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The Silhouette
When all your dreams are shattered, what can put the pieces together again when you know they will only fall apart?
Anastasia once hoped and aspired to win an Olympic gold medal. But, one night, she saw all that change in the blink of an eye, and now she lives in darkness. After being isolated, she starts to wonder about the handsome man who lives in a house near the swings where she sits night after night.
Jack wanders to the swings for a chance encounter that will change him and her. The mystery girl he cannot see, nor can he stop thinking about. Knowing his girlfriend and the love of his life, Bethany will be enraged, but there is something sad in Anastasia’s voice that he needs to know more about.
As questions about his new friend arise, Jack meets his neighbor, Buford Sanford, who has a tragic story in the dark of his mind that he never wishes to tell. Still, in time, Buford starts to open up to Jack, and Jack finds that life’s tragedies have much in common, as sadness is often the same face.
Things that seem to have no cure are released when the web unravels.
Anastasia once hoped and aspired to win an Olympic gold medal. But, one night, she saw all that change in the blink of an eye, and now she lives in darkness. After being isolated, she starts to wonder about the handsome man who lives in a house near the swings where she sits night after night.
Jack wanders to the swings for a chance encounter that will change him and her. The mystery girl he cannot see, nor can he stop thinking about. Knowing his girlfriend and the love of his life, Bethany will be enraged, but there is something sad in Anastasia’s voice that he needs to know more about.
As questions about his new friend arise, Jack meets his neighbor, Buford Sanford, who has a tragic story in the dark of his mind that he never wishes to tell. Still, in time, Buford starts to open up to Jack, and Jack finds that life’s tragedies have much in common, as sadness is often the same face.
Things that seem to have no cure are released when the web unravels.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 27, 2024
I've read my share of romance over the years, and there's nothing quite like throwing real-life hardships and darkness into the mix. Billy Ray Middleton Jr. did this beautifully, with the perfect amount of gritty relatability and heart.
There's a softness here that truly lends to the raw backdrop.
Some scenes left me breathless.
Anastasia is a relatable character in that she suffers from great anxiety due to traumatic events, as well as in her struggle to convey her thoughts at times. I found that she was often trapped inside her head and struggled to live in the moment. The friends she met along the way took great care in pulling her back and showing her how worthy she truly was.
That being said, all the characters were well-developed and offered the balance needed to create a perfectly grounded and realistic story.
I’d say Billy’s strength is in his character development, but there is equal power in his setting and plot. He is a well-rounded author who brilliantly pulls at the heartstrings and leaves you wanting more of the worlds and characters he creates.
I truly cannot praise this book enough. It’s clean, yet gut-wrenching; dark, yet hopeful. The balance is impeccable. My mind is mush, but I’m not complaining.
Even if you’re not big on romance, you may enjoy this story. It is heavy on friendship, found family, and healing as well.
Need I go on?
There's a softness here that truly lends to the raw backdrop.
Some scenes left me breathless.
Anastasia is a relatable character in that she suffers from great anxiety due to traumatic events, as well as in her struggle to convey her thoughts at times. I found that she was often trapped inside her head and struggled to live in the moment. The friends she met along the way took great care in pulling her back and showing her how worthy she truly was.
That being said, all the characters were well-developed and offered the balance needed to create a perfectly grounded and realistic story.
I’d say Billy’s strength is in his character development, but there is equal power in his setting and plot. He is a well-rounded author who brilliantly pulls at the heartstrings and leaves you wanting more of the worlds and characters he creates.
I truly cannot praise this book enough. It’s clean, yet gut-wrenching; dark, yet hopeful. The balance is impeccable. My mind is mush, but I’m not complaining.
Even if you’re not big on romance, you may enjoy this story. It is heavy on friendship, found family, and healing as well.
Need I go on?
June 22, 2025
This book is hands-down one of my favorite romances of all time. Honestly, Henry’s got nothing on Billy Ray Middleton Jr. in my opinion.
I’ve read plenty of romances over the years, but there’s something rare about weaving real-life struggles and darkness into the story—and Billy does it flawlessly. The grit feels authentic, yet the heart shines through in every page.
There’s a gentle vulnerability that perfectly offsets the raw, sometimes harsh backdrop. Some scenes literally took my breath away.
Anastasia is incredibly relatable—her anxiety, her trauma, and the way she gets stuck inside her own head made her feel so real. Watching her friends gently pull her back to life, reminding her of her worth, was beautiful to see.
But it’s not just Anastasia; every character is fully fleshed out, grounding the story in realism and balance.
Billy Ray Middleton Jr.’s real gift is character development, but don’t overlook his mastery of setting and plot. He’s a well-rounded storyteller who knows how to tug at your heartstrings and keep you coming back for more.
This book is clean but gut-wrenching, dark but filled with hope. The balance is flawless, and I’m still reeling from it.
Even if romance isn’t usually your thing, the strong themes of friendship, found family, and healing make this a must-read.
I’ve read plenty of romances over the years, but there’s something rare about weaving real-life struggles and darkness into the story—and Billy does it flawlessly. The grit feels authentic, yet the heart shines through in every page.
There’s a gentle vulnerability that perfectly offsets the raw, sometimes harsh backdrop. Some scenes literally took my breath away.
Anastasia is incredibly relatable—her anxiety, her trauma, and the way she gets stuck inside her own head made her feel so real. Watching her friends gently pull her back to life, reminding her of her worth, was beautiful to see.
But it’s not just Anastasia; every character is fully fleshed out, grounding the story in realism and balance.
Billy Ray Middleton Jr.’s real gift is character development, but don’t overlook his mastery of setting and plot. He’s a well-rounded storyteller who knows how to tug at your heartstrings and keep you coming back for more.
This book is clean but gut-wrenching, dark but filled with hope. The balance is flawless, and I’m still reeling from it.
Even if romance isn’t usually your thing, the strong themes of friendship, found family, and healing make this a must-read.
September 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! From the moment I started reading The Silhouette, I couldn’t put it down. The character of Anastasia is simply captivating. She’s strong, vulnerable, and grappling with an issue that seems impossible to overcome. The way she navigates through her struggles had me rooting for her from the start. Her journey is so real and raw—it’s one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Then there’s Jack Grant. The chemistry between Jack and Anastasia is electric. Their interactions are filled with tension, wit, and the kind of emotional depth that only comes from characters who truly get each other. Every scene with them together just felt so... alive. Their dynamic kept me hooked, and I loved seeing their relationship evolve.
But—and this is a big but—Buford steals the show. Honestly, he’s one of my all-time favorite characters now. His humor, charm, and undeniable depth made him impossible to forget. He’s the kind of character who pops off the page and completely changes the vibe of the story in the best possible way. If there’s any character who deserves their own spinoff, it’s Buford!
This book is one of those rare reads that combines great character development with an emotional journey, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good, character-driven story with just the right mix of romance and tension.
Then there’s Jack Grant. The chemistry between Jack and Anastasia is electric. Their interactions are filled with tension, wit, and the kind of emotional depth that only comes from characters who truly get each other. Every scene with them together just felt so... alive. Their dynamic kept me hooked, and I loved seeing their relationship evolve.
But—and this is a big but—Buford steals the show. Honestly, he’s one of my all-time favorite characters now. His humor, charm, and undeniable depth made him impossible to forget. He’s the kind of character who pops off the page and completely changes the vibe of the story in the best possible way. If there’s any character who deserves their own spinoff, it’s Buford!
This book is one of those rare reads that combines great character development with an emotional journey, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good, character-driven story with just the right mix of romance and tension.
September 30, 2025
The Silhouette was exactly what I was craving — a romance that doesn’t just lean on tropes but actually tells a story. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good trope now and then, but this felt different. More layered, more emotionally grounded, and just... real.
Anastasia completely pulled me in. Her internal struggle is one of those things that feels so overwhelming and impossible to navigate, yet her journey never felt overly dramatic — just deeply human. Watching her open up and change felt so natural. And her dynamic with Jack Grant? Just the right kind of tension and tenderness. Their connection had weight to it — it wasn’t just about chemistry, it was about understanding, timing, and healing.
But let’s be honest: Buford owns this book. What a scene-stealer. I adored every moment he was on the page — clever, unexpected, and somehow the emotional glue holding so much of it together. He’s honestly one of my favorite characters in any book now.
If you’re looking for a romance that gives you depth and character-driven storytelling rather than just a checklist of tropes, The Silhouette delivers. It’s emotional without being overwrought, romantic without being predictable — and exactly the kind of book I’ll be thinking about for a while.
Anastasia completely pulled me in. Her internal struggle is one of those things that feels so overwhelming and impossible to navigate, yet her journey never felt overly dramatic — just deeply human. Watching her open up and change felt so natural. And her dynamic with Jack Grant? Just the right kind of tension and tenderness. Their connection had weight to it — it wasn’t just about chemistry, it was about understanding, timing, and healing.
But let’s be honest: Buford owns this book. What a scene-stealer. I adored every moment he was on the page — clever, unexpected, and somehow the emotional glue holding so much of it together. He’s honestly one of my favorite characters in any book now.
If you’re looking for a romance that gives you depth and character-driven storytelling rather than just a checklist of tropes, The Silhouette delivers. It’s emotional without being overwrought, romantic without being predictable — and exactly the kind of book I’ll be thinking about for a while.
February 26, 2024
Holy WOW!!!
I went on a romance books binge to see if I would enjoy any of them. I started with CoHo and found this little gem on Instagram.
I cried twice reading this and cried just thinking about it afterward! It was beautifully done and avoided a lot of the tropes. It read like a dream, and I finished in 4 hours.
I loved the main storyline, of course, but the side story stuck with me just as well! I love you, Buford!!
Anastasia is flawlessly written, and the ending is somewhat bittersweet to me anyway, but it left me satisfied and hopeful. I have dealt with doubt about my looks and my anxiety, and she resonated with me so well that I want her to be real so I can be friends with her.
Jack is sweet, and the scenes between them are flat-out magical! Like Hollywood-esque. Dare I say I liked this more than The Notebook... I can't believe it, but I think I do.
I went on a romance books binge to see if I would enjoy any of them. I started with CoHo and found this little gem on Instagram.
I cried twice reading this and cried just thinking about it afterward! It was beautifully done and avoided a lot of the tropes. It read like a dream, and I finished in 4 hours.
I loved the main storyline, of course, but the side story stuck with me just as well! I love you, Buford!!
Anastasia is flawlessly written, and the ending is somewhat bittersweet to me anyway, but it left me satisfied and hopeful. I have dealt with doubt about my looks and my anxiety, and she resonated with me so well that I want her to be real so I can be friends with her.
Jack is sweet, and the scenes between them are flat-out magical! Like Hollywood-esque. Dare I say I liked this more than The Notebook... I can't believe it, but I think I do.
March 5, 2024
I had the privilege of being an editor for this one. While romance isn't my first pick, this book is also just straight-up about life. I had read the first version, but this one shines with an enhanced vibrance you just have to read and see for yourselves! The anxieties, hopes and fears of ALL the characters were written in a somehow relatable way--even though, for example, I am not an ex-gymnast with a horrid incident that I struggle to live down every day. And even though I was angry at a character in one part of this, it made it more impactful when the end credits rolled. The imperfections in people trying their best just to get through another day and helping each other through hard times was captivating, and Middleton Jr's skill here shines!
February 26, 2024
My friend told me to read it NOW! I read it and LOVED it!
A romance book without pastel colors!! Finally! This cover is gorgeous!
Twists, turns, romance & suspense fill this novel! The Silhouette is a beautifully written book about love, anxiety, abuse, friendships, and hope when it is neatly impossible to find. The backstory is done through journal entries, and Anastasia is my favorite!! She is so sweet and tormented, but she has never lost her beauty; she just thinks she has.
It was everything I wanted and more in a romance!! I wish it didn't end!
A romance book without pastel colors!! Finally! This cover is gorgeous!
Twists, turns, romance & suspense fill this novel! The Silhouette is a beautifully written book about love, anxiety, abuse, friendships, and hope when it is neatly impossible to find. The backstory is done through journal entries, and Anastasia is my favorite!! She is so sweet and tormented, but she has never lost her beauty; she just thinks she has.
It was everything I wanted and more in a romance!! I wish it didn't end!
June 12, 2025
Wow!
I saw this book mentioned on Instagram as being great, but I was taken aback by how good it is! The audiobook is fantastic too, with sound effects that make it feel like you're in a movie!
Anastasia is written so well; I was shocked that a male wrote it.
Buford has my heart forever, and Jack is swoon-worthy!
This is not a typical romance cookie-cutter chatGPT type of book. This is like a great movie presented in book format. I would give it six stars if I could.
I saw this book mentioned on Instagram as being great, but I was taken aback by how good it is! The audiobook is fantastic too, with sound effects that make it feel like you're in a movie!
Anastasia is written so well; I was shocked that a male wrote it.
Buford has my heart forever, and Jack is swoon-worthy!
This is not a typical romance cookie-cutter chatGPT type of book. This is like a great movie presented in book format. I would give it six stars if I could.
September 30, 2025
I adored this story, as did my book club. Saw it mentioned on Instagram, and this is totally worth it.
Has a little bit of everything, and the romance is so sweet and uniquely done.
Has a little bit of everything, and the romance is so sweet and uniquely done.
October 27, 2025
Gahhhh, this book is so beautiful. Full review soon.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews