Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: January 17th, 2023
Reviewed On: September 22nd, 2022
BASIC PLOT
When life’s off-key, go to Malibu
Bestselling author Lucy Gold may write fairy tales for a living, but her own happily ever after is looking bleak. Seeking a fresh start after a sudden divorce on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, she decides to make a new life for herself and her service dog in Los Angeles. But when her living arrangements fall through just before takeoff, a handsome stranger offers to let her stay with him and his motley crew of musicians in Malibu. Her gallant hero? None other than Henry Turner, the award-winning composer whose music has held Lucy together while her life’s been crumbling apart.
Henry might be at the peak of his creative career, but his crippling anxiety throws his personal life completely out of tune. Yet all of that changes the longer Lucy stays with him and his housemates, swiftly becoming one of their own and offering Henry a glimpse of happiness he never thought possible. As their relationship deepens, Lucy’s attraction to Henry cannot be denied, but as she works through the aftermath of her divorce, she’s resigned to give up on love. Henry plays all the right notes and says all the right words. Will Lucy be able to hear them over her fear of the past repeating itself?
Speechless is a swoony saga about finding your people, overcoming your deepest insecurities, and choosing happiness no matter what life throws at you.
REVIEW
First off… I was hooked when main character Henry was described as “Ben Barnes type” (yeah, Ian Somerhalder was mentioned too… But it’s all about Ben for me!). But this is not my main point. I was hooked for so many reasons. These characters are suffering from real life struggles that aren’t spoken about enough in today’s society. I love finding books that shed light on issues that shouldn’t be hidden. Anxiety, Social Paralysis, Endometriosis, Depression… These things should be talked about – not hidden. I am so happy to see books with these topics in them.
I fell in love with Lucy, Henry and HAAAM instantly. And I can’t leave out Rowan the most adorable service doggie ever! Getting to know each of these characters through the eyes of Lucy and Henry was so heart warming. Watching how much they all needed each other was even better. Giving Lucy a new best girlfriend (Adamma) was a bonus – every girl needs that type BFFL! I loved seeing Lucy and Henry grow not only as friends and then something more, but watching the whole group grow together – sticking up for each other, helping each other… It made the story of Lucy and Henry that much more special.
Both Lucy and Henry grew in their own way. Seeing Lucy stand up to her stupid ex-husband and super fake former bestie showed strength that I wish for every one! Seeing Lucy struggle with sharing details of her Endo was heartbreaking, it’s not something that a woman should be shamed for or need to feel embarrassed about (our bodies hate us sometimes – it’s a curse we need to live with). Seeing how much none of this bothered or even mattered to Henry made my heart crack. Hearing Henry’s story… This is when it shattered.
SO MUCH EMOTION in one book!
More than once did I have to stop reading and remind myself to BREATHE. My heart ached, it pounded. It broke into a million pieces and then glued it’s self back together again. Both Henry and Lucy have such rich, broken and complicated histories. Nothing was missed, every detail you would want was written into the story perfectly.
Speechless left me well… Speechless!
Also… How adorable is this cover? It just makes me feel so happy!
Lindsey Lanza’s breakout novel is a masterpiece and one that I will re-read whenever I’m feeling down. The story had its sad moments, but it still somehow made me feel good. It’s an easy read that would be perfect for a beach day or quiet night in with a glass of wine. This wonderful author included a playlist that fits the book so perfectly – side note, I’m currently listening to it as I write this review because it’s so feel-good. I cannot wait to see what Lindsey has in store next! Girl, you’ve gained a fan for life!
FAVOURITE QUOTES
Fairy tales are so enchanting because they end as soon as everything becomes perfect. They never show the struggle of an orphan trying to adjust to life in palaces, or the inevitable arguments every could will have one day. But that’s the magic. That’s why everyone loves a fairy tale – because we can pretend those parts don’t exist, that everything just works out.
“But you are special, Luce. You are my anomaly.”
“You’re my perfect.”
It’s all tied together: sex and fertility and motherhood and – God, I’m so sick of being a woman sometimes.
STAR RATING
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