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Whispers of the Sea
This book has scenes depicting sexual assault, violence, infidelity, heavy drinking, child abandonment, and the death of a parent. There is also cursing. If any of these things may trigger an adverse response for you and your mental health, please stop here.
Ten years have passed, but the flame of their unfinished love story still flickers in their hearts. Tillie Pierce, an ambitious career woman, thrived and conquered the world, yet deep down, she always wondered about the path not taken with Jake Armstrong—the "one that got away." Fate finally intervenes when Tillie's father's passing gifts her a bittersweet chance at closure and a newfound opportunity for love. Beneath the golden sun-kissed beaches of a tranquil North Carolina coastal town, Tillie and Jake's destinies entwine once more, merging like the meeting of river and sea. Yet, amidst their beautiful reunion, the deep currents of their past rise to the surface, carrying secrets that threaten to capsize their second chance at love. Will Tillie and Jake summon the strength to confront these trials together, or will their love ultimately recede like the ocean's relentless tide?
Ten years have passed, but the flame of their unfinished love story still flickers in their hearts. Tillie Pierce, an ambitious career woman, thrived and conquered the world, yet deep down, she always wondered about the path not taken with Jake Armstrong—the "one that got away." Fate finally intervenes when Tillie's father's passing gifts her a bittersweet chance at closure and a newfound opportunity for love. Beneath the golden sun-kissed beaches of a tranquil North Carolina coastal town, Tillie and Jake's destinies entwine once more, merging like the meeting of river and sea. Yet, amidst their beautiful reunion, the deep currents of their past rise to the surface, carrying secrets that threaten to capsize their second chance at love. Will Tillie and Jake summon the strength to confront these trials together, or will their love ultimately recede like the ocean's relentless tide?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2023
26 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 16, 2024
Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault, Child Abandonment hints at Child Abuse, and death of a loved one.
This is my first time reading this particular author's work. Let me tell you when I had to break out the tissue bawling and my little girl came over to give me a hug that's how good this novel is for me. Jake and Tillie are such strong characters who each had to overcome so much but in the end there is a true happy ending for all. Tillie's character is someone I can relate to as she overcame her assault all those years ago and stood up against her attacker. Her strength gave others the strength and courage to come forward. Jake's character, my heart broke for him. Being kept away from his kids to suddenly being told "Here, I don't want to do the mom thing anymore." Those poor kids too, they took it with stride, and we're so strong for being 6 & 4. But like I said, this book will definitely have you crying. I recommend this novel to anyone looking for a quick, easy, and emotional read.
This is my first time reading this particular author's work. Let me tell you when I had to break out the tissue bawling and my little girl came over to give me a hug that's how good this novel is for me. Jake and Tillie are such strong characters who each had to overcome so much but in the end there is a true happy ending for all. Tillie's character is someone I can relate to as she overcame her assault all those years ago and stood up against her attacker. Her strength gave others the strength and courage to come forward. Jake's character, my heart broke for him. Being kept away from his kids to suddenly being told "Here, I don't want to do the mom thing anymore." Those poor kids too, they took it with stride, and we're so strong for being 6 & 4. But like I said, this book will definitely have you crying. I recommend this novel to anyone looking for a quick, easy, and emotional read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 1, 2023This was easily one of my favorite books I’ve read this month. And probably this year. Brianna thank you for writing us an absolutely wonderful work of art. I cannot wait to read your others.
February 7, 2024
When I tell you I LOVED this read, you best believe that I'll be recommending it foreeeverrr 👌😍💖
It's taken me weeks to form this review as I just couldn't find the words to describe my love for Jake and Tillie. Whispers of The Sea was everything I never knew I needed. It gave me all the feels and really is a must read for my romance girlies! 💕
I am a sucker for small town romance, soul mates and a fast paced love story and I got all this and more. There are some potentially triggering aspects of this book but I think they were wrote so well and handled with such compassion and integrity.
We meet Jake & Tillie who are high school sweethearts. They end up going their separate ways when they graduate and life unravels in a whole rollercoaster of ways for them both.
I don't want to spoil the story but their story isn't over and by the end of the book you will be left wanting more.
This is Brianna's debut novel and I am so intrigued to see how she will top this with her next book.
Thank you so much @novelsbybriannarusler for the ARC copy of this book.
It's taken me weeks to form this review as I just couldn't find the words to describe my love for Jake and Tillie. Whispers of The Sea was everything I never knew I needed. It gave me all the feels and really is a must read for my romance girlies! 💕
I am a sucker for small town romance, soul mates and a fast paced love story and I got all this and more. There are some potentially triggering aspects of this book but I think they were wrote so well and handled with such compassion and integrity.
We meet Jake & Tillie who are high school sweethearts. They end up going their separate ways when they graduate and life unravels in a whole rollercoaster of ways for them both.
I don't want to spoil the story but their story isn't over and by the end of the book you will be left wanting more.
This is Brianna's debut novel and I am so intrigued to see how she will top this with her next book.
Thank you so much @novelsbybriannarusler for the ARC copy of this book.
June 18, 2024
Two teens madly in love end up traveling different paths, still longing for each other. A funeral brings them together, but even though both are single, there are issues that will try to keep them apart again.This was a feel good story in my opinion and while there is sexual assault it is not violent. If you like reconnecting stories this is for you.
June 3, 2024
This book was really good. I loved the amount of detail in the story line and that there was even still some spice. There are triggers so please do pay attention to those. The ending did make me cry when they finally got married and had their happy ever after. When she asked Jake's dad to walk her down the aisle it had me. I will definitely be reading more of this authors books down the line!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
We follow a couple who appears to be soulmates through their rough break up, their time away, and then their second chance when a funeral brings them back together.
Jake owns an auto shop and compares every woman to the one who got away. Tillie followed her dreams to become a NICU nurse at a highly regarded hospital where she is still healing from past trauma. Now that they’re back in the same town, it’s impossible to ignore their destiny. But can they stay together this time?
Fast-paced and dual POV, this contemporary romance will give you all the feels. The characters had real flaws that made them more believable but also a tad annoying. Pay attention to the trigger warnings!
Jake owns an auto shop and compares every woman to the one who got away. Tillie followed her dreams to become a NICU nurse at a highly regarded hospital where she is still healing from past trauma. Now that they’re back in the same town, it’s impossible to ignore their destiny. But can they stay together this time?
Fast-paced and dual POV, this contemporary romance will give you all the feels. The characters had real flaws that made them more believable but also a tad annoying. Pay attention to the trigger warnings!
July 8, 2024
If you take out the SA and the sex scenes, the characters seem like they are elementary school-aged instead of almost 30 years old. Some of the dialogue and situations are so far-fetched; I feel like I read a different book than other reviewers.
November 27, 2024
Christ on a cracker. This book was all tell, don’t show. A lot of things pissed me off about it. Don’t bother reading.
November 3, 2025
Author, Brianna Rusler, for her debut novel, smashed it out of the park, and she has started this series very well. Please take note of the TW as they occur throughout the story.
This is Tilly and Jake's story.
Growing up together, Jake spent more time with Tilly and her family than he did at his own home. Having to deal with a nasty step sibling, he spent as much time away from home that he could.
They fell in love, Tilly just 14 and Jake 15.
At graduation, Tilly had a secret that she was keeping from Jake. All secrets tend to come out and destroy what you think you have, so Tilly decides to keep it hidden.
Their lives take different pathways after graduation, and due to circumstances that both of them could not control, they did not see each other again for 10 years.
A lot happened in that span of time, and with Tilly returning home after her fathers death, they rekindle their relationship.
BUT, of course there is drama, as not all true love stories run smoothly.
Jake married and had children, divorced and lost his chance at being a father as his ex, Brielle disappeared with them.
Tilly had followed her dream and became a NICU Nurse Practitioner.
Vowing to never return to her home town, seeing Jake again stirred up all the old feelings she had for him. She had never forgotten her first love and Jake still harboured feelings for her, his soul mate.
This story is so inclusive of their lives and the fast paced narrative keeps you invested.
Read in one sitting...very easily done, the emotional roller coaster of a ride takes you through them all.
The horror of what Tilly endured through to the loss of her father and Jake being in a hateful marriage, leading to divorce has you holding your breath....waiting....wondering how the story will evolve so these two who were meant to be together from the beginning can mend the bridges and start a new life.... together.
An overall great read and very worthy of 5 stars. I am sure you will love it as much as I did.
A second chance contemporary romance with all the feels!
This is Tilly and Jake's story.
Growing up together, Jake spent more time with Tilly and her family than he did at his own home. Having to deal with a nasty step sibling, he spent as much time away from home that he could.
They fell in love, Tilly just 14 and Jake 15.
At graduation, Tilly had a secret that she was keeping from Jake. All secrets tend to come out and destroy what you think you have, so Tilly decides to keep it hidden.
Their lives take different pathways after graduation, and due to circumstances that both of them could not control, they did not see each other again for 10 years.
A lot happened in that span of time, and with Tilly returning home after her fathers death, they rekindle their relationship.
BUT, of course there is drama, as not all true love stories run smoothly.
Jake married and had children, divorced and lost his chance at being a father as his ex, Brielle disappeared with them.
Tilly had followed her dream and became a NICU Nurse Practitioner.
Vowing to never return to her home town, seeing Jake again stirred up all the old feelings she had for him. She had never forgotten her first love and Jake still harboured feelings for her, his soul mate.
This story is so inclusive of their lives and the fast paced narrative keeps you invested.
Read in one sitting...very easily done, the emotional roller coaster of a ride takes you through them all.
The horror of what Tilly endured through to the loss of her father and Jake being in a hateful marriage, leading to divorce has you holding your breath....waiting....wondering how the story will evolve so these two who were meant to be together from the beginning can mend the bridges and start a new life.... together.
An overall great read and very worthy of 5 stars. I am sure you will love it as much as I did.
A second chance contemporary romance with all the feels!
November 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It's raw with emotions and lots of drama, suspense, love with family and friends, trauma of death and also rape.
This story is very well written. I enjoyed all the characters.
Jake and Tillie have a whirlwind of a relationship. Starting when they were teenagers and going separate ways for several years and finding their way back to each other. I So Loved the ending. I'm really looking forward to reading book 2.
This is my first book by Brianna and I will definitely be reading more of her books
I highly recommend this small town second chance romance. Check TW before reading. Otherwise enjoy this beautiful story.
This story is very well written. I enjoyed all the characters.
Jake and Tillie have a whirlwind of a relationship. Starting when they were teenagers and going separate ways for several years and finding their way back to each other. I So Loved the ending. I'm really looking forward to reading book 2.
This is my first book by Brianna and I will definitely be reading more of her books
I highly recommend this small town second chance romance. Check TW before reading. Otherwise enjoy this beautiful story.
July 6, 2024
This was a great story that me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to get book number two in November because I am interest to see what Brielle is gonna do next. She was someone I instantly didn't like lol so I'm excited to see what the crazy b*tch does next. And I mean come on, we have to have more Jake and Tillie! That being said, if Brianna writes it I'll be reading it cause her books are the perfect mix of love with a splash of trauma. Just enough to leave me wanting more!!! <3
Edit: The physical copy is sooooo pretty!!! You can tell it took her a bit to the get cover just how she wanted! Absolutely stunning work!
Edit: The physical copy is sooooo pretty!!! You can tell it took her a bit to the get cover just how she wanted! Absolutely stunning work!
June 29, 2024
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK! I love the way Tillies and Jake’s relationship blossomed as they were younger, then reconnected a decade later and how she got her revenge on the person that she had thought ruined her life forever. I absolutely love that she stood up to Brock and told him how she wasn’t his victim anymore. This story reminded me of “The Notebook” but more modern day. I love the back and forth between Tillie and Jake. I love how Tillie goes after her dreams and then comes back for unexpected events but falls back in love with Jake after a decade of being gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
What a beautiful story. I absolutely loves both of the main characters. Started off as High school sweethearts, ended up doing their separate ways. But a funeral brings them together again. From there this story really takes off. And their love is undeniable. The twists and turns. The emotions are so deep, this book falls so close into the real of things. Of what can truly happen in life. I was so drawn in by this one and it left me running for the second book.
November 9, 2025
Got the ARC for book two so had to read this one really quick. What a pleasant surprise. This author is new to me but i really enjoyed reading this story about some heart breaking situations. The characters were powerfully developed and I grew to just love them. My heart broke for them both but love and courage will prevail right?
November 2, 2025
Loved it!
This was a great second chance romance. There was a lot of great suspense and some spice too. I really liked the story and all the drama.
This was a great second chance romance. There was a lot of great suspense and some spice too. I really liked the story and all the drama.
November 30, 2025
It’s A Good Love Story
Their story is one that I liked but I didn’t connect with the characters like I had wanted to. Some things just felt disconnected and one would hope after 10yrs people would have learned better communication skills.
Their story is one that I liked but I didn’t connect with the characters like I had wanted to. Some things just felt disconnected and one would hope after 10yrs people would have learned better communication skills.
February 19, 2025
This isn’t going to be a nice review, and honestly probably deserves a 1 star, but I enjoyed the reader in the audible version.
This was… rough.
The first thing that kept irritating me was how she kept saying “neonatal nurse practitioner” which tells me she’s never met one. She later says she’s a “pediatric nurse practitioner,” which I guess is fine, since NPs can easily switch specialties. The worst was when she tells the little girl she’s “almost a doctor” 😵💫 no. She is not. She is a nurse. It’s in her title that she says like 30 times. Why not just be proud of that?! “Oh honey, he’ll be okay. I’m a nurse and I’m helping your daddy take care of him” works better than “I’m almost a doctor.” I mean, sure 600 hours of training compared to 10,000 hours of training…. You’re 6% of a doctor, I guess 😠
Or how someone from the hospital comes to graduation WITH CONTRACT PAPERS FOR A JOB OFFER in hand… something that’s never happened… ever.
But that’s just part of it. The whole time we’re supposed to be cheering for Jake and Tillie…. And I don’t want Tillie to end up with Jake. They’re both now 28 and still act like teenagers, and he’s toxic af. Narcissistic- his needs and wants over everyone else. Who cares that his first wife was a jerk? He chose to marry her and have not 1 accidental child, but 2 children with her.
Speaking of his children… no judge lets a mom take kids from a father who wants to be involved. So he signed away visitation to avoid a court battle with his ex. He’s just as crappy as she is. And even if his version is true… he should be incensed by the trauma of losing access to his kids…. Not hiding their existence.
And weird that she knows Jake is at work and sees a woman at home with the kids a week after she left… and doesn’t immediately think nanny or babysitter… moved in new girlfriend is her first thought, really? Not to mention, she goes back to work and then same day is like - yep, gonna quit my job (no notice), pack up my apartment, give everything to the Salvation Army (next day) and grab a moving truck, turn in keys to the lease? Like has the author ever moved in their life?
And the sex scenes. Uggggh. Gross. Like if the first scene they share together wasn’t her second sexual experience ever… and first consensual one. There is NO way she would have responded the way she did. Can I punish you? Can I ride on top? Those are all things that would have happened eventually in their sex lives, sure, but not what is legitimately her first time in actuality. And I just can’t with the “be a good girl” crap.
At least I believed Tillie would 100% be the person to leave her wedding with a white jumpsuit with rhinestones spelling Bride on the back 🤣
This was… rough.
The first thing that kept irritating me was how she kept saying “neonatal nurse practitioner” which tells me she’s never met one. She later says she’s a “pediatric nurse practitioner,” which I guess is fine, since NPs can easily switch specialties. The worst was when she tells the little girl she’s “almost a doctor” 😵💫 no. She is not. She is a nurse. It’s in her title that she says like 30 times. Why not just be proud of that?! “Oh honey, he’ll be okay. I’m a nurse and I’m helping your daddy take care of him” works better than “I’m almost a doctor.” I mean, sure 600 hours of training compared to 10,000 hours of training…. You’re 6% of a doctor, I guess 😠
Or how someone from the hospital comes to graduation WITH CONTRACT PAPERS FOR A JOB OFFER in hand… something that’s never happened… ever.
But that’s just part of it. The whole time we’re supposed to be cheering for Jake and Tillie…. And I don’t want Tillie to end up with Jake. They’re both now 28 and still act like teenagers, and he’s toxic af. Narcissistic- his needs and wants over everyone else. Who cares that his first wife was a jerk? He chose to marry her and have not 1 accidental child, but 2 children with her.
Speaking of his children… no judge lets a mom take kids from a father who wants to be involved. So he signed away visitation to avoid a court battle with his ex. He’s just as crappy as she is. And even if his version is true… he should be incensed by the trauma of losing access to his kids…. Not hiding their existence.
And weird that she knows Jake is at work and sees a woman at home with the kids a week after she left… and doesn’t immediately think nanny or babysitter… moved in new girlfriend is her first thought, really? Not to mention, she goes back to work and then same day is like - yep, gonna quit my job (no notice), pack up my apartment, give everything to the Salvation Army (next day) and grab a moving truck, turn in keys to the lease? Like has the author ever moved in their life?
And the sex scenes. Uggggh. Gross. Like if the first scene they share together wasn’t her second sexual experience ever… and first consensual one. There is NO way she would have responded the way she did. Can I punish you? Can I ride on top? Those are all things that would have happened eventually in their sex lives, sure, but not what is legitimately her first time in actuality. And I just can’t with the “be a good girl” crap.
At least I believed Tillie would 100% be the person to leave her wedding with a white jumpsuit with rhinestones spelling Bride on the back 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
I absolutely love this book!!
Okay first of all reread this and I don’t remember it being heartbreaking but healing all at the same time Tillie and Jake are perfectly imperfect which makes relating to them so much easier!!!
Okay first of all reread this and I don’t remember it being heartbreaking but healing all at the same time Tillie and Jake are perfectly imperfect which makes relating to them so much easier!!!
February 25, 2025
Amazing!!
Well developed SWOON WORTHY characters and a plot that kept me sucked in the entire time. Tillie and Jake are amazing and I was rooting for them the entire time. I cannot wait to read more about these two!
Ebook, print, or audio. Whatever. You won’t regret picking this one up!
P.S. So glad that POS is in jail. Oh, and the funeral? Not nice. That was pitiful.
Well developed SWOON WORTHY characters and a plot that kept me sucked in the entire time. Tillie and Jake are amazing and I was rooting for them the entire time. I cannot wait to read more about these two!
Ebook, print, or audio. Whatever. You won’t regret picking this one up!
P.S. So glad that POS is in jail. Oh, and the funeral? Not nice. That was pitiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2023
❤️❤️
Such an amazing story! It was a such a good rollercoaster that I read it in a few hours cause I wasn’t able to put it down!
Such an amazing story! It was a such a good rollercoaster that I read it in a few hours cause I wasn’t able to put it down!
June 13, 2025
A beautiful slow burn romance, then the drama hits.
it's a good quick read.
it's a good quick read.
November 26, 2025
Ten years have passed, but the flame of their unfinished love story still flickers in their hearts.
Tillie Pierce, an ambitious career woman, thrived and conquered the world, yet deep down, she always wondered about the path not taken with Jake Armstrong—the "one that got away." Fate finally intervenes when Tillie's father's passing gifts her a bittersweet chance at closure and a newfound opportunity for love. Beneath the golden sun-kissed beaches of a tranquil North Carolina coastal town, Tillie and Jake's destinies entwine once more, merging like the meeting of river and sea. Yet, amidst their beautiful reunion, the deep currents of their past rise to the surface, carrying secrets that threaten to capsize their second chance at love.
Will Tillie and Jake summon the strength to confront these trials together, or will their love ultimately recede like the ocean's relentless tide?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Second Chance, Career FMC, “One That Got Away”, New Opportunity, Reunion, Dual POV, Contemporary Romance, Vengeance, Suspense, Childhood Sweethearts, Soul Mates, Small Town,
Whispers of the Sea is the 1st book in the Stories of the Sea by Brianna Rusler. I fell in love with Brianna Rusler's writing when I read her novel “A Sweet Arrangement”. And she has captured my rapture even more with Whispers of the Sea. I can't say how deeply I feel in love with this book, it touched my heart in ways I never realized that a book could touch my heart.
This was a romance that I never in my wildest dreams that I needed in my life. This book gave me every feel and I can honestly say that all my romance girls out there need to read this book.
I have quickly become a fan of small-town romance's, soul mates with a fast-paced story and Whispers of the Sea gave me all of this and so much. You do need to pay attention to the trigger warnings, but Brianna handled the triggers with so much dignity, consideration and respect.
We first meet Jake & Tillie when they are in high school. They've been high school sweethearts for years and everyone expects them to be together for the rest of their lives. Tillie & Jake honestly adore each other and no one has ever been able to come between them. Not even Jake's Step mother or his step brother who he's never had a great relationship with, but Jake has always kept that from his dad, or at least he tried, the truth eventually managed to come out.
Jake has to go out of town to see his grandparents one Halloween weekend and Tillie chooses to remain behind. Tillie decides that rather than remaining at home to go to a Halloween party. Jake's step brother is also in attendance at this same Halloween party and when he spots Tillie, he quickly puts together a plan involving her and honestly, it's a very cruel plan.
After, Tillie thinks that she's done something wrong and that it's all her fault and she brought it on herself. She promises herself that she's never going to tell Jake what happened knowing that if she did tell him, it would destroy him and he would blame her for it all. One day, Jake and Tillie get into a huge argument and Tillie leaves believing that Jake no longer loves or cares about her and Jake believes the same about Tillie.
Years pass and Tillie returns home as her father has passed and she has come back for his funeral. And suddenly Tillie is face to face with Jake once again.
We see that life had gone on for Jake as well as Tillie. Jake had gotten married and he had children. He was now divorced and sadly Jake lost the chance to be a part of his children's life as his ex-Brielle took off with them and Jake had no idea where they were.
Tilly had always dreamed of becoming a NICU Nurse Practitioner. After leaving she had promised herself that she'd never return, but her father's death changed that. Then seeing Jake brought up all her old feelings once again. She had never forgotten him, never stopped loving him and Jake told her that he was still in love with her.
As Tillie and Jake start to talk, secrets that have been kept hidden are slowly revealed and we watch as Tillie and Jake go through hell and back to try and repair the relationship they once had when they were back in high school.
This book was so heartbreaking and beautiful. I just loved both Tillie and Jake beyond words and I couldn't stop rooting for them right from the very beginning. This book was masterfully written and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I need to know what happens next and if Tillie and Jake can make their relationship work.
Tillie Pierce, an ambitious career woman, thrived and conquered the world, yet deep down, she always wondered about the path not taken with Jake Armstrong—the "one that got away." Fate finally intervenes when Tillie's father's passing gifts her a bittersweet chance at closure and a newfound opportunity for love. Beneath the golden sun-kissed beaches of a tranquil North Carolina coastal town, Tillie and Jake's destinies entwine once more, merging like the meeting of river and sea. Yet, amidst their beautiful reunion, the deep currents of their past rise to the surface, carrying secrets that threaten to capsize their second chance at love.
Will Tillie and Jake summon the strength to confront these trials together, or will their love ultimately recede like the ocean's relentless tide?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Second Chance, Career FMC, “One That Got Away”, New Opportunity, Reunion, Dual POV, Contemporary Romance, Vengeance, Suspense, Childhood Sweethearts, Soul Mates, Small Town,
Whispers of the Sea is the 1st book in the Stories of the Sea by Brianna Rusler. I fell in love with Brianna Rusler's writing when I read her novel “A Sweet Arrangement”. And she has captured my rapture even more with Whispers of the Sea. I can't say how deeply I feel in love with this book, it touched my heart in ways I never realized that a book could touch my heart.
This was a romance that I never in my wildest dreams that I needed in my life. This book gave me every feel and I can honestly say that all my romance girls out there need to read this book.
I have quickly become a fan of small-town romance's, soul mates with a fast-paced story and Whispers of the Sea gave me all of this and so much. You do need to pay attention to the trigger warnings, but Brianna handled the triggers with so much dignity, consideration and respect.
We first meet Jake & Tillie when they are in high school. They've been high school sweethearts for years and everyone expects them to be together for the rest of their lives. Tillie & Jake honestly adore each other and no one has ever been able to come between them. Not even Jake's Step mother or his step brother who he's never had a great relationship with, but Jake has always kept that from his dad, or at least he tried, the truth eventually managed to come out.
Jake has to go out of town to see his grandparents one Halloween weekend and Tillie chooses to remain behind. Tillie decides that rather than remaining at home to go to a Halloween party. Jake's step brother is also in attendance at this same Halloween party and when he spots Tillie, he quickly puts together a plan involving her and honestly, it's a very cruel plan.
After, Tillie thinks that she's done something wrong and that it's all her fault and she brought it on herself. She promises herself that she's never going to tell Jake what happened knowing that if she did tell him, it would destroy him and he would blame her for it all. One day, Jake and Tillie get into a huge argument and Tillie leaves believing that Jake no longer loves or cares about her and Jake believes the same about Tillie.
Years pass and Tillie returns home as her father has passed and she has come back for his funeral. And suddenly Tillie is face to face with Jake once again.
We see that life had gone on for Jake as well as Tillie. Jake had gotten married and he had children. He was now divorced and sadly Jake lost the chance to be a part of his children's life as his ex-Brielle took off with them and Jake had no idea where they were.
Tilly had always dreamed of becoming a NICU Nurse Practitioner. After leaving she had promised herself that she'd never return, but her father's death changed that. Then seeing Jake brought up all her old feelings once again. She had never forgotten him, never stopped loving him and Jake told her that he was still in love with her.
As Tillie and Jake start to talk, secrets that have been kept hidden are slowly revealed and we watch as Tillie and Jake go through hell and back to try and repair the relationship they once had when they were back in high school.
This book was so heartbreaking and beautiful. I just loved both Tillie and Jake beyond words and I couldn't stop rooting for them right from the very beginning. This book was masterfully written and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I need to know what happens next and if Tillie and Jake can make their relationship work.
November 12, 2025
Disappointingly unrealistic, especially the legal stuff
I had high hopes for this book: two people (Tillie Pierce and Jake Armstrong) who once loved each other, drifted apart for a decade, then reconnect when Tillie returns home after her father’s death. The premise promises emotional depth, hidden secrets, and second chances.
What didn’t work for me:
The characters’ reunion felt rushed and superficial. The synopsis sets up a dramatic “bittersweet chance at closure and a new opportunity for love”. But the feelings and history between Tillie and Jake don’t land —there’s no real sense of a decade of separation or meaningful growth.
The big emotional and legal conflicts are wildly unrealistic. A random hospital official shows up with paperwork to a graduation? Jake lets his kids go without a fight and then just forgets about them until they are dropped on his doorstep 2 years later? Not to mention the ages don’t add up in the story timeline. The Court proceeding was seriously laughable in a situation that should not have been. A simple google search for court proceedings to show how it actually works in a courtroom would have been a huge benefit here. None of it made any sense and weakened the overall story. And the “almost a doctor” comments were just too much. They’re kids she talking to “I’m a nurse” would have sounded just as glamorous to them.
So much detail went into her engagement ring and the clothes they were wearing but fell abysmally short in anything of depth.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a heartfelt, believable second-chance romance with realistic characters and scenes that hold up, this one missed. The premise is lovely and intriguing, but the story (especially the emotional and legal conflicts), was too sloppy and unrealistic for me to feel invested. The synopsis promises “deep currents of their past rise to the surface, carrying secrets that threaten to capsize their second chance at love.” But the secrets aren’t handled in a way that feels earned or believable—they feel tacked on as drama rather than organic conflict. I finished it only because I hoped it would improve—but sadly, it didn’t.
I had high hopes for this book: two people (Tillie Pierce and Jake Armstrong) who once loved each other, drifted apart for a decade, then reconnect when Tillie returns home after her father’s death. The premise promises emotional depth, hidden secrets, and second chances.
What didn’t work for me:
The characters’ reunion felt rushed and superficial. The synopsis sets up a dramatic “bittersweet chance at closure and a new opportunity for love”. But the feelings and history between Tillie and Jake don’t land —there’s no real sense of a decade of separation or meaningful growth.
The big emotional and legal conflicts are wildly unrealistic. A random hospital official shows up with paperwork to a graduation? Jake lets his kids go without a fight and then just forgets about them until they are dropped on his doorstep 2 years later? Not to mention the ages don’t add up in the story timeline. The Court proceeding was seriously laughable in a situation that should not have been. A simple google search for court proceedings to show how it actually works in a courtroom would have been a huge benefit here. None of it made any sense and weakened the overall story. And the “almost a doctor” comments were just too much. They’re kids she talking to “I’m a nurse” would have sounded just as glamorous to them.
So much detail went into her engagement ring and the clothes they were wearing but fell abysmally short in anything of depth.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a heartfelt, believable second-chance romance with realistic characters and scenes that hold up, this one missed. The premise is lovely and intriguing, but the story (especially the emotional and legal conflicts), was too sloppy and unrealistic for me to feel invested. The synopsis promises “deep currents of their past rise to the surface, carrying secrets that threaten to capsize their second chance at love.” But the secrets aren’t handled in a way that feels earned or believable—they feel tacked on as drama rather than organic conflict. I finished it only because I hoped it would improve—but sadly, it didn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
Got this from stuff your kindle day.
Grovel = both the H and h say awful, cruel things to the other when they were 18 and 19, but also 10 years later when they reconnect. They both must make amends for the things they said in the past and present. The h also needed to stop running away from her problems and actually stay to work through them (annoying when the h is always running away, like damn girl stand your ground and demand the respect and dignity you deserve).
SA/R = h was SA/R at a Halloween party when she was too intoxicated to give any kind of consent. Later (10yrs later), the same suspect (who was the H's ex-stepbrother), goes after the h after a fight with the H to SA/R the h again. The suspect is stopped and is imprisoned.
The way the SA/R was handled was very well done and that is speaking from what I have seen/experienced as an advocate for SA/R victims/survivors. The way the h victim blames, the shame/guilt she had was all realistic.
H and h were not intimate when they were younger (both were virgins holding out to be together when married). h lost her virginity with the SA/R and during the 10 year separation was not with anyone else. The H had only slept with two women (1 was his ex-wife) in the 10 years of their separation.
Grovel = both the H and h say awful, cruel things to the other when they were 18 and 19, but also 10 years later when they reconnect. They both must make amends for the things they said in the past and present. The h also needed to stop running away from her problems and actually stay to work through them (annoying when the h is always running away, like damn girl stand your ground and demand the respect and dignity you deserve).
SA/R = h was SA/R at a Halloween party when she was too intoxicated to give any kind of consent. Later (10yrs later), the same suspect (who was the H's ex-stepbrother), goes after the h after a fight with the H to SA/R the h again. The suspect is stopped and is imprisoned.
The way the SA/R was handled was very well done and that is speaking from what I have seen/experienced as an advocate for SA/R victims/survivors. The way the h victim blames, the shame/guilt she had was all realistic.
H and h were not intimate when they were younger (both were virgins holding out to be together when married). h lost her virginity with the SA/R and during the 10 year separation was not with anyone else. The H had only slept with two women (1 was his ex-wife) in the 10 years of their separation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
Whispers of the sea
This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be my last. This story pulled me in right from the very first page and kept me hooked until I finished it. Tillie and Jake are childhood sweethearts who adore eachother so much. Jake had a terrible past with his step mother and step brother and kept it from his dad for a while but the truth eventually came out. When Jake goes out of town to see him grandparents and Tillie is at a Halloween party Jake's step brother has a plan and it's not a very nice plan. Tillie thinking she has done something wrong vows to never tell Jake what happened as it could destroy them. Jake and Tillie get into an argument one day amd Tillie leaves for her college thinking Jake doesn't love her and Jake thinks Tillie doesn't love him
Fast forward to a few years later when Tillie has to come back to town for her father's funeral and seeing Jake again
Secrets are revealed and Tillie and Jake go through a lot to be back together. This is heartbreaking beautiful I absolutely love Tillie and Jake so so much and I was rooting for them right through this story. This story is absolute perfection and I can't wait to read book 2
This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be my last. This story pulled me in right from the very first page and kept me hooked until I finished it. Tillie and Jake are childhood sweethearts who adore eachother so much. Jake had a terrible past with his step mother and step brother and kept it from his dad for a while but the truth eventually came out. When Jake goes out of town to see him grandparents and Tillie is at a Halloween party Jake's step brother has a plan and it's not a very nice plan. Tillie thinking she has done something wrong vows to never tell Jake what happened as it could destroy them. Jake and Tillie get into an argument one day amd Tillie leaves for her college thinking Jake doesn't love her and Jake thinks Tillie doesn't love him
Fast forward to a few years later when Tillie has to come back to town for her father's funeral and seeing Jake again
Secrets are revealed and Tillie and Jake go through a lot to be back together. This is heartbreaking beautiful I absolutely love Tillie and Jake so so much and I was rooting for them right through this story. This story is absolute perfection and I can't wait to read book 2
October 26, 2025
Such a good sweet story. Not only do I love Jake and Tillie as a couple, but Tillies strength really was the star of the show. Her and the other survivors who stepped forward. I absolutely loved this book. While there are some issues, like the miscommunication trope, there were so many good moments. Especially the ending with that f*cktard!! Will definitely be reading more from this author.
November 20, 2023
This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way. Once I started, I could not put this book down, and I was so sad when I realized I was at the end; I wanted to continue reading about Jake and Tillie. Can't wait to read more by this author.
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