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The Sound Of Silence
Not all silence is golden.
Twelve years ago, I escaped a life I hated for a life I didn’t deserve.
I was one of the lucky ones.
From invisible foster child to pro hockey superstar, I vowed to move on, leaving behind my small-town life and everyone in it.
But luck doesn’t last forever, and now it’s all catching up with me.
After a favor propels me back into my old world, I’m forced to live with the one person who could ruin me.
The girl who can’t remember. The girl I never forgot.
The woman I need to stay away from—my beautiful nightmare.
Buttercup… Willow.
For years she’s haunted my dreams, and if she ever remembered me, I’d be haunting hers.
I need to push her away. I need to make her hate me. Only it’s not that simple. The more time we spend together, the harder it is to deny the pull between us.
I want her. I crave her.
But if she ever discovers my secrets, it will destroy her.
Destroy me.
Destroy us.
What’s worse…I can’t even bring myself to regret it.
And if my luck hasn’t run dry, maybe she’ll never remember.
NOTE: THIS BOOK ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!
Twelve years ago, I escaped a life I hated for a life I didn’t deserve.
I was one of the lucky ones.
From invisible foster child to pro hockey superstar, I vowed to move on, leaving behind my small-town life and everyone in it.
But luck doesn’t last forever, and now it’s all catching up with me.
After a favor propels me back into my old world, I’m forced to live with the one person who could ruin me.
The girl who can’t remember. The girl I never forgot.
The woman I need to stay away from—my beautiful nightmare.
Buttercup… Willow.
For years she’s haunted my dreams, and if she ever remembered me, I’d be haunting hers.
I need to push her away. I need to make her hate me. Only it’s not that simple. The more time we spend together, the harder it is to deny the pull between us.
I want her. I crave her.
But if she ever discovers my secrets, it will destroy her.
Destroy me.
Destroy us.
What’s worse…I can’t even bring myself to regret it.
And if my luck hasn’t run dry, maybe she’ll never remember.
NOTE: THIS BOOK ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!
513 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
April 9, 2024
“My wings were broken long ago, and there’s nothing sweet about the person iv become. I’m just damn good at hiding that part of myself”
I don’t want to say too much without giving anything away. I did enjoy this book and I will be picking up the second book when it’s released. I still have so many unanswered questions. I loved Willow as a character but the MMC Jesse gave me whiplash. One minute he is grumpy next he is over-the-top angry. Willow and Jesse, together I didn't feel much of a connection until we hit around the 50% mark. I'm interested to see where the next book goes as I would like to have answers and where this leaves Willow and Jesse. The book did leave on a cliffhanger but I'm happy to wait for the next book.
If you love:
🔹Romantic Suspense
🔹Grumpy Sunshine
🔹Forced Proximity
🔹Family Drama
🔹Past Memories & Trauma
🔹Angsty & Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Suspense Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 396
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: First Book In The Symphony Of Silence Duet
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Grumpy Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Suspense, Sports, Hockey, Amnesia, Protective MMC, Jealousy, Angsty, Past Memories, Family Drama, Sexual Content, Praise, Injury, Blood, Trauma and Cliff Hanger
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
I don’t want to say too much without giving anything away. I did enjoy this book and I will be picking up the second book when it’s released. I still have so many unanswered questions. I loved Willow as a character but the MMC Jesse gave me whiplash. One minute he is grumpy next he is over-the-top angry. Willow and Jesse, together I didn't feel much of a connection until we hit around the 50% mark. I'm interested to see where the next book goes as I would like to have answers and where this leaves Willow and Jesse. The book did leave on a cliffhanger but I'm happy to wait for the next book.
If you love:
🔹Romantic Suspense
🔹Grumpy Sunshine
🔹Forced Proximity
🔹Family Drama
🔹Past Memories & Trauma
🔹Angsty & Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Suspense Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 396
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: First Book In The Symphony Of Silence Duet
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Grumpy Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Suspense, Sports, Hockey, Amnesia, Protective MMC, Jealousy, Angsty, Past Memories, Family Drama, Sexual Content, Praise, Injury, Blood, Trauma and Cliff Hanger
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
November 3, 2023
❤️ Favorite
Something tragic happened to Willow twelve years ago. She is now protected by the entire town. No one likes to talk about it (in her face at least), no one really knows about it. And Willow ? She doesn't remember it.
Jesse is a foster kid turned pro hockey superstar. And Jesse ? He wants to forget about that night.
Too bad he's thrown back into his old town... Living with her.
----------
I'm writing this right after finishing the story. I am speechless (obviously I'm not but you get whet I mean).
Everything about this book is perfect:
The angst. The slow burn. The emotions. The soulmates sh*t. The cliffhanger.
Don't get me started about the suspense part. It. Is. Amazing. Chapter 50 ? Brilliant. I had goosebumps.
Katherine's writing is captivating. I wanted to savor this story but I NEEDED to know what had happened. And the side storylines ? Just as great.
Is my heart broken ? Yup.
I have both disliked and loved Jesse in this book, and I wanted to shake up Willow sometimes, but Jesse and Willow together are the epitome of soulmates incarnation. Both are broken in their own way, and come alive together beautifully.
Can it be December already ?
Something tragic happened to Willow twelve years ago. She is now protected by the entire town. No one likes to talk about it (in her face at least), no one really knows about it. And Willow ? She doesn't remember it.
Jesse is a foster kid turned pro hockey superstar. And Jesse ? He wants to forget about that night.
Too bad he's thrown back into his old town... Living with her.
----------
I'm writing this right after finishing the story. I am speechless (obviously I'm not but you get whet I mean).
Everything about this book is perfect:
The angst. The slow burn. The emotions. The soulmates sh*t. The cliffhanger.
Don't get me started about the suspense part. It. Is. Amazing. Chapter 50 ? Brilliant. I had goosebumps.
Katherine's writing is captivating. I wanted to savor this story but I NEEDED to know what had happened. And the side storylines ? Just as great.
Is my heart broken ? Yup.
I have both disliked and loved Jesse in this book, and I wanted to shake up Willow sometimes, but Jesse and Willow together are the epitome of soulmates incarnation. Both are broken in their own way, and come alive together beautifully.
Can it be December already ?
November 7, 2023
What should i say here? idk.
Because idk how to describe my feelings after this book. This was insane!
From the very beginning, the book grabbed me. The story is very absorbing and I couldn't stop reading to learn more🤩
The book is a slow burn, but from the first meeting of the characters, you can feel the incredible chemistry.
I'm very grateful for ARC and counting the days until the sequel comes out! 🫶🏼
Because idk how to describe my feelings after this book. This was insane!
From the very beginning, the book grabbed me. The story is very absorbing and I couldn't stop reading to learn more🤩
The book is a slow burn, but from the first meeting of the characters, you can feel the incredible chemistry.
I'm very grateful for ARC and counting the days until the sequel comes out! 🫶🏼
January 4, 2024
Nothing actually happened and it was so longggg. And a second book, really? I went through all of that for no answers. -100 stars
November 7, 2024
That was criminal. Not even one hockey game and we didn’t even find out the secret the whole book was based around??
April 12, 2024
Not my fave romance but I am now hooked and will be reading the sequel. I need to know what happened to Jade.
Update: I started the sequel, got to the point of finding out what happened to Jade, and DNF’d.
Update: I started the sequel, got to the point of finding out what happened to Jade, and DNF’d.
November 22, 2023
3⭐️
ARC Review
This is not just a love story, but a real emotional rollercoaster. Throughout the book, you will watch how Jesse and Willow are either attracted to each other like a magnet, or push each other away.
The connection between the characters developed so quickly. They either experienced hatred for each other, or attraction, and sometimes both at the same time. It got a little annoying towards the end of the book because their moods changed at the snap of a finger.
The mystery of the past does not leave us throughout the book. I really want to know what happened to the heroes, what broke them and left a scar on their hearts. The book ended at the most intriguing moment, you can only speculate what happened.
I'm really interested in how the book will end, so I'll definitely read the second part of the duology. But the emotional swings that the characters were going through were hard for me to read.
Thanks to Katherine Jay for the arc.
ARC Review
This is not just a love story, but a real emotional rollercoaster. Throughout the book, you will watch how Jesse and Willow are either attracted to each other like a magnet, or push each other away.
The connection between the characters developed so quickly. They either experienced hatred for each other, or attraction, and sometimes both at the same time. It got a little annoying towards the end of the book because their moods changed at the snap of a finger.
The mystery of the past does not leave us throughout the book. I really want to know what happened to the heroes, what broke them and left a scar on their hearts. The book ended at the most intriguing moment, you can only speculate what happened.
I'm really interested in how the book will end, so I'll definitely read the second part of the duology. But the emotional swings that the characters were going through were hard for me to read.
Thanks to Katherine Jay for the arc.
November 13, 2023
4.5⭐️
the suspense? the slow burn? the fmc? the mmc? the setting? ah i devoured this book in only a couple of hours. i was hooked immediately & the cliffhanger has me on edge! i can’t wait for the second book in this duet!!
the suspense? the slow burn? the fmc? the mmc? the setting? ah i devoured this book in only a couple of hours. i was hooked immediately & the cliffhanger has me on edge! i can’t wait for the second book in this duet!!
January 22, 2024
This book took me awhile to get into. I knew from quotes I had seen on BookTok that it was going to pick up and get really good; but it took until 50% completion to get going for me. Once it picked up I loved it and finished it within the day.
December 18, 2023
No comments just.. 💔💔🤧
"She can hate me as much as she wants, but it will never be half as much as I hate myself."
“You wanted me to hate you but you love me?” “Yes,” I rasp again, completely defeated.
“Because you knew this day was coming.”
“Yes.”
“You need to leave.”
“No, Willow—”
“Go!” she yells as loud as she can.
"She can hate me as much as she wants, but it will never be half as much as I hate myself."
“You wanted me to hate you but you love me?” “Yes,” I rasp again, completely defeated.
“Because you knew this day was coming.”
“Yes.”
“You need to leave.”
“No, Willow—”
“Go!” she yells as loud as she can.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
Thank you for the ARC, Katherine.
“Be here with me. Now. In this moment. Block everything else out. It’s just white noise.”
Something happened to Willow. She suffers from a life changing event she can’t even remember. Something that changed her entire world. She’s a shadow remaining in the background, just how she likes it. Jesse has a tortured past that continues to haunt him. And for many reasons. So he took feelings off the table long ago because it’s easier to stay safe that way. By not letting anyone in. Living a life of self-sacrifice and self-torture. An unexpected encounter with Willow changes everything. Bringing him back from a depth so deep he didn’t believe he’d feel the light again. Jesse went from not being able to tolerate being touched, to craving hers. These two are called to one another and nothing can’t stop it from happening. No matter how damaging it will be in the end.
This one is a little different for Katherine and it’s done well. Same angsty, emotional style but with a bit of suspense and mystery. I enjoyed the twist on the fake dating. Haven’t seen it that way before and it was clever. I really appreciated the growth of Willow’s character as the story went on. I did find it odd being labeled a hockey romance without any hockey practice/games/parties. In my opinion the story didn’t need that affiliation anyway, and I didn’t feel the vibe of it. Big cliffhanger which I knew going in being a duet. I’m so glad we don’t have to wait long and get answers in December.
“I want it to be attraction. I want him to want me. To be noticed. Because God, do I notice him.”
“you’re not alone.”
“She’s already my nightmare; I can’t let her turn into my weakness too.”
“Though I meant what I said—she could ruin me—the thing is… I could destroy her.”
“I want your hands all over my fucking body, I want your lips molded to mine, I want our tongues thrashing together. I want to hear the sounds you make. I want to make you scream. I want to take every piece of you, mind, body, and soul, and make it mine. And I don’t care how selfish I’m being. I haven’t been able to think of anyone else since you fell into my arms, and you’re the only one I’ve ever allowed this close. Wanted. This. Close. But I’m not sure I’ll be able to do any of those things. And I’m certain that I shouldn’t.”
“I fucking need you, Willow. And I’m willing to burn for it.”
“She’s an angel and I’m the devil with my hand hovering over her throat, wielding all the power, knowing that with one squeeze I could end her. Or I could be her savior.”
“I need you to show me how you feel. If you can’t tell me… show me.”
“Why does this feel like the end when it’s only the beginning?”
“I found the one person who sets me on fire instead of making me burn,”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥☄️
“Be here with me. Now. In this moment. Block everything else out. It’s just white noise.”
Something happened to Willow. She suffers from a life changing event she can’t even remember. Something that changed her entire world. She’s a shadow remaining in the background, just how she likes it. Jesse has a tortured past that continues to haunt him. And for many reasons. So he took feelings off the table long ago because it’s easier to stay safe that way. By not letting anyone in. Living a life of self-sacrifice and self-torture. An unexpected encounter with Willow changes everything. Bringing him back from a depth so deep he didn’t believe he’d feel the light again. Jesse went from not being able to tolerate being touched, to craving hers. These two are called to one another and nothing can’t stop it from happening. No matter how damaging it will be in the end.
This one is a little different for Katherine and it’s done well. Same angsty, emotional style but with a bit of suspense and mystery. I enjoyed the twist on the fake dating. Haven’t seen it that way before and it was clever. I really appreciated the growth of Willow’s character as the story went on. I did find it odd being labeled a hockey romance without any hockey practice/games/parties. In my opinion the story didn’t need that affiliation anyway, and I didn’t feel the vibe of it. Big cliffhanger which I knew going in being a duet. I’m so glad we don’t have to wait long and get answers in December.
“I want it to be attraction. I want him to want me. To be noticed. Because God, do I notice him.”
“you’re not alone.”
“She’s already my nightmare; I can’t let her turn into my weakness too.”
“Though I meant what I said—she could ruin me—the thing is… I could destroy her.”
“I want your hands all over my fucking body, I want your lips molded to mine, I want our tongues thrashing together. I want to hear the sounds you make. I want to make you scream. I want to take every piece of you, mind, body, and soul, and make it mine. And I don’t care how selfish I’m being. I haven’t been able to think of anyone else since you fell into my arms, and you’re the only one I’ve ever allowed this close. Wanted. This. Close. But I’m not sure I’ll be able to do any of those things. And I’m certain that I shouldn’t.”
“I fucking need you, Willow. And I’m willing to burn for it.”
“She’s an angel and I’m the devil with my hand hovering over her throat, wielding all the power, knowing that with one squeeze I could end her. Or I could be her savior.”
“I need you to show me how you feel. If you can’t tell me… show me.”
“Why does this feel like the end when it’s only the beginning?”
“I found the one person who sets me on fire instead of making me burn,”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥☄️
November 12, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5 Stars
A small-town romance suspense: my goodness this book delivered and held up its tropes! This is my first read by Katherine and boy does she know how to write a damn good story! I was left thinking; Surely I'm not the only one who doesn't know what's going on? Is Katherine about to hoodwink me? Should I be looking in this direction further...no wait, it must be the other thing that I'm thinking? Gah!!!
Talk about suspense! I have so many scenarios in my head and am frustrated big time, but I have to wait till book two to see where this story goes and if I'm right on my hypothesis. Watch this space because I think we are in for a real treat.
So we have the small town; the gorgeous girl Willow, with her sunny persona who never left town, but had big hopes and dreams. Sure she's getting by but...not really. She's the good girl who does what others THINK she should be doing, but deep down she isn't coping and is broken. Something happened a decade ago and along with her, I have no bloody idea what that is!! She can't remember and no one has any answers...unless your name is Jesse and it's been a decade since he saw Willow.
Jesse has a persona to weed people off by being an ass, but deep down he's broken too. He's a hot-shot hockey player who made it big, despite his upbringing. He's gorgeous to look at and has the best abs to go with his best looks!! He owes his BFF a favour, and be known to him, finds himself in a small town that he wants to forget. The reason? I'm still trying to find that out but it's not something he's faced for over a decade and haunts him. Coming face-to-face with Willow again plays with his mind, but while he wants to stay away from her, their connection is like no other and he quickly loses his battle.
Share POV, short chapters, yummy spice (that I wanted more of, but fits the book well) lots of tension, never-ending suspense, close proximity and ends in a cliffhanger. Looking fwd to reading book two and setting my mind at ease.
4.5 Stars
A small-town romance suspense: my goodness this book delivered and held up its tropes! This is my first read by Katherine and boy does she know how to write a damn good story! I was left thinking; Surely I'm not the only one who doesn't know what's going on? Is Katherine about to hoodwink me? Should I be looking in this direction further...no wait, it must be the other thing that I'm thinking? Gah!!!
Talk about suspense! I have so many scenarios in my head and am frustrated big time, but I have to wait till book two to see where this story goes and if I'm right on my hypothesis. Watch this space because I think we are in for a real treat.
So we have the small town; the gorgeous girl Willow, with her sunny persona who never left town, but had big hopes and dreams. Sure she's getting by but...not really. She's the good girl who does what others THINK she should be doing, but deep down she isn't coping and is broken. Something happened a decade ago and along with her, I have no bloody idea what that is!! She can't remember and no one has any answers...unless your name is Jesse and it's been a decade since he saw Willow.
Jesse has a persona to weed people off by being an ass, but deep down he's broken too. He's a hot-shot hockey player who made it big, despite his upbringing. He's gorgeous to look at and has the best abs to go with his best looks!! He owes his BFF a favour, and be known to him, finds himself in a small town that he wants to forget. The reason? I'm still trying to find that out but it's not something he's faced for over a decade and haunts him. Coming face-to-face with Willow again plays with his mind, but while he wants to stay away from her, their connection is like no other and he quickly loses his battle.
Share POV, short chapters, yummy spice (that I wanted more of, but fits the book well) lots of tension, never-ending suspense, close proximity and ends in a cliffhanger. Looking fwd to reading book two and setting my mind at ease.
November 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️
Romantic suspense, small town, forced proximity and so much angst.
Okay…so I know I say this after each new release by Katherine but I’m not even kidding when I tell you that this book… this book right here is my favourite one ever written by her!
Holy Dooley. What a ride.. I don’t even want to get off yet! I need book two before I decide what I’m doing 😆
Willow’s lived her whole life in the small town of Hepburn Falls, Oregon.
Twelve years ago her life changed forever. She not only lost her best friend Jade, but she too lost her memory and can’t remember anything from that day in the forest or what happened.
Jesse’s the one that got away. The famous hockey star who escaped the small town he came from.
Growing up as a foster child, the memories of his childhood aren’t pleasant and especially not that one fateful day he’ll never forget. The one that plays on repeat in his mind years later, never letting him move on from what he did.
But what happens when both Willow and Jesse are unexpectedly reunited?
Willow doesn’t remember him and he most certainly has never ever forgotten her.
This is nothing like Katherine’s previous books and I loved every minute!
After finishing this it left me wondering for hours that night, continuing into the next day and even right now as I’m writing this review, as to what could have happened between Jesse and Willow that one fateful day in the forest that changed both of their lives forever. All the theories are constantly running through my mind!
Katherine left us little crumbs and clues throughout the book which I assume will make more sense in the second book of this duet but oh my.
The bells and Robin?!
I’m stumped and impatiently waiting for answers 😆
What I loved most about this was that the suspense was the main plot of the book, with the romance side of things sprinkled throughout and unfolding in the background.
So now we wait. I need my questions and theories answered, especially after that scene at the very end that concludes on cliff hanger which threw me right off course and had me screaming nooooooooooooooo!!!!
Can’t wait! I need more. Bring on The Sound Of Forever 🤩
Romantic suspense, small town, forced proximity and so much angst.
Okay…so I know I say this after each new release by Katherine but I’m not even kidding when I tell you that this book… this book right here is my favourite one ever written by her!
Holy Dooley. What a ride.. I don’t even want to get off yet! I need book two before I decide what I’m doing 😆
Willow’s lived her whole life in the small town of Hepburn Falls, Oregon.
Twelve years ago her life changed forever. She not only lost her best friend Jade, but she too lost her memory and can’t remember anything from that day in the forest or what happened.
Jesse’s the one that got away. The famous hockey star who escaped the small town he came from.
Growing up as a foster child, the memories of his childhood aren’t pleasant and especially not that one fateful day he’ll never forget. The one that plays on repeat in his mind years later, never letting him move on from what he did.
But what happens when both Willow and Jesse are unexpectedly reunited?
Willow doesn’t remember him and he most certainly has never ever forgotten her.
This is nothing like Katherine’s previous books and I loved every minute!
After finishing this it left me wondering for hours that night, continuing into the next day and even right now as I’m writing this review, as to what could have happened between Jesse and Willow that one fateful day in the forest that changed both of their lives forever. All the theories are constantly running through my mind!
Katherine left us little crumbs and clues throughout the book which I assume will make more sense in the second book of this duet but oh my.
The bells and Robin?!
I’m stumped and impatiently waiting for answers 😆
What I loved most about this was that the suspense was the main plot of the book, with the romance side of things sprinkled throughout and unfolding in the background.
So now we wait. I need my questions and theories answered, especially after that scene at the very end that concludes on cliff hanger which threw me right off course and had me screaming nooooooooooooooo!!!!
Can’t wait! I need more. Bring on The Sound Of Forever 🤩
November 10, 2023
**ARC REVIEW**
"She’s already my nightmare; I can’t let her turn into my weakness too."
The Sound of Silence is book #1 of a Duet by Katherine Jay.
How have I never read anything by Katherine before??? This book was AMAZING!!!
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥
If you like these tropes, you will enjoy reading this book :)
🌼 Small Town Romance
🌼 Mystery/Suspense
🌼 Enemies to Lovers
🌼 Grumpy Professional Sports Playing MMC
🌼 Touch Her & Die Vibes
Jesse Hastings is a hockey player who is currently doing his friend Pippa a favour by going with her to Jasper Valley, Oregon and pretending to be her fake boyfriend.
Jesse is running from nightmares of the past and he doesn't want to be in the place that haunts him, especially when it reminds him of her .... his buttercup... Willow
Turns out Pippa's sister is none other than Willow. Willow doesn't remember him or the events of what happened 12 years old as she was in a coma following the accident.
He wants to forget and she wants to remember........
My thoughts on this book!!
I LOVED IT!!
I was hooked from the prologue and I just wanted to know more and more about what happened in the past between Willow and Jesse.
Initially Jesse is so cold to her as he doesn't want to get too close to her in case she remembers. But the more time he spends with her, he cannot stay away. I love how protective he was of her.
I loved that Willow who was a shell of her old self was starting to come out and be herself all because of Jesse.
I still have sooooo many questions that are unanswered and I cannot wait for the conclusion to the duet!!
Katherine has a way with her words that took me on an emotional rollercoster but omg it was worth it!
I am officially in my Katherine Jay era and I can already see myself going back and binge reading the rest of Katherine's books.
Thanks Katherine for kindly sending me this arc to read and review. This review is my own honest opinion on the book :)
"She’s already my nightmare; I can’t let her turn into my weakness too."
The Sound of Silence is book #1 of a Duet by Katherine Jay.
How have I never read anything by Katherine before??? This book was AMAZING!!!
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥
If you like these tropes, you will enjoy reading this book :)
🌼 Small Town Romance
🌼 Mystery/Suspense
🌼 Enemies to Lovers
🌼 Grumpy Professional Sports Playing MMC
🌼 Touch Her & Die Vibes
Jesse Hastings is a hockey player who is currently doing his friend Pippa a favour by going with her to Jasper Valley, Oregon and pretending to be her fake boyfriend.
Jesse is running from nightmares of the past and he doesn't want to be in the place that haunts him, especially when it reminds him of her .... his buttercup... Willow
Turns out Pippa's sister is none other than Willow. Willow doesn't remember him or the events of what happened 12 years old as she was in a coma following the accident.
He wants to forget and she wants to remember........
My thoughts on this book!!
I LOVED IT!!
I was hooked from the prologue and I just wanted to know more and more about what happened in the past between Willow and Jesse.
Initially Jesse is so cold to her as he doesn't want to get too close to her in case she remembers. But the more time he spends with her, he cannot stay away. I love how protective he was of her.
I loved that Willow who was a shell of her old self was starting to come out and be herself all because of Jesse.
I still have sooooo many questions that are unanswered and I cannot wait for the conclusion to the duet!!
Katherine has a way with her words that took me on an emotional rollercoster but omg it was worth it!
I am officially in my Katherine Jay era and I can already see myself going back and binge reading the rest of Katherine's books.
Thanks Katherine for kindly sending me this arc to read and review. This review is my own honest opinion on the book :)
November 10, 2023
"buttercup, you are going to destroy me."
4.5/5 stars!!
I swear each time I read a Katherine Jay novel, she has a new way to rip out my heart and heal it through the pages (currently awaiting book two to stitch me back together though). This is 100% the kind of book that you'd throw across the room and scream for answers but then pick it back up and cradle it like a baby.
Jesse is an addiction and I devoured every word. I wanted to jump into the pages and try to heal him with hugs (though I know he'd hate that). Willow is a beautiful sassy ray of sunshine that whose light has been dulled by the towns attempts to protect her from her haunted past. The suspense and tension and angst is fantastic and something you always know Katherine can deliver. The plot was slow but not like Mariana Zapata slow. It was a comfortable pace that is so mysterious that you hang on to every word and I needed book two like yesterday...
If you love small town romances with a hint suspense and angst and mystery and delicious tension then you've come to the right place. I cannot wait for the second book in the duet!! I am beyond grateful to have gotten the opportunity to receive this book and am leaving this review voluntarily <3
P.s. There are so many moments where Jesse fights his feelings for Willow due to their haunted connection from the past but there's one that lives in my head rent free. He sees her through a shop window and thinks...
Like swoon and sigh. I adore this man and the scene that follows after will have you drooling and giggling!! He's currently tying with Wes from Katherine's other novel 'Truly, Madly, Deeply Mine' as my fav book boyfriend of all time.
4.5/5 stars!!
I swear each time I read a Katherine Jay novel, she has a new way to rip out my heart and heal it through the pages (currently awaiting book two to stitch me back together though). This is 100% the kind of book that you'd throw across the room and scream for answers but then pick it back up and cradle it like a baby.
Jesse is an addiction and I devoured every word. I wanted to jump into the pages and try to heal him with hugs (though I know he'd hate that). Willow is a beautiful sassy ray of sunshine that whose light has been dulled by the towns attempts to protect her from her haunted past. The suspense and tension and angst is fantastic and something you always know Katherine can deliver. The plot was slow but not like Mariana Zapata slow. It was a comfortable pace that is so mysterious that you hang on to every word and I needed book two like yesterday...
If you love small town romances with a hint suspense and angst and mystery and delicious tension then you've come to the right place. I cannot wait for the second book in the duet!! I am beyond grateful to have gotten the opportunity to receive this book and am leaving this review voluntarily <3
P.s. There are so many moments where Jesse fights his feelings for Willow due to their haunted connection from the past but there's one that lives in my head rent free. He sees her through a shop window and thinks...
'All I've ever wanted to do is protect her. And leaving her alone is the best way to do that... The light from the sun creates a halo over her head. She's an angel, and I want more than anything for her to be my angel.'
Like swoon and sigh. I adore this man and the scene that follows after will have you drooling and giggling!! He's currently tying with Wes from Katherine's other novel 'Truly, Madly, Deeply Mine' as my fav book boyfriend of all time.
November 6, 2023
Oh my gosh..... I am SO happy to have read this book!! This is the first book in a romantic suspense duet, so I am warning you now be ready for a cliffhanger ending.
The story revolves around Jesse, a totally brooding hockey player who prefers his world of solitude and avoids opening up to anyone, which we see very obviously from page one. This story begins because he reluctantly agrees to accompany Pippa, a staff member of his hockey team, to her hometown under the guise of being her "boyfriend" so she can face her ex - who is also her oldest sister's fiancé.
Okay so if that's not enough let's talk about the FMC Willow, the small-town girl who suffered a traumatic event twelve years ago, which she can't remember. As luck would have it, she's Pippa's sister. When Jesse and Willow meet, there's an immediate spark and a profound connection that Willow cannot make sense of... But can Jesse?
Their first meeting, their banter, and the way they reveal unique aspects of their personalities to each other were absolutely everything. Their chemistry is electrifying, and their connection is irresistible. I couldn't get enough of these two and seeing their slow burn draw to one another had me GIDDY.
But need I remind you - this is a suspense story as well. Secrets slowly begin to unravel their world and in the end readers are left heartbroken, like both MCs, and aching for answers.
The story revolves around Jesse, a totally brooding hockey player who prefers his world of solitude and avoids opening up to anyone, which we see very obviously from page one. This story begins because he reluctantly agrees to accompany Pippa, a staff member of his hockey team, to her hometown under the guise of being her "boyfriend" so she can face her ex - who is also her oldest sister's fiancé.
Okay so if that's not enough let's talk about the FMC Willow, the small-town girl who suffered a traumatic event twelve years ago, which she can't remember. As luck would have it, she's Pippa's sister. When Jesse and Willow meet, there's an immediate spark and a profound connection that Willow cannot make sense of... But can Jesse?
Their first meeting, their banter, and the way they reveal unique aspects of their personalities to each other were absolutely everything. Their chemistry is electrifying, and their connection is irresistible. I couldn't get enough of these two and seeing their slow burn draw to one another had me GIDDY.
But need I remind you - this is a suspense story as well. Secrets slowly begin to unravel their world and in the end readers are left heartbroken, like both MCs, and aching for answers.
April 1, 2024
“Reputations can only be tarnished if you care about them, Jesse. I gave up on that a long time ago.”
3.5- 3.8 stars
ARE YOU FUCKING SHITTING ME?
I just spent 400 god forsaken pages trying to uncover the mystery that is Jesse’s secret and for what?? For it to end WITHOUT being uncovered. Queue sound ‘all that work and what did it get me…’
Not only do I NOT fuck with slow burns, I don’t fuck with cliff hangers and Ofcourse this book had both. Serves me right for going in blind.
Despite my ranting, I did kinda enjoy it. Almost in the way you enjoy a complicated puzzle or riddle that you spend hours and multiple frown lines trying to solve.. only to reach the finish line and find out that a crucial piece was missing. I’m honestly surprised I didn’t hurl my kindle across the room when I finished, cudos to my self control.
So to summarise..
Do I have the answers? Nope.
Will I read book 2? Probably not.
Is that annoying the shit out of me? Most definitely.
Have I decided to skim through book two just to uncover Jesse’s secret and his past? Yes.. yes I have.
If you like slow burns, mystery and anticipation, then definitely give this a try. If you don’t.. then I suggest you take this review as a warning and stop while you’re ahead. You have been warned.
October 31, 2023
So I had to get my emotions in check before I wrote this because OMG!
This.. right here… a Knockout, an absolute knockout and it’s only book 1!
This duet is going to become my whole personality I can just tell. This has everything I love, hockey player, small town, angst, romantic suspense! What more could a girl ask for?!
Katherine is a queen of putting you through an emotional whirlwind and this was like no other! I flew through these pages because my anxiety was through the roof and I just couldn’t stop reading.
There is history between Willow and Jesse, history that she doesn’t remember and that he is trying to forget. But when fate puts them in each others paths again after 12 years, they are drawn to each other and it’s magnetic. I fell in love with Jesse and Willow so fast, they’re so real and there is a deep love and connection between them and they just got each other 🥹
I am in awe of Katherine’s writing, there was the perfect amount of angst and suspense that just leave your mind reeling and wanting more. I am beyond excited for book 2… THAT CLIFFHANGER?! I need all of my questions answered and I need to know what the future holds for these two because I will be non stop thinking about them for the next month 😮💨
This.. right here… a Knockout, an absolute knockout and it’s only book 1!
This duet is going to become my whole personality I can just tell. This has everything I love, hockey player, small town, angst, romantic suspense! What more could a girl ask for?!
Katherine is a queen of putting you through an emotional whirlwind and this was like no other! I flew through these pages because my anxiety was through the roof and I just couldn’t stop reading.
There is history between Willow and Jesse, history that she doesn’t remember and that he is trying to forget. But when fate puts them in each others paths again after 12 years, they are drawn to each other and it’s magnetic. I fell in love with Jesse and Willow so fast, they’re so real and there is a deep love and connection between them and they just got each other 🥹
I am in awe of Katherine’s writing, there was the perfect amount of angst and suspense that just leave your mind reeling and wanting more. I am beyond excited for book 2… THAT CLIFFHANGER?! I need all of my questions answered and I need to know what the future holds for these two because I will be non stop thinking about them for the next month 😮💨
October 30, 2023
I need to take a minute to write this, but I'm writing this immediately anyways. This story , i don't know to scream in joy or bask in the pain but it makes my heart hurt and love at the same time. Willow and Jesse , these two truly encompass the sound of silence, if it's love , true love no matter what you have gone through , that love speaks to you even with the bare minimum of a conversation, just looks and grunts. And that comes out so beautifully in this story. The pull to another soul which calls out on a sub conscious level is what Willow and Jesse have.
I can keep going on about how it is with these two but I won't cause id probably end up giving out spoilers.
I love everything about this book, the slow burn, small town , the suspense. The innate knowledge that he is your other half of your soul. I got to cry now. But that cliffhanger, damm ! I'm wrecked in a good way!
Can't wait to finish this duet.
I can keep going on about how it is with these two but I won't cause id probably end up giving out spoilers.
I love everything about this book, the slow burn, small town , the suspense. The innate knowledge that he is your other half of your soul. I got to cry now. But that cliffhanger, damm ! I'm wrecked in a good way!
Can't wait to finish this duet.
November 6, 2023
Another masterpiece written by one of my favorite authors. Anything Katherine writes, I’m reading. Her books are so easy and quick to read but they have so much depth.
Jessie is a grumpy hockey player that likes to keep to himself and likes to keep his past private. Willow is a bubbly, outgoing person who is traumatized by her accident that happened twelve years ago.
This story was so captivating, I had to know more about how the characters were connected. I love these characters and their story. The chemistry and connection Jessie and Willow have is unmatched. They were so drawn to each other in every single way. Everything about this book was just so good. From the angst, to the slow burn, the connection, the suspense, and the huge cliffhanger. I was just so blown away and I need book two immediately.
Read If You Like:
✨ Romantic Suspense
✨ Small Town
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Angst
✨ Emotion
✨ He Falls First
Jessie is a grumpy hockey player that likes to keep to himself and likes to keep his past private. Willow is a bubbly, outgoing person who is traumatized by her accident that happened twelve years ago.
This story was so captivating, I had to know more about how the characters were connected. I love these characters and their story. The chemistry and connection Jessie and Willow have is unmatched. They were so drawn to each other in every single way. Everything about this book was just so good. From the angst, to the slow burn, the connection, the suspense, and the huge cliffhanger. I was just so blown away and I need book two immediately.
Read If You Like:
✨ Romantic Suspense
✨ Small Town
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Angst
✨ Emotion
✨ He Falls First
November 6, 2023
Jesse and Willow have not had a conventional start, Willow doesn’t remember him from before so what she gets is the cold, grumpy arse that he presents to the world and Jesse does remember but can see that Willow’s not the girl she was, she has lost her spark and fakes her reactions. Being around each other opens them both up and their pull and draw to one another is strong. When they both let the other in and begin to live and feel it’s perfect. But it’s never going to just be that easy and the past comes back and breaks this fragile new start.
I love Katherine’s writing and I was intrigued to see what it would be like when she stepped away from the Heartstrings series, well I still love Katherine’s writing. The style of this book may be different but she still does what I love the most and that is to make me feel the words she writes. The emotional rollercoaster and all the angst are still powerfully written they drew me in and keep me captive. And I will be captive for quite some time as that cliff hanger has left me with so many questions, theories and demands for more!! I cannot wait for the second book in this romantic suspense duet.
I love Katherine’s writing and I was intrigued to see what it would be like when she stepped away from the Heartstrings series, well I still love Katherine’s writing. The style of this book may be different but she still does what I love the most and that is to make me feel the words she writes. The emotional rollercoaster and all the angst are still powerfully written they drew me in and keep me captive. And I will be captive for quite some time as that cliff hanger has left me with so many questions, theories and demands for more!! I cannot wait for the second book in this romantic suspense duet.
November 10, 2023
Katherine Jay has done it again and completely drawn me in with her tortured, broken, lovable MCs. The Sound of Silence is book 1 in the Symphony of sound duet and follows Jesse & Willow.
Following an event that happened 12years ago these two share a deep connection. But Willow doesnt remember anything and Jesse just wants to forget it all.
Jesse tries his hardest to stay away from Willow & push her away but also cant seem to stay away from her. When these two are around each other its easy and feels right. The way they understood each other. The need, the lust.. so many emotions shared even when they didnt say a word.
This ends in a cliffhanger, but the build up to it. Wow! The tension, the emotions. Katherine is a queen when it comes to angst & I am beyond excited to see how this unravels. I need to know the unknown, I want to uncover the secrets as much as Willow. And I have So. Many. Questions!
Another 5 star from Katherine. She will always be a one click author for me.
Part 2 - The Sound of Forever is coming December 6th too, so we dont have to wait long at all!!
Following an event that happened 12years ago these two share a deep connection. But Willow doesnt remember anything and Jesse just wants to forget it all.
Jesse tries his hardest to stay away from Willow & push her away but also cant seem to stay away from her. When these two are around each other its easy and feels right. The way they understood each other. The need, the lust.. so many emotions shared even when they didnt say a word.
This ends in a cliffhanger, but the build up to it. Wow! The tension, the emotions. Katherine is a queen when it comes to angst & I am beyond excited to see how this unravels. I need to know the unknown, I want to uncover the secrets as much as Willow. And I have So. Many. Questions!
Another 5 star from Katherine. She will always be a one click author for me.
Part 2 - The Sound of Forever is coming December 6th too, so we dont have to wait long at all!!
November 4, 2023
This book was absolute perfection. Katherine’s writing in this blew me away! I’m always ride or die for her but something about this book is just extra special.
5/5 ⭐️ | 2/5 🌶️
~ romantic suspense
~ small town
~ grumpy sunshine
~ possessive mmc
~ forced proximity
~ sisters fake boyfriend
I loved the twist on fake dating Katherine did! Jesse goes home to Pippa’s small town as her fake boyfriend, but when he meets her sister Willow for the first time… or well the first for her, there’s an instant connection.
Katherine put so much emotion behind Willow & Jesse. We get crazy tension, anger, a protective mmc, a tortured fmc & a whole lot of secrets.
I got so lost in this book, when it ended I just wanted more.. thanks to the cliff hanger Katherine leaves us on 😭
5/5 ⭐️ | 2/5 🌶️
~ romantic suspense
~ small town
~ grumpy sunshine
~ possessive mmc
~ forced proximity
~ sisters fake boyfriend
I loved the twist on fake dating Katherine did! Jesse goes home to Pippa’s small town as her fake boyfriend, but when he meets her sister Willow for the first time… or well the first for her, there’s an instant connection.
Katherine put so much emotion behind Willow & Jesse. We get crazy tension, anger, a protective mmc, a tortured fmc & a whole lot of secrets.
I got so lost in this book, when it ended I just wanted more.. thanks to the cliff hanger Katherine leaves us on 😭
November 8, 2023
What can I say about Willow and Jesse other than they are individually broken but together they are perfection! This book is the first of the duet and when I say that Katherine has given us a book with so must angst and drama I don’t say that lightly! Her heart and soul has gone into this book and it shows, the emotions that were brought out of me when reading this story was so up and down I honestly didn’t know where to turn and the cliffhanger ending? Well done Katherine you’ve got me counting down the days until the second instalment is released, which thank goodness isn’t too long for us to wait.
I won’t say too much about the plot and story line as I believe you need to read this with a open mind and go in blind to get the right feel because Willow and Jesse need you to feel everything but what I will say is as with all of Katherine’s books don’t think you have it worked out because trust me you won’t!
I won’t say too much about the plot and story line as I believe you need to read this with a open mind and go in blind to get the right feel because Willow and Jesse need you to feel everything but what I will say is as with all of Katherine’s books don’t think you have it worked out because trust me you won’t!
November 10, 2023
4.5/5⭐️
1/5🌶️
THE CLIFFY!!! Gosh I love & I hate it at the same time 🫠 I ate this book up. I’m truly a sucker for a good romantic suspense.
This is book 1 of the Symphony of Sound Duet, following Jesse & Willow who are linked through a traumatic event that happened 12 years ago. Willow will do anything to remember/discover the truth of what really happened to her all those years ago whereas Jesse is doing anything he can to forget it.
Katherine does the angsty slow burns SO WELL. She kills it every single time. The tension between these two? You could cut it with a knife! I am dyingggg for book two… Thank goodness we don’t have to wait too long!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Small Town
- Romantic Suspense
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Trauma
- Lots & lots of angst
1/5🌶️
THE CLIFFY!!! Gosh I love & I hate it at the same time 🫠 I ate this book up. I’m truly a sucker for a good romantic suspense.
This is book 1 of the Symphony of Sound Duet, following Jesse & Willow who are linked through a traumatic event that happened 12 years ago. Willow will do anything to remember/discover the truth of what really happened to her all those years ago whereas Jesse is doing anything he can to forget it.
Katherine does the angsty slow burns SO WELL. She kills it every single time. The tension between these two? You could cut it with a knife! I am dyingggg for book two… Thank goodness we don’t have to wait too long!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Small Town
- Romantic Suspense
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Trauma
- Lots & lots of angst
November 6, 2023
4.5!
Symphony of sound duet book 1
* Romantic suspense
* Small town
* Broken hero & heroine
* Forced Proximity
I think this may be my fave book by Katherine so far! I sped through this and was kept on my toes the whole time as we get closer to finding out what happened 12 years ago.
I feel for Willow not remembering and having everyone wrap her up in cotton wool and her having to put on this happy facade all the time. But I love that when Jesse comes back to town even though she doesn’t remember him, she’s sassy and able to be her full true self when he’s around. Even if it’s just to put the Grump in his place.
Of course being a duet we are left on a cliffhanger and left pining for answers…I NEED to know how this now all unfolds and I’m so glad we only have a month to wait until we get answers and a conclusion to Jesse and Willows story.
Symphony of sound duet book 1
* Romantic suspense
* Small town
* Broken hero & heroine
* Forced Proximity
I think this may be my fave book by Katherine so far! I sped through this and was kept on my toes the whole time as we get closer to finding out what happened 12 years ago.
I feel for Willow not remembering and having everyone wrap her up in cotton wool and her having to put on this happy facade all the time. But I love that when Jesse comes back to town even though she doesn’t remember him, she’s sassy and able to be her full true self when he’s around. Even if it’s just to put the Grump in his place.
Of course being a duet we are left on a cliffhanger and left pining for answers…I NEED to know how this now all unfolds and I’m so glad we only have a month to wait until we get answers and a conclusion to Jesse and Willows story.
November 11, 2023
5.0
Oh this was such a good book!!!!
Jesse is such a grumpy man, who doesn’t like to be touched, who has to pretend to be Pippa’s boyfriend as a favor. He finds out that he is headed back to the one town that he has been avoiding for year and promised himself that he would never come back.
Willow can’t remember some of her past due to an accident and when she is around Jesse, she feels some kind of connection with him but tries to stay away because he is Pippa’s (her sister) “boyfriend.”
Oh the tension between the too is awesome and I just fell for Jesse!
I can’t wait for the second part of this book!!! I need a happy ending.
Oh this was such a good book!!!!
Jesse is such a grumpy man, who doesn’t like to be touched, who has to pretend to be Pippa’s boyfriend as a favor. He finds out that he is headed back to the one town that he has been avoiding for year and promised himself that he would never come back.
Willow can’t remember some of her past due to an accident and when she is around Jesse, she feels some kind of connection with him but tries to stay away because he is Pippa’s (her sister) “boyfriend.”
Oh the tension between the too is awesome and I just fell for Jesse!
I can’t wait for the second part of this book!!! I need a happy ending.
November 13, 2023
Gut wrenching and hauntingly beautiful. This book split me in half. The angst and suspense. Nothing like I’ve read before, in a long time. This is Katherine’s best book to date. I’m foaming at the mouth for part two. My jaw is still on the floor. I have an new book boyfriend named Jessie. He ruined me!
December 10, 2023
3.5⭐
Format : Kindle
I loved the small town vibes and the suspense. The first half was great but I did find it a little slow in the second half and I lost interest which seems to be happening a lot for me lately. I'm not sure if I will read the next one in the duet, I feel like it will be a little predictable and more of the same , I would like to know what happened on that mountain though!
Format : Kindle
I loved the small town vibes and the suspense. The first half was great but I did find it a little slow in the second half and I lost interest which seems to be happening a lot for me lately. I'm not sure if I will read the next one in the duet, I feel like it will be a little predictable and more of the same , I would like to know what happened on that mountain though!
April 7, 2024
I really enjoyed it but I just wish it didn’t end on a cliffhanger and wish it didn’t take as long to get into it. There was a lot of going on but also nothing at the same time. I’m still giving it 4 stars coz I liked the story and very curious for the second book 😍
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