A Smile in a Whisper

by Jacquelyn Middleton

NOT ALL FAREWELLS ARE FOREVER…

Evie Sutherland throws herself into everything. Like many on Scotland’s picturesque Orkney Islands, she works several jobs: managing her family’s shop, researching genealogy for tourists, and writing historical romance novels. Evie aces most challenges—except love. With a childhood diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and a disastrous dating history, Evie has convinced herself that guys won’t date the “sick girl” and the blame falls on the shoulders of her first love, a famous boy from London who spent his summers on her island.

To the outside world, Nikolai Balfour lives a charmed life. Starring in a popular British TV series as a teen, young Nick stole fans’ hearts from the Isle of Wight to Shetland. However, that was a lifetime ago, and the years since have been filled with “Didn’t you used to be…” moments, career wrong-turns, and empty relationships. Now finding success behind the cameras, Nick is still racked with regret and guilt over how things ended with the Orcadian girl he’d loved and left behind.

But when a television series filming in Orkney blows Nick back into Evie’s quiet life, they’re forced to face their heartbreaking past and revisit old secrets that should never have been kept.

Unfolding in alternating past and present timelines, A Smile in a Whisper is a touching story of first love and second chances, and the enduring summer memories that shape us.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Mental Health, Canada, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn

392 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2023

About the author

Award-winning author Jacquelyn Middleton's books are "sexy and overflowing with hope" (Hypable) with "…the kind of sweet nothings hopeless romantics die for." (Kirkus Reviews) and …"identifiable and emotionally connective characters who readers can’t help but root for." (BlueInk Review).

Jacquelyn writes love stories for hopeful romantics—'hopeful' because her novels are always optimistic and she believes 'happily ever afters' are more important now than ever before. But life is messy, relationships are messy, and her books aren't afraid to go there, too. If you enjoy character and relationship-driven stories about people dealing with the triumphs and disasters we all face, Jacquelyn’s books are for you.

In 2019, she was named BEST CANADIAN AUTHOR at the RWA's Toronto Romance Writers 'Northern Hearts' Awards for UNTIL THE LAST STAR FADES. She is also the author of LONDON BELONGS TO ME, LONDON, CAN YOU WAIT?, SAY HELLO, KISS GOODBYE, and the Christmas in London romance, THE CERTAINTY OF CHANCE, which earned a coveted Kirkus starred review and had Entertainment Weekly raving, naming it to their list of the best holiday romances of 2021.

An own voices author, Jacquelyn has dealt with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression all her life, and is dedicated to depicting mental health challenges honestly, realistically, and empathetically in her novels.

Jacquelyn's books have been featured by The Hollywood Reporter, NBC News, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Daily News, USA Today, Cosmo, Redbook, the Huffington Post, and Entertainment Weekly.

Stay in touch! Visit Jacquelyn on Instagram and share her love of books.

Sign up to her newsletter for book updates and contests, join her drama-free Facebook group Keeganites United where members take part in her popular online romance book club, get the inside scoop on early book news, and have the chance to enter exclusive contests, and follow her on Book Bub for book deals and announcements.

Reviews

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

A Smile in a Whisper is another all-consuming, gut-punch of a love story by Jacquelyn Middleton.

The story follows the second-chance romance between chronically ill island gal Evie and anxiety-ridden, teen-acting sensation Nick, both characters briefly met in Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye.

Told in split POV and using a dual timeline narrative, between the youthful happenings of the “then” teenage years and the reuniting events in the “now,” this story spans nearly 14 years of Evie and Nick’s relationship, and is filled with friendship and slow-burn passion, as well as youthful mistakes and misunderstandings that once led to those many years of heartbreak in-between for these two soulmates.

Dual timelines aren’t my usual preference, it’s true, and I worried early on that I’d become perplexed with the constant jumping back and forth, seeing first-hand how they fell in love as kids but knowing that some undisclosed event would soon lead to the end of their young love in the past, yet, I was so quickly engrossed in these characters and the depth of their big feelings for one another (then AND now), that I didn’t mind the back and forth nature of the storytelling as much as I feared I would.

Second-chance romances aren’t usually my thing either, like, at all—but Middleton is one of those authors I trust even the most troublesome of tropes in her capable hands. I still (always) have that horrible weighted feeling of unnecessary heartbreak and time lost when dealing with second-chance romances, like Evie and Nick’s, but thankfully their story swept me up and I became too carried away to worry about my usual thematic niggles.

What I enjoyed most, though, was the all-encompassing, mesmeric way that Middleton created such a deep sense of people and place within this story. I’ve never been to the Orkney Islands, never having ventured higher in Scotland than Inverness, but the way it was made real here, in the descriptions, in the people and in the language used, was wonderfully enveloping, and made me want to pack my bags and just GO!

Beyond the grand setting, I also adored the way Middleton represented mental health and chronic illness in her characters. It was an enriching experience, garnering a deeper understanding and eliciting the most empathetic responses I’m capable of. Battling my own form of chronic illness for a decade now, Evie’s experiences with Crohn’s disease was all too familiar in many, many ways. And as someone who was also diagnosed young with anxiety issues, Nick’s panic disorder was shockingly relatable and well-handled within. I’m always gracious to see this type of rep in my reading and Middleton has quickly become an author I can trust to handle these types of themes candidly and respectfully, and a boatload of personal experience and topical knowledge that is so very obvious and remarkable.

This may only be my second time reading a book by Jacquelyn Middleton but she stands out to me as a very authentic and original voice in the romance community and I honestly wouldn’t hesitate to read more of her works, given the time and opportunity.

***A special thanks to Kirkwall publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start with this latest from a much beloved (but new to me) Canadian Indie romance author?? I LOVED absolutely EVERYTHING about this book from the setting (the Orkney Islands) to the characters, to the dual timeline, second chance romance and the AMAZING disability rep!!!

Everything was just done to absolute perfection as far as I was concerned. A dual POV, childhood friends to lovers, second chance, celebrity romance, told in alternating timelines. We get to know Evie and Nico and their complicated love story as they grow up, fall in love and grow apart after a disastrous series of misunderstandings.

Forced together in the present when Nico returns to the Orkney Islands to produce his latest film and Evie is in charge of catering for the film crew. Slowly they learn to put past hurts aside and figure out if they can start over after years of miscommunication.

The Crohn's rep (her) and the anxiety and panic attacks/depression (him) were so well done! The author is intimately familiar with both conditions and it definitely showed. I also appreciated how authentic and integral they were to the story and never felt like an add-on for the sake of boosting disability rep. Plus I loved that these characters were unapologetically child-free by choice!!

HIGHLY recommended, especially if you enjoyed books like Meet me at the lake by Carly Fortune (another book with a MMC with panic attacks and depression) or either of With you forever by Chloe Liese and Managing the Matthews by Haleigh Wenger (two books with a FMC with Crohn's/IBD).

I am officially a Jacqueline Middleton fan club member and will immediately be diving into her backlist, starting with Say hello, kiss goodbye, which features Nico's brother Tarquin! The millennial in me also REALLY enjoyed all the throwback touches, from analog cell phones, to early aughts music and movie references.

Seriously I could keep gushing about this book FOREVER but you really just need to pick it up and experience the wonderfulness for yourselves. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Tandem Collective Global for early digital and finished copies in exchange for my honest review!!!

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: A Smile In A Whisper
AUTHOR: Jacqueline Middleton
PUB DATE: 08.10.2023 Now Available
GENRE: Celebrity Romance with an enemies to lovers trope, Second Chance, Long Distance

I loved reading about this dual POV romance set in a magnificent location of Orkney Islands in Scotland. It’s about a budding childhood romance between Evie who suffers from Crohn’s and Nick a famous child actor with ties to the island. The romance is slow burn and touches on themes of chronic illness, panic attacks, first loves, long distance relationships, and second chance at love.

I enjoyed the prompts on the read along with Tandem Collective which enhanced my immersion into the story and enhanced my reading experience.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

If you're familiar with Jacquelyn Middleton's books, you might have already came across Nick and Evie.

Nick, or Nikolai Balfour, is an actor known for a TV series he stared in during his teenage years.
Evie Sutherland lives with Crohn's disease since childhood and works at her mom's shop.
Both of them dated in the past before Nick left Evie behind without explanation.
But Nick has to come back thirteen years later to shot a series in the Scottish Islands as Evie, who's managing her family's shop, is the official set's catering.

I was a bit skeptical at first about the dual POV and alternation of different timelines as it isn't a style I usually enjoy, but compared to other books in which flashbacks can be messy and disorganized, it was really well integrated in the story from the first time they met to the day things took a turn for the worse. A big part of the book focuses on the teenage version of the characters, so if you're expecting to read about the characters in their thirties, hang on and be patient, it's worth it.

Another thing I loved was the representations of invisible health issues and social pressure that genuinely are accurate.
Crohn's disease is a major theme throughout the book. The name must be familiar and might be aware of certain symptoms or just the broad terms of the sickness but this book emphasis on the constraints it imposed in a person's life on an ongoing basis.
Panick attacks are also discussed with the side effects, the crisis manifestations, what could help to make someone feel better or how differently people who witness an attack can react.
During some flashbacks, we could read about some characters being sexually pressured or bullied... I wish more people could speak up about this social issue to warn teenagers that it's not a competition to sleep with someone else when you're 18 yo or even younger.
Some sex talks kind of bothered me a bit, the characters seemed too young to speak about what they do with their boyfriends so openly and there was something with the fact that some girls between 14 and 16 years old dated 18+yo guys, too (yes, it's not that big of an age difference but I don't know, I was not into it).

Let's talk a bit about the setting now! The Orkney Islands, in Scotland, are such a gorgeous and dreamy landscape for this romance. It gives a delighful small town trope vibe plus there's a lot of cultural and historical references or locations.

It's such a sweet second chance romance with steamy moments and it's great to have characters being 30something once in a while. Believe me, you'll be obsessed with Nick and Evie's story and will have a hard time putting your book down at the end of the chapter happening in the past. And there are so many positive/empowering quotes !! "Asking for help is a total power move".

Thanks Net Galley for the advance copy.

[Booksandchinooks (Laurie)]

Another great book by this author. I love her books and this one was no exception! This is the story of Evie and Nick and has a character driven plot. I love a second chance romance and a dual timeline and this book utilizes both of these. Evie has Crohn’s disease and the impacts of this on her life are described in great detail in the book. Nick has some mental health issues and these were also addressed. I appreciated how both characters’ medical issues were dealt with in regards to their impacts on their physical and psychological health. These often debilitating health issues were described with sensitivity and respect. The setting of the Orkney Islands and the description of the customs and traditions of the residents was interesting. The main characters were well written and it was great to see how they matured and the direction their lives took over the years. Be sure to add this one to your TBR!

[Reading in Brussels · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time with the way their teenage years were written. They're too high-school-y for me, and the fangirl stuff got on my nerves a bit. I have no patience for that.
This is personal preference, and I can see that many people are loving the book, so that's good.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Erin (erinevelynreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie Sutherland, a hardworking woman on Scotland's Orkney Islands, embraces numerous roles, from managing her family's shop to researching genealogy and writing romance novels. However, love has always been a challenge due to her struggles with Crohn's disease and past heartbreak. Nikolai Balfour, a former teen star on British TV, now struggles with regrets, empty relationships, and guilt over leaving Evie. When fate brings them back together during a TV series shoot in Orkney, they must confront their past and buried secrets, and rediscover first love. A Smile in a Whisper is a poignant tale of first love, second chances, and the lasting impact of treasured summer memories, unfolding through alternating past and present timelines.

This book has a special place in my heart because the main character struggles with Crohn’s disease, something she and I have in common. Earlier this year, after many years of struggling with my health, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. It was a bittersweet discovery because while Crohn’s is chronic and affects every aspect of my life, there are treatments for it.

Evie’s struggles with Crohn’s were all too relatable to me. I found myself constantly highlighting passages, feeling so seen. From constantly weighing every food decision to the fear that symptoms will deter plans, Middleton expertly navigates life with this often miserable chronic illness.

While I loved the chronic illness representation, I loved the romance even more! Second chance, childhood friends to lovers is by far my favorite trope, and this one did not disappoint.

While it has similar themes to other books in the trope, it has a refreshingly unique story set in a gorgeous and unique location. I loved getting to travel to Orkney. I was completely unaware of this magical archipelago, and now it has a special place on my list of must-visit locations!

If you are a fan of childhood friends to lovers romances, A Smile in a Whisper should not be missed!

Thank you to @JacquelynMiddleton, @Netgalley, and @GreysPromo for the advanced copy! All opinions are my own.

[Loreto (caffeinatedbooknerd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely charmed by Orkney Islands, and its people in this dual POV, second chance romance, in this book. Evie and Nick are reunited after a heartbreaking breakup 13 years ago, when Nick is executive producing a show in which Evie is catering. Throughout the shoot, they navigate trying to work with one another, mending their broken hearts and hopefully get back together.

While our main leads and others can be seen in Jacquelyn's previous books, it is not necessary for you to read those first. A Smile in A Whisper can be read as a standalone.

The way I devoured this book! It was just so endearing to see such a tight knit friendship and family dynamics that Evie had with everyone wanting to support her during her Crohn's flare ups. A stark contrast to what you see with Nick and his parents, constantly bickering and cheating on one another, pushing him to do auditions and events when he just wanted to be able to have some more freedom and help with his mental health. Nick and Evie found what they needed and wanted in one another.

Seeing Evie's celeb crush on Nick turn into a close friendship then relationship over the many summers was just lovely. The dual POV had me constantly saying "one more chapter" because you needed to know why things happened the way that they did. I thought the way those chapters intertwined with one another were really well done, and so many little moments you connected with Jacquelyn's previous books which gave long time readers something a bit extra to enjoy.

This book definitely gave me the warm and fuzzies seeing Evie and Nick together, and the angst of me just wanting them to just see one another and talk again was just so good. Reading their emails and text conversations of the past made me really nostalgic for the time when that's how we communicated as teens. (Limited text plans and T9 anyone? LOL) I just loved this book and will be a go to for my summer reading lists for years to come.

Disclaimer: Thank you Jacquelyn Middleton and Kirkwall Books for this ARC to review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO. MANY. FEELS. The biggest ones - feeling seen and HOPE! This is a second chance romance with Evie and Nick, both characters we have briefly met in Jacquelyn Middleton's previous novels - but it's okay if you didn't read them.

This book switches between Evie and Nick's relationship when they were young and present day and it does it in such a way that - YOU. CAN'T. STOP. READING. Both in the past and in the present you NEED to know what's going to happen next.

Evie and Nick, both have their own personal issues to deal with, most prominent Evie's Crohn's Disease. So many people suffer from chronic illnesses that impact their daily lives - myself included and they deserve love too. Whiie, I thankfully do not have Crohn's, I really identified with Evie. So this was a very emotional read for me but I'm so so grateful that Middleton wrote this book and I had the opportunity to read it.

I have to say again I really love how this book was put together and how all the threads are tied together in the end - VERY WELL DONE. Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention my love of the setting of this book - Orkney Islands - just another reason for me to go back to Scotland.

This book is A MUST READ.

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A top ten read of 2023 and of the decade! A Smile in a Whisper is by far one of the best books I've read. Ever. A must-read for ALL romance readers.' - The British Bibliophile

Thank you to Jacquelyn for granting me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy of this book--for me to read and leave an honest review--via NetGalley. A copy of this review will also be posted there.

*Note: This review DOES NOT contain spoilers, but makes reference to elements within the book's blurb*


A Smile in a Whisper is a standalone and my latest read from the one and only, Jacquelyn Middleton. I first discovered this lovely lady via a pr company book promotion for her then upcoming release of A Certainty of Chance and I've not looked back from her work since. This includes reading one of her other now available reads, Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye . It's been far too long since I've dived into a JM read, but it feels good to be back with an author I adore for both her work and for who she is herself.

Imagine my delight when I discovered that her then newly-announced book was to take place once more on the shores of the United Kingdom. Specifically, Scotland's Orkney islands. Even before the ebook ARC was a glint in our bookish eyes, my spirits lifted at this change of scenery from the frequently used London. Orkney is one of the most beautiful places within the UK and Scotland, and is definitely a must-visit location for lovers of the quaint, cultural and the captivating.

So is a dual timeline if you are a reader who likes the switch-up of hero to heroine, and past and future. Jacquelyn gives us both in this read. Normally, that isn't me. This time, I found an exception and found myself enjoying the change of pace from a regular, linear timeline.

On a small island in Orkney, big things are set to happen. From little seeds to big things grown, and Evie & Nick's humble--and staggered--beginning certainly does grow into something bigger than the two of them ever could have imagined it would be. Well, one of them. Evie from her side of the fence has always held a special place for Nick in her heart, now fate has given her the chance to make her adolescent dreams become a reality. But is it forever? There's only one way to find out, and that's to pick up a copy of this book and see how it pans out.

Coming into a setting and surroundings in which he has no desire to be in for longer than he has to, Nick is the very definition of a 'fish out of water'. Joining the Orcadian residents on the island during his teenage years, Nick's story is far from the black and white celebrity life we're so often used to seeing in the media. His story and character is raw, real and we get to see and read the ins and outs, plus the behind the scenes of the not-so-glamourous of the celebrity life from a young age. What we get, ultimately in this story, is Nick. Nick the regular person, rather than Nick the celebrity. The scenery and atmosphere of Orkney grounds him--even if he doesn't realise it--and here he can truly be the him not everybody knows.

Evie, on the other hand, is as genuine and authentic as characters come. Her pages are open for all to read, and she's very open and honest about what she wants with her life and how she feels about their own little slice of Orkney heaven. She's very black-and-white in nature, which in this circumstance is not a bad thing as she very much compliments all the grey areas that she'll come in to contact with Nick. Living with Chron's Disease comes with its own challanges--which were highlighted, explained and treated with great dignity by Jacquelyn--, so she not only has to navigate Nick but life with (and without) him and her condition. She has managed to balance the multiple jobs in her life, her family and school, but is Nick one dish too many to carry to the table? We'll soon find out after they say hello after the longest farewell.

A television show brings Nick back to Orkney--and to Evie--several years later after their 'farewell', though not in the capacity with Nick that she is expecting him to be. Still, he's here nonetheless and when faced with no choice but to be around him and to see him every day until the project's competition. The choices they both face are to either ignore one another and carry on their days as if neither are even there, or confront their painful past and the demons and secrets that are to come with it. Take your guess as to which option Nick and Evie pick.

A Smile in a Whisper by Jacquelyn is by far and large one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading for a very long time. Stripping away again the usual setting as I previously mentioned that romance novels tend to be set in, we're left with a true small town romance that's ten time as romantic--among the raw realness of reality. This is very much a 'must read' novel for lovers of books. Not just romance books. All books.

Evie and Nick, despite not being childhood sweethearts, give that essence in the sense that they literally do grow up together over the course of knowing one another in their adolescence. The two of them have time to mature and to navigate life and its very unpredictable, sometimes cruel nature. The series of events--and there are plenty of them--that happen in this small town community, coupled with Jacquelyn's injection of realism of Evie's health condition, it has created a story which is more than just that. Times in which we can feel the author through the page truly elevate the story further for me, rather than just a writer putting a story out there for the sake of publishing a book. A Smile in a Whisper in all of its senses is one-hundred-per-cent Jacquelyn and the story she wants to be told.

It's become such a beloved book to me in such a short time, and I can't help but humbly request...more Orkney please!!!!

This novel is not only one of my favourite reads of this year, but of all time and as thus deserves only one rating. Five stars.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SMILE IN A WHISPER by Canadian author, Jacquelyn Middleton, is an emotional journey that beautifully weaves together second chances, first love, and the challenges of living with chronic illness. Evie Sutherland's life on the picturesque Orkney Islands is a tapestry of resilience as she manages her family's shop, navigates friendships, and battles Crohn's Disease. Middleton deftly captures the intricacies of Evie's struggles and triumphs, allowing readers to empathize with her daily challenges. The book takes a poignant turn when Evie crosses paths with Nick Balfour, a former flame who vanished from her life. The alternating past and present timelines enrich the narrative, showcasing the characters' growth and the lasting impact of summer memories. Middleton's vivid descriptions of Orkney make the setting come alive, immersing readers in the romance and nostalgia. A SMILE IN A WHISPER is a heartwarming tale of resilience, love, and the power of revisiting old secrets.

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[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a good drink and a box of tissues as you are going to need them! A wonderful story of young love, loss and second chances. What makes this story particularly special and compelling is that the main female character, Evie, has Crohn's Disease. Is that what makes her first love walk away or was it just life pulling them apart? Is she worth loving or is the disease just too much for someone else to have to carry with her? This author obviously is well versed in chronic autoimmune disease or is a wonderful researcher as I can fully attest that as someone with multiple autoimmune conditions the feelings expressed, felt, shared and portrayed are very real. Being a child or teen and having to navigate chronic illness while trying to fit in is a disaster and if you don't believe kids are mean, then you were probably the mean kid that was making life hell for others, or you lived a very sheltered life. I absolutely applaud this author for not only bringing the light to the plight of someone with an autoimmune condition, but for making it such a massive focus for the main characters. I will absolutely be looking forward to more books from this author as she not only writes a wonderful romance, but she infuses it with realism that is impactful for so many of us suffering from autoimmune conditions in a manner that enhances the storyline while telling the truth!

[Janell Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received A Smile In A Whisper by Jacquelyn Middleton as an ARC from Net Galley, but I’ve also pre-ordered because it’s become one of my favourites. This will be on my keeper shelf along with the rest of Jackie’s books.

As someone that has suffered from Crohn’s disease my entire life, I’ve lived this life of falling in love with secrets that I never wanted to share. Illnesses of any type whilst manoeuvring a new love are different. But this book didn’t focus simply on that, this was a story of love - the truest kind.

No, A Smile In A Whisper has all the feels. Teenage love, lust, and courage were told in a manner that was honest and relatable. Grown up love, the kind that is tested, trialed, and questioned. These were written in a flashback format. However, the way the author wrote the words and the scenes that were depicted did NOT leave me feeling as if I had whiplash. I was finding myself fall in love with the story of Nick and Evie adventures, heartache, and ending. I fell hard into the magical weather driven Orkney Islands and I never wanted to leave.

Nikolai Balfour is a teen heartthrob starting in a popular drama on television and gracing the walls of many girls all over the world. He’s in demand, he’s easy on the eyes, and he’s “the one” for Evie Sutherland. Fate takes a hand and brings Nick and Evie together in an unexpected way. This, starting a friendship that will last a lifetime. They manage to stay out of the tabloids, spend time together in secret, and figure out how to make a relationship work while he auditions and she remains loyal to her family’s store in town. Flashing forward, the two meet again during a parade where Evie’s life is endangered, slightly, and Nick plays the hero. At this very moment, I found myself a little in love with Nikolai myself. But where life gives the wondrous to us in one wave, the very next one can take us out. The couple have deeply guarded secrets and they must earn and learn to trust again - revealing those safeguards before being honest with one another if they want a future.

The setting of Orkney is incredible and the author gently takes your hand, guiding you through its history without boring you. I felt the spray of the ocean, the craggy rocks under my feet as I ventured into a castle, and the sting of the bitter cold wind through my hair as I walked the town late at night.

My life is better for reading this book. I will suggest it to anyone looking for a new read. I will suggest it for my book club and my friends. Because true love does exist, in spite of what may seem like insurmountable odds, true love is real.

And who doesn’t need that?

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5⭐️

•Review•

I feel very strongly that just because I didn’t like this book doesn’t mean others won’t. There are some great things about it and the things I didn’t like are personal opinion.

Evie and Nick were childhood sweethearts that have been separated for 13 years, when they are forced to work together and determine whether they’ll hold on to their hurt and anger or give each other a second chance.

The easiest way for me to organize my thoughts for this book was a “like/dislike” list.

Liked:
- The setting: It was set in the Orkney Islands off of Scotland and included some fun insight to their culture and lingo that I really loved.
- The Crohn’s rep: Evie has Crohn’s Disease and it plays a VERY integral part in the story. I loved the insight the book showed in how it can affect the body and the emotional toll it can take.
- The actual writing was good; everything flowed, characters had decent depth and I didn’t notice anything funky with the POVs.
- Both of the MCs in the “now” timeline are over 30 which is more rare.

Disliked:
- I think I’ve learned that dual timeline isn’t a style I enjoy. I get easily frustrated with way the information is slowly revealed.
- I found myself annoyed with the teenager portion of the story. The way they talked to each other and talked about sex stressed me out! I also didn’t enjoy reading about 14/15 year olds being intimate and sometimes with teenagers over 18.
- The miscommunication trope abounded and I have a hard time with that one.

This book will definitely find the right people! It just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kirkwall Books for the advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. A Smile in a Whisper releases August 10, 2023.

[Danielle Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely romance from the queen of love stories, 'A Smile in a Whisper' is a will they/won't they set on the shores of Orkney in Scotland. Similar to her previous new adult romance, 'The Certainty of Chance,' ASIAW centers on a late twenties/early thirties couple who have their lives together (a refreshing change from YA and even a lot of NA romance). Evie and Nick are to the point where they're coming into their true selves finally getting everything they want in life... except the one that got away. Their past and present plays out in dual timelines, mainly from Evie's perspective with a handful of chapter's from Nick's.

I will say that I found myself becoming a bit impatient with the flashbacks, as Evie has a *lot* of maturing to do, starting at the age of 12 or 13, as well as the balance of time (the book is more 50/50 in terms of flashbacks/modern day than I anticipated, and more 75/25 in terms of time apart vs. time together). But Middleton's characters feel so real and so well-worn, like friends I feel like I've had forever, that I simultaneously couldn't wait to see how everything resolves and dreaded leaving them.

Jacquelyn Middleton has been an insta-buy author for me from the moment her second novel came out. I'll never stop loving her love of love and the way she inspires hope, even in times when it seems the most impossible.

If you've never read a Jacquelyn Middleton gem, here's your sign to rectify that.

[Kayla • bookedblonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this cute second chance romance!

Mainly picked this one up because, like me, the author also has a husband with Crohn’s, and included a character with Crohn’s in the story. The story showed the day to day things someone with Crohn’s would have to think about, such as food choices, access to restrooms, etc. It showed life in a flare vs. not in a flare. It showed a character not wanting to be defined by her disability. The author also did a nice job mentioning that the disease is different for everyone, and this character does not define it for everyone.

It also had great own voices rep of anxiety/panic attacks.

I enjoyed the back and forth timeline, the multiple POVs, and the setting!

Thank you to the author/NetGalley for the gifted copy!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie

A novel that managed to be both atmospheric and grounded in real-life issues, A Smile in a Whisper was as touching and memorable as a second chance romance can get.

I’m a sucker for a small-town romance–even better if they are set in a coastal location–so A Smile in a Whisper already had me hooked with the backdrop being the Orkney Islands off the northern coast Scotland. Author Jacquelyn Middleton described the location, its people, and the local events so well that I truly felt like I was right there every step of the way. And I loved that the island life was so wrapped up in Evie and Nick’s story... Read More

[Whitney Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Jacquelyn Middleton and Kirkwall Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! I would give this book 5/5 stars!!! Jacelyn's writing makes you feel like you are alongside the characters, living through the book events.

Evie is from a town in the Orkney Islands called Orkney. Evie has a medical condition called Crohn's Disease. This disease makes her daily life challenging and this book sheds insight on what having Crohn's can be like. The book also sheds light on depression, anxiety and panic attacks. As I read this book, I felt as if the author was trying to convey that it's okay to talk about our health whether it be physical, mental or emotional. There is such a large taboo about sharing such information with others so this book shed light on what not sharing with your friends, family or loved ones might be like.

Evie works at her family's business in Orkney called Marwick's, which is part café and part shop. Evie's mom and dad take a vacation. They leave the shop in the caring hands of Evie while they are gone. Marwick's wins the catering contract for a local movie production which includes 2 meals a day, 6 days a week until the end of production. Evie finds herself having to come to terms with working alongside an old flame that ghosted her when she was younger. Did he ghost her because her Crohn's was too much? Could he not handle being with her because she had a medical condition? Was he just going to ghost her again now that they are older?

[Chessca (poodles.ponies.peonies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skilfully interwoven dual timelines drive the pace of this immersive and engaging second-chance romance.

Set in Orkney, the Islands’ inherent natural beauty shaped by sometimes brutal winds, is a masterful compliment to the plot of this Own Voices story.

Told with empathy and unguarded veracity, A Smile in a Whisper is a welcome reminder that we are worthy of love because of who we are and not in-spite of it.

[Caitlyn Gallenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a big romance reader, but I adored this story for many reasons!! The storyline of a star-crossed love that gets lost in miscommunication and time but finds its way again was so refreshingly endearing and stole my heart.

The transparency of characters who feel so incredibly genuine to humankind with all of their flaws and imperfections and a realistic timeline of how long healing may take. There are so many beautiful moments of friendship, love, and growing into one's self that branch this romance off into an overall wholesome read; I hope this gets a screen adaptation because I would love to see it come to life visually!

I also enjoyed learning more about Orkney culture and language, and the setting gave all of the Taylor Swift August vibes for this Swiftie!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kirkwall books for this incredible ARC!

[Janie Hickok Siess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Jacquelyn Middleton describes her books as “character and relationship-driven stories about people dealing with the triumphs and disasters we all experience,” as well as “love stories for hopeful romantics.” But she emphasizes that they are not “rom-coms,” because in her writing she does not shy away from the fact that “life is messy, relationships are messy” and she is not “afraid to go there. . .” She is particularly proud of being an own voices author. She is transparent about her lifelong struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. She strives to “realistically and empathetically” depict mental health issues. “I’m pleased to have this platform to inform people about this misunderstood affliction,” with the goal of entertaining readers while obliterating the stigma and misperceptions about the issues.

In A Smile in a Whisper, Middleton whisks readers off to the beautiful Orkney Islands of Scotland where Evie Sutherland lives on the Mainland in the little village of Kirkwall. The story begins eighteen years ago when Evie is just thirteen years old, swooning with her best girlfriends, Sunita and Fiona, over Nikolai “Nick” Balfour, the sixteen-year-old star of the television drama Dalston Grove. Evie, who loves to write, has been fantasizing about a romance with Nick and penning short stories about their possible adventures. Evie is ecstatic when she learns that Nick’s paternal grandmother lives in Orkney at Balfour Castle, her family home. Is there a possibility she could actually meet the boy to whom she is so hopelessly attracted? Indeed, Evie and Nick are thrust together when his mother, a successful actress in her own right, insists that Nick attend the same music camp Evie has participated in since she was eight years old. Nick confesses that he can neither sing nor play the guitar, and his mother is punishing him for having ditched the private voice lessons she arranged for him. Evie is shocked to learn that Nick and her older brother, Sam, have been acquainted for two years, a detail Sam never disclosed to both shield Nick’s privacy and evade having to respond to Evie’s inevitable probing for details about what Nick is really like.

Middleton details the teenagers’ burgeoning relationship with tenderness and obvious affection for her characters. Evie quickly learns that Nick is not the character he plays on television and about the behind-the-camera machinations that made him a star. For instance, Nick confesses that the questionnaires published in the fan magazines recounting all the things he likes and dislikes are completed not by him, but by his public relations staff. And his much-publicized romance with a young actress is nothing more than a publicity stunt. The two become friends, but Nick has commitments that take him back to London while Evie remains in Orkney. Still, he returns to the village with his family, especially for holidays, and they gradually grow closer.

Nick discloses painful details about his tumultuous family life and the pressure his mother, in particular, puts on him to succeed in the entertainment industry. He has harbored a secret that could derail his career since he was ten years old: he suffers from debilitating panic attacks. In fact, he suffers one in Evie’s presence, and she helps him through it. He explains that “nobody wants to book a kid with mental issues” for a job in film or television, and his mother cares more about his career than his mental health, insisting the diagnosis of panic disorder is erroneous and refusing to permit Nick to seek necessary therapy. Nick finds himself drawn to Evie because he senses that she sees and appreciates him, as opposed to the role he plays on television. “Sometimes all you needed was someone who would listen, who wouldn’t judge when you were hurting. Someone who knew the pain and loneliness of carrying a heavy secret.” Nick senses that “a newfound trust has been forged, a special intimacy . . . ” But even with Nick’s vulnerability on display, however, Evie cannot bring herself to share with Nick that she has Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease. The severity and symptoms vary widely among patients, but include abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and embarrassing, “panicked sprints to the loo, not to mention the occasional accident.”

Gradually, their relationship blossoms into a full-blown romance. After seven years playing the same role in a successful television series, the show is canceled, and Nick finds it difficult to transition into adult roles. At the age of twenty, he searches for a “comeback,” intent on not being a “has-been.” Evie’s time in London proves to be an attempt to be someone and something she is not comfortable being, and she returns to Orkney for good. Her condition worsens, but Nick is unaware because their relationship abruptly ends, leaving her devastated.

In an alternating present-day narrative, Evie helps her mother run Marwick’s, the cafe and shop her mother’s family has owned for generations that Evie will someday inherit and continue operating. Evie handles catering, as well as her own genealogy clients, and continues to pursue her writing. She is still single, and her dating history has been problematic, in large part due to Crohn’s disease. Evie has experienced a series of romantic disappointments because when she has grown close enough to men to share the details of her condition with them, they have been repulsed. “No one wants to date the sick girl,” she complains to Sunita, who now enjoys a successful career in London as an entertainment reporter for The National Mail. Evie is contemplating accepting a dinner invitation from the new head teacher at Kirkwell Grammar School, even though she does not feel a spark with him. Evie confesses that she is lonely and living in a small village means that she meets few eligible men. And even though her Crohn’s disease is well-controlled, she still perceives it to be a barrier to a fulfilling relationship.

When Evie’s parents go away on a long-needed vacation, Marwick’s is fully entrusted to her. And she negotiates a lucrative catering contract that will generate enough income to make desperately needed repairs to the store and keep it afloat. She will spend the summer providing catering services to a production company filming a television series. What she does not realize when she enters into the agreement is that Nick is the executive producer, and he will be on set daily. She only learns this when a calamity befalls Marwick’s during the annual St. Magnus Festival parade. Suddenly, Nick is right in front of her “and thirteen years of bitter hurt surge forward, pushing play on her long-held vow to stay strong if they ever spoke again.” But Evie is determined to maintain her professionalism and forge ahead. Sunita decides to take a leave and remain for the summer, serving as Evie’s assistant. The catering venture is not without a few catastrophes, but mostly successful. Her interactions with Nick? Not as pleasant. But Evie cannot deny that she still has “conflicted, messy, unrequited feelings” for Nick. Does he feel the same way? Evie has no idea that Nick actually agreed to serve as executive producer specifically because he hoped being near her would provide a way for them to be friends again. He is wracked with guilt about the way their relationship ended, recognizing that his actions were “stupid and unforgivable.” Does Evie have the capacity to absolve him?

Middleton employs the alternating narratives to great effect, examining her characters’ lives and relationships, and heightening suspense. As the timelines shift, Evie and Nick’s youthful connection deepens and they appear to be on their way to a bright future, while in the present day, they must carry out their professional obligations despite their discomfort around each other. As the executive producer, Nick is Evie’s boss, and she has to succeed because Marwick’s is not just her birthright. It is also her future. But she knows that she must sort out her complicated feelings for Nick once and for all -- her pain about the demise of their relationship, and her lingering and undeniable attraction to him. She credibly questions how she can still have feelings for a man who treated her so abominably but acknowledges that she does. By the time Nick and Evie come together again, Nick has also matured and learned a great deal about himself and what kind of life he wants. He has endured his parents’ divorce, learning to manage his panic disorder, a failed marriage, a sex scandal, and career ups and downs. At the ages of thirty-one and thirty-four, respectively, Evie and Nick have cemented their self-concepts and grown comfortable in their own skins. Can their lives mesh back together in a way that will be fulfilling and happy for both of them, devoid of secrets and mistrust?

Middleton believably and realistically explores her characters’ struggles, endearing them to readers. She does, as promised, credibly explore the “messy” aspects of their relationship, first as it grows beyond the unrealistic fantasies of an adolescent girl and a successful, but troubled boy, deepening and eventually fracturing. In the present day, she illustrates the impact their relationship had on both of them through the years and the difficulties both experienced as they tried to fully move past it and forge new relationships with other partners. There are no villains in Middleton’s story. Rather, it is an emotionally rich, relatable tale of two people who do their best to manage obstacles and find happiness. And it is a clever story, as well, with surprising plot twists that provide meaning, context, and resolution.

A Smile in a Whisper is a charmingly delightful story about love found, love lost, and overcoming challenges. It is also a meditation on forgiveness, self-esteem, and the degree to which we seek acceptance and validation from others.

Thanks to Kirkwall Books for a paperback copy of A Smile in a Whisper in conjunction with the Tandem Collective Readalong.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first read the book description of ‘A Smile in a Whisper’ I knew I wanted to read this book myself. I’ve read two other books by this author before and really enjoyed them. So when the time came to start reading I dived right in.

In ‘A Smile in a Whisper’ we read the story of Evie and Nicolas. They met in the summer when Evie was working several jobs and Nicolas tried to get away from the attention he got as a young tv star. This book is about Evie and Nick and how life gave them a second chance.

‘A Smile in a Whisper’ was a fun read but it took me a while to really get into honestly. The book starts when Evie is in her early teens and has a major crush on child star Nicolas. We go from past to present through out the different chapters. And I found those first few chapters not very interesting, but it was the introduction that was needed for the story.

What I absolutely loved about this book was the setting on Orkney Islands, Scotland. I always love reading books that are set in places I don’t read a lot about. And Orkney Island just sounded perfect to me. And it was fun to read about the different characters and reading a little bit about how things work at a film set.

The main character Evie has Crohn Disease, and I really enjoyed how the author wrote about the main character dealing with a chronic illness. Evie’s struggles felt so real and I really felt for her. Especially when she was still a teen and wanted to be like everyone else.
The same goes for Nick’s character.. He had a lot going on in his life and also concerning his health. I really enjoyed that.

But overall I just couldn’t really get into this book the way I hoped. It seemed to be a little slow at times and I missed the chemistry between the two main characters.

‘A Smile in a Whisper’ was a nice read with a great setting.. but not really for me.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sixteen years ago, Edie's just a girl from the Orkney Islands, while Nick is a famous actor, most well known for his lead role in a popular teen drama. Now, she's managing the family shop and catering business, which is providing meals for a new BBC production, which Nick is working on as a producer. Alternating between the past and present, we follow along with Edie, from her first meeting with Nick, to their developing relationship, and today, where they seem to be virtual strangers.

Edie and Nick's health issues were discussed in a very believable manner,, but the jumps from these very real problems to spicy scenes was slightly jarring at times. I also really disliked the character of Edie's brother, Sam, as he didn't really seem to have a purpose other than acting as her protector. One minor complaint I had was that everyone has "very fancy" jobs: actor, journalist, archaeologist, author, which I feel like is a lot for one small island. Especially Edie - when is she finding time to do all of these jobs?!

The split timelines worked nicely here, moving at a pace that kept me informed, while providing a little mystery as to why Edie and Nick broke up. The parallels between the past and present were very evident, especially with Edie and Nick essentially switching roles between who's able to fully commit to a relationship. I haven't read any of the other books in this universe, but I didn't feel as though I was missing anything important about the side characters - I now want to go read the book about Fiona and Rupert's relationship! Overall, a cute story with a happy ending, and no one had to compromise on their beliefs or goals, which I greatly appreciated.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kirkwall Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Sylviane BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je ne vous cache pas que j'ai trouvé les chapitres du passé longs, très longs. Oui il faut poser les bases sur la rencontre d'Evie et de Nick, de leur histoire, de leur rupture mais bon parfois c'était long.

Evie a toujours eu un crush sur Nick, depuis qu'elle l'a vu à la tv, et en plus il est ami avec son frère Sam.
Nick a eu une enfance dorée, enfin si on peut dire ça, poussé par sa mère pour tel rôle, il n'a aucun contrôle dessus. Et ces séjours sur cette petite île d'Ecosse sont bénéfiques pour lui.

Ils vont être amis et s'aimer et se séparer.
Les bribes du passé servent à comprendre ce qu'il s'est passé. Pourquoi est-il sorti de sa vie alors qu'il l'aimait? Alors qu'ils avaient planifié leur vie à Londres?

De retour en Ecosse les retrouvailles sont froides. Evie ne lui a pas pardonné son abandon, alors qu'elle était malade. Evie souffre depuis toujours de la maladie de Crohn et elle ne voulait pas être la fille malade. Elle veut vivre et réaliser ses rêves.
Mais c'est vrai qu'elle lui en veut toujours, il n'y a eu aucune explication et elle pensait compter sur lui. Evie maintenant adulte a en quelque sorte réalisé son rêve, elle vit avec sa maladie et oui elle en a marre qu'on lui dise comment gérer sa vie à cause d'elle. sa maladie ne l'a jamais défini.

Peuvent-ils reprendre leur histoire? Enfin Nick va ramer quand même. Il faut que les faux semblants soient mis sur table.
Tous les deux ont grandi et ont évolué, ils ont muri, surtout Nick. Il a réussi à sortir des griffes de sa mère, et trouver ce qui lui plaisait, sans être trop stressé, être réalisateur. Et j'avoue qu'il m'a un peu gonflé quand il était jeune.

C'est quand même une romance de seconde chance mignonne mais qui traite de maladie qu'on connait par le nom, et non en elle même

[Loni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so incredibly grateful to Jacquelyn Middleton for writing A Smile in a Whisper and to Tandem Collective Global for hosting a readalong for it! What a fantastic book. So raw and open, and with the most beautiful backdrop in which it all takes place.

The Good:
This book has so many pluses, where to even start! If you look up second chance romance in the dictionary, pretty sure that this book is listed there! It was the most perfect blend of love and loss. The characters were spot on, so real, I felt like I could be friends with them. Evie is incredible. She’s so strong, resilient and selfless. She works hard every day to prove that her chrones does not define who she is. Nick is the kind of guy who tries to see the best in everyone. He hides who he really is from everyone, except Evie. And we really can’t talk about this book without talking about the incredible setting! It takes place in the beautiful Orkney Islands of Scotland. A place I have now added to my bucket list because Jacqueline’s descriptions are so vivid that I need to be there and see it for myself.

The Bad:
There really isn’t anything. I enjoyed this beauty from beginning to end!

The Mentionable:
There are a fare few trigger warnings to mention so just be aware. They include:
Panic attacks, open door sex scenes, drug use, alcohol use, child abuse/manipulation, infidelity, hospital scenes, underage drinking, medical intervention, chronic illness, allergic reaction, someone is burnt.

I really can’t say enough good things about A Smile in a Whisper. I hope if you have the chance to scoop it up that you do. You’ll be so happy you did!

Thank you to Jacquelyn and Tandemfor the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Smile in a Whisper is the sixth book I read by Jacquelyn Middleton. This time the author tells a story of second-chance love that is beautifully written.
From the moment I read the synopsis, I knew I needed to read this book. I am a big fan of the second-chance love trope and since the book depicts a character who struggles with an illness, it is a story I could feel connected to.
Evie is such amazing character; bold and brave but still fighting problems and having insecurities. It was very interesting to learn more about Chron’s and how a person diagnosed with it can struggle. Nick is a lovely character as well; it was nice to see again a very human side of a star. He also deals with panic attacks and that made me realize that so many people suffer from it without us knowing or realizing.
The secondary characters were interesting and added to the story, I think Fiona is my favorite. Sunita was also a good friend (although I kind of hated how she was with Nick at the beach). I loved Lily and hated Nick’s parents. It was awesome to know more or Tarquin and Leia (and even Rupert), I loved that. The Orkney setting was different and unique and made me want to travel there to witness such wonderful scenery.
I cannot say more without spoiling the book but the whole thing with Evie and Nick felt very close to my heart. It broke my heart and mended it again. I also loved the chemistry they had together.
Overall, it is a gripping story, a real page-turner that I am sure will captivate you from the very beginning.

[Melenareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Smile in a Whisper is a second chance romance, but it's also so much more. It's a story with relatable, multi-dimensional characters, mental health and chronic illness rep, and realistic portrayals of the wonderful and sometimes difficult dynamics of familial relationships and friendships.

I loved Evie and Nick so much, and it was really nice getting their dual POV. They each had their own struggles and experiences that they brought to their relationship. So, I liked getting to see them both grow and work through their concerns to find their way back to one another. They fit so well together despite being from very different families and worlds.

I also thought it worked so well to have the chapters alternate between their past relationship and present. It allowed me to get to know and relate to them, and how what happened then informed their growing relationship now. I saw so much of myself in them, especially Evie with her initial fan girl crush and then trying to find her place in the world.

Orkney was such a wonderful setting for this story. It was described in wonderful detail that made me feel like I was right there with Evie and Nick. The islands were almost the third main character of the story with a rich and fascinating history. I would love to travel there someday!

I have been a big fan of each of Jacquelyn's books, and I cannot recommend them enough. A Smile in a Whisper is her best book yet and one of my favorites this year!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Jax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful read from Jacquelyn Middleton! At this point, if Jacquelyn is writing it, I'm reading it.

A Smile in a Whisper is a second-chance romance that follows small-town Evie and her celebrity crush, Nick.

What I Loved:
- The Inclusion! Jacquelyn did a phenomenal job writing a love story that involved Crohn's disease, panic attacks and anxiety, in a way that was real, but not forced. I've seen some of books try to be inclusive, but it comes across clunky and as if they are just trying to check a box. A Smile In A Whisper gives you a real look into what it's like to live with these illnesses and the constraints they put on someone's life, especially Crohns.
- The Dual timelines - I loved how this story unfolded between two timelines, the present day and 13 years ago when Evie and Nick first met. As with any second chance romance, I was dying to know what caused the initial break up. The dual timeline had me tearing through the book trying to uncover it!
- Orkney is now on my travel bucket list. Orkney was a character all on it's own! Jacquelyn did a beautiful job bringing the island to life and sharing it's history with the readers.

What I Didn't Love:
- I won't spoil anything, but when we finally got to the initial break-up reveal, I was so upset! I didn't see it coming at all and was so frustrated by the situation!
- The miscommunication trope, but that's never a favorite of mine.


Thank you Grey's Promotion for this ARC. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review
I'm a big Jacquelyn Middleton fan, and I believe that each of her books get better and better! This is a second-chance romance following Evie and Nick both in the past as their relationship develops over the course of a few years, and present-day, as Nick returns to Orkney to film a show--and Evie is catering for the crew. I enjoyed the dual timelines and seeing both Nick and Evie's perspectives, but I think my main issue with this book was that the past was so well-developed to the point where present-day didn't feel as strong; I thought it was lacking the emotion and drive that the characters would feel after being separated for so long after their intense relationship. I wish modern-day had felt a bit more fleshed out and sold the romance a bit more. I did really like both characters though, and I loved the setting in Orkney! Middleton did a great job in transporting the reader to the Islands, and now I want to visit lol. Our main characters also dealt with Crohn's (as does the author's husband) and anxiety and panic attacks (Own Voices), and these were done really well. The only other thing I will critique is that there are a lot of words in all capitals and excessive use of exclamation points and the "?!" combo. It felt very juvenile in most cases, especially dealing with the dialogue and texts of older teenagers and adults in their 30s. Other than these few critiques though, this is a solid romance and I'd recommend it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Jacquelyn’s books! All of them have characters who are real like you and me — they’ve all got their own battles to fight and aren’t perfect, which I love!

This book is about Evie, who has Crohn’s disease, and Nick, who has panic attacks. I adore that their own conditions are just a part of them and not a character of their own; it helps shape their experiences but it does not define them (even if they sometimes feel like it does).

This book is told in both the past and present — in the past, Evie and Nick were infatuated with each other, and in the present? Evie can’t stand Nick. You get to see what happened in the past to lead to the present situation and how they find their resolution, which makes me adore the dual timeline aspect!

All of the supporting characters are also great, and if you’ve read Jacquelyn’s other books, you’ll see some familiar faces pop up. I loved getting to know a young Tarquin and getting to see how he and Leia have gotten on since their book!

All in all, the setting and the characters were so enjoyable that I absolutely devoured this book and can’t wait to dive in for a second read! If you’ve never read one of Jacquelyn’s books, you don’t necessarily have to read them in order, but if you do, you’ll get to see some old friends, which is one of my favorite things. Do yourself a favor and get this book as soon as it’s out!