES SO MUCH I WANNA SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK, BUT NOT ENOUGH WORDS TO EXPLAIN IT. This book was one of the saddest books, but it was also amazing. I would definitely buy a second book if Lilly were to do that 🤭😏(Hear that Lilly.) And I'd probably read it in one day because let's be honest, that ending was. . . suspicious. LILLY I NEED A SECOND BOOK PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
February 28, 2024
📚BOOK REVIEW 📚
💫My Rating: 2/5 💫
⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️
-mentions of blood (Hemophobia), Panic Attacks, some Curse words/vulgar language, Mentions of SA, and Loss/Grief
📕About the Book📕
📝My Review📝
Stuck Behind Her is written as a clean romance by Lilly H. Dove. In Dove’s debut novel, Val, her FMC, is on a journey of living a life as a pop star, who is experiencing a career high. Meanwhile, she is learning to navigate and understand her emotions and relationships within her personal life.
After reading the synopsis, I had developed high hopes for this novel and looked forward to reading a young modern day romance.
However, I struggled with not only the story contour, but at some points the lack of realism. While I enjoyed some moments of the book and developed connections to the characters, it was a difficult read. Many times I felt suddenly lost and confused as the reader, which led me to rereading sections trying to find the missing link. The writing felt repetitive and tedious throughout different excerpts of the novel. I felt the writing lacked supportive information, character development, and plot development that made the experience of some characters unrealistic. While there were small hints of a character’s conflict sporadically within the storyline, it was not maintained or supported enough to make that conflict realistic. I believe the story’s contour could be enhanced by conducting a bit more research into the conflict. Then taking that knowledge and implementing the subtle details that are foundational to character and plot development.
As I said prior, I did connect to some of the characters at different moments of their journey, which led to a tearful closure at the end of the book for me. However, this is not a novel I would re-read again or recommend to my peers.
💫My Rating: 2/5 💫
⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️
-mentions of blood (Hemophobia), Panic Attacks, some Curse words/vulgar language, Mentions of SA, and Loss/Grief
📕About the Book📕
📝My Review📝
Stuck Behind Her is written as a clean romance by Lilly H. Dove. In Dove’s debut novel, Val, her FMC, is on a journey of living a life as a pop star, who is experiencing a career high. Meanwhile, she is learning to navigate and understand her emotions and relationships within her personal life.
After reading the synopsis, I had developed high hopes for this novel and looked forward to reading a young modern day romance.
However, I struggled with not only the story contour, but at some points the lack of realism. While I enjoyed some moments of the book and developed connections to the characters, it was a difficult read. Many times I felt suddenly lost and confused as the reader, which led me to rereading sections trying to find the missing link. The writing felt repetitive and tedious throughout different excerpts of the novel. I felt the writing lacked supportive information, character development, and plot development that made the experience of some characters unrealistic. While there were small hints of a character’s conflict sporadically within the storyline, it was not maintained or supported enough to make that conflict realistic. I believe the story’s contour could be enhanced by conducting a bit more research into the conflict. Then taking that knowledge and implementing the subtle details that are foundational to character and plot development.
As I said prior, I did connect to some of the characters at different moments of their journey, which led to a tearful closure at the end of the book for me. However, this is not a novel I would re-read again or recommend to my peers.
February 28, 2024
I tossed it into my did not finish pile (well, the digital version of a dnf pile), though I glanced at the end based on things I’d heard and other reviews. There were lots of grammatical mistakes and several times incorrect words were used. I was actually surprised to see an editor was credited. I’m willing to over look some errors especially if I like the characters or the overall writing style; however, I didn’t like either in this book. There were *lots* of moments in the parts I did read where it felt like this was a first draft that was published instead of a final manuscript. The plot was…predictable…at best.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews