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Quiet Love #1

Quiet Types

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Maggie Lydon rides the bus to her cleaning job every day. It’s an ordinary existence until she notices him sitting just two rows behind her. She doesn’t know his name, nor anything about him. All she knows is that he watches her and it’s the most exciting part of her week.

Shay Riordan notices her the very first time he takes the bus. She’s captivating, a beauty who moves through the world like no one else can see her, but she’s far from invisible to him. He wants to sit next to her, introduce himself, but it’s hard to do when you can’t speak.

Then, late one Friday evening they both board the bus, and an unexpected occurrence plunges Maggie into Shay’s world, and Shay into Maggie’s.

Quiet Types is a standalone contemporary romance and is book #1 in L.H. Cosway’s Quiet Love Series.

Tropes & Themes
~Strangers to lovers~
~Mute hero~
~Maid heroine~
~Introvert~
~He protects her~

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2024

517 people are currently reading
1344 people want to read

About the author

L.H. Cosway

57 books5,916 followers
L.H. Cosway lives in Ireland. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, food, musical comedy, and of course, books. She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LHCosway

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LHCosway

Mailing List: https://lhcoswayauthor.com/newsletter/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lhcosway13/

Website: www.lhcoswayauthor.com

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5 stars
609 (30%)
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20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
Profile Image for Rain.
2,589 reviews21 followers
March 6, 2025
*4.5* A beautifully written, slow-burn romance set in Dublin, Ireland.

I went in knowing nothing about the story, and honestly, that’s the best way to experience it. This story is just two real people navigating life, connection, and love. And that’s what makes it so refreshing.
He saw me when, to most of the world, I was invisible. Up until that point, I thought I liked things that way, but now that I was experiencing the sensation of being seen, I realised all that I’d been missing out on.

Maggie Lydon’s world is small and predictable until she notices the quiet man who always sits two rows behind her on the bus. Shay Riordan sees Maggie too, has seen her from the very first day. He longs to reach out, but how do you introduce yourself when you can’t speak?

This is the kind of book that lingers with you, a character-driven romance filled with heart, vulnerability, and quiet intensity.
"Talking is such a shallow way to interact now that I’ve known you, Shay. It’s like comparing greyscale to colour.”

Love doesn’t always need words.

Tropes/themes (spoilers)
-Contemporary M/F romance
-Characters in their 30s
-Mute H
-Dyslexic h
-Sloooow burn
-Lower heat
-No virgins
-Found family
-Artist H
-Mother in prison
-Step siblings
-Cheating (not this couple)
-Second chances on life
Profile Image for Christy.
4,547 reviews35.9k followers
May 14, 2024
4 stars

This book was aptly named because Maggie and Shay had a quiet kind of love that was beautiful. I always enjoy Cosway's writing and this was no exception. I enjoyed this one and look forward to continuing on with this series.
Profile Image for RLbooks (in and out).
999 reviews481 followers
June 6, 2024
This was a good choice I think for a group BR since friends and I enjoy the soft characters, thank you buket, Elizabeth, and Jess for picking it up with me at the same time!

I adored this tender, emotional, and simple story of two wonderful, regular people finding love. It is a slow pace because it’s a character focused study of two people going through the motions of their daily lives and how those lives intersect with each other and become more.

Maggie (h) had such a difficult start and was self-protective of her heart, keeping herself from chancing deeper relationships. She wasn’t given the love a child deserves and her resiliency and ability to survive on her own was tested early in life. She’s a house cleaner and eking out her life but she’s lonely. Shay (H) was the perfect person for her, someone who had that support she lacked but had his own struggles (he’s mute) and history but who immediately saw more in Maggie and appreciated her. Shay was also protective and showed his care in acts of service, which were precisely what Maggie needed to reassure her of his interest and feelings. His job as security for a hotel fit him well, but he’s also an artist at his soul.

They start as strangers who have the same bus route and the tension of their interest in each other while neither makes a move was something else. Then their first true interactions have an awkward note to them that they have to recover from. Communication was definitely hampered in the beginning because of Shay’s mutism and Maggie having reading challenges. They persist though and manage to convey their thoughts and we’re off on this sweet journey of them discovering each other and falling in love. It’s a slow burn with good chemistry and lots of kissing and small touches. There are a handful of explicit scenes that are spicy but not overly long. They fit with the characters really well.

Written in first person, dual POV. Tiny blip of ow drama when H’s ex makes an appearance and wants to still be friends and at a party, an ow hits on H. He has zero interest in either woman but h’s background makes her insecure and doubtful, she has a few moments of jealousy over H but he only sees her. No om drama though a situation arises where the H wonders if something happened between h and someone else, even though nothing did and it’s cleared up quickly. Both are experienced, H’s last relationship ended less than a year before and h hadn’t been in one for several years.

I loved how they sorted out communication and how expressive Shay was with his body language. Maggie was so kind and such a deserving person who was willing to help others and cared for her half siblings as much as she was able, while also being somewhat apart. There’s a plot line that I wasn’t certain about at first but then ended up being really hopeful involving her family. Her mom could just rot in prison though. Shay’s family also play a big role from his adorable father to his also protective cousin. Shay’s best friend has a bit of a side plot line too but he’s an ass so we don’t like him lol.

The writing style wasn’t completely for me. Moments of beautiful prose would be offset by a couple lines that felt clunky, making me feel it was inconsistent. I also felt that some points were repetitive. But the heart of this book and the characters was moving and filled my heart up with feelings. It was just what I needed in this moment. I’m definitely reading more by this author.

The end is more sweetness and a HFN/HEA with an epilogue six months out. They’re living together and Shay proposes in an adorable way that was perfect for them. Since the next book in the series is Shay’s cousin’s, I know these two will be side characters featured in that and I can’t wait to see them again.
Profile Image for ❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ).
874 reviews98 followers
June 8, 2024
3.5/5 rounded up

Thank you RL 💗
For inviting me to join in on this reading and sorry, not sorry for sending you updates of my thoughts as I read it ( you brought that upon yourself 🙈😂 )

What I loved:
•Maggie and Shay made such a cute pair. They were truly precious. I really ate up the longing and small touches. 🥰

•Maggie’s step siblings and Shay’s family.

•This felt like such a tender story, it didn’t start off with lust/sex even though the physical attraction was definitely there. It’s so refreshing to read a couple having romantic intentions instead of ‘just sex’ leading to more.


-I wasn’t the biggest fan of the writing but it bothered me less and less the more I continued to read. I think once I got past everyone’s introduction and job description and we got to Maggie and Shay actually spending some time together is when my enjoyment started to pick up.

-I wish that the POVs were divided more equally, there’s definitely more chapters in Maggie’s POV and although I loved her and could relate to her on a lot of levels it got a little sad being in her mind so often. 🥺

Tho I did feel really proud when she had moments of standing up for herself, especially during at the party when the ow had taken her seat and omg, Shay leaning away from the ow’s touch because he wanted nothing to do with her ? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Shay seemingly obsessed with her and loving how she was possessive of him at that moment ? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Tho, I would have also liked to see him see her get some male attention and act possessive over her too but that’s ’cause I’m greedy.

Am I just toxic thinking that it was actually swoony that when his best friend said he also loved the same woman Shay loved that he immediately thought of Maggie ? He didn’t even consider it to be the other woman for a second ? I didn’t think he was too accusing when he went to talk to her and considering he was always kind after she apologized for some of her behavior when it came to her insecurities I didn’t think she should’ve held off on kisses for so long 🫠

Edit: Let's see if I can get the links to work when I'm on PC instead of the app. If it doesn't work I'm done trying, just go check out their reviews 'cause they're the best ❤︎

My reading buddies:
RLbooks
Buket
Elizabeth

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,396 reviews1,507 followers
April 23, 2024
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author/ Grey's Promotions)

Maggie Lydon lives in Ireland on the north side of Dublin. She's a single woman who cleans houses for a living. She tends to keep to herself and is a bit of an introvert. She often feels isolated and invisible to the rest of the world. She goes about her day scraping by and minding her own business. Lately she felt starved for companionship after feeling an intense connection to a stranger on the bus she rides to work. She first noticed him over six months ago. She was intrigued with the way he watched her with those gorgeous eyes, and soon he became the bright spot of her day. She knew nothing about him, but was consumed with thinking about him. She was always so aware of him when he was near, and it excited her.

For months Shay Riordan has wanted to get to know the beautiful, mysterious woman on the bus. There was something unique about her that he was drawn to. He found her fascinating, and was captivated by her stare.

One evening when circumstances cause them to meet, it's a challenge to communicate. They are both quiet types who have been lonely and guarded with their hearts lately. As they get to know one another will they both finally find their happily ever afters?

Quiet Types by L.H. Cosway is the first standalone in the Quiet Love series. It's a heartwarming, emotional, slow burn, strangers to lovers romance about trust, healing and self discovery. It's full of amazing chemistry and beautiful love. <333

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***NOW AVAILABLE***
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Profile Image for Samantha Young.
Author 108 books28.3k followers
Read
April 26, 2024
I can always count on L.H. Cosway for addictive, authentic, quietly beautiful romance and Quiet Types is no exception. Maggie and Shay captured me from page one and I’ve spent every spare moment lost in their gorgeously written love story.
Profile Image for Céloise.
383 reviews237 followers
November 8, 2024
4☆ Shay’s my new Irish book boyfriend, you can’t have him.

I would learn sign language so fast for that man. 🫠 His caretaking was OTT devoted and I loved it. I wish he had let Maggie take care of him a bit more too, but I loved how they both defended and believed in each other. This is a sweet, sexy story that tugs on the heartstrings many times over. My only complaint is that the characters’ internal thoughts are often overwritten/ overexplained. Otherwise I loved it. 🥰
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,138 reviews109 followers
May 14, 2024
Holy cow, was this good. So good.

This is a slow-burn character-driven novel, with lovely prose and rich with details and carefully observed human behavior. Shay is a living, walking—though not perfect—dream man. Maggie is someone who, in spite of a brutally hard life, still harbors a candle of hope deep in her soul just waiting for a spark to light it. Furthermore, when that spark comes along she finds the courage to reach for it. It’s a start-and-stop endeavor filled with uncertainty and detours and requires work (and readers will require a little patience) but the payoff is so worth it, and every page along the way contains breathtaking little moments of perfection.

Shay meets Maggie at the bus stop:

I met her gaze, dipping my head in greeting and noticing her cheeks and the tip of her nose were red from the cold. I was struck with the sudden urge to give her some of my warmth. Stepping even closer, Maggie watched me curiously, then inhaled sharply when I lifted her smaller hands into mine. There were faint calluses on her fingers, which made me frown because I knew they came from working so hard. Some part of me wished to whisk her away from it all, make her life frictionless. I wasn’t sure where the instinct came from, but I knew it wasn’t realistic. I wasn’t some rich bloke who could fix all her problems with money, but I could fix one thing right now. I could chase away her chill.

Slowly, I lifted her hands to my mouth, blowing warm air on them, and she inhaled sharply.
Profile Image for Niki {Still a Widow but reading more}.
809 reviews345 followers
June 13, 2024
I thought this was lovely and heartfelt.

This was a beautiful story of two people who are the invisible ones. The ones that society overlooks more often than not. They each have something that limits them and keeps them on the fringes, yet their eyes meet one day across a crowded bus. There is a spark and connection that inevitably pulls them together.

I really loved this. It wasn't chaotic with tons of conflict and angst. It was just real. It had one of my favorite tropes in it which is a language barrier between the MCs. There was a slow burn build up as Maggie and Shay realized they had something special. They fought for each other, and both so richly deserved their HEA.

I love trying out new authors and this time I was pleasantly surprised. I can't wait for Rhys and Charlie's book to come out next. I was looking to see what her other books were about and saw another I wanted to read. I thought it looked familiar and realized it's been in my KU library for over a year. So long that it's not even available in KU anymore but I still have it borrowed and am able to read it. It's the simple things. It doesn't take much to make my night! 🤣🤣
Profile Image for  Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕.
1,018 reviews1,186 followers
April 26, 2024
1714091199089

Quiet Types reminded me of a simple romance. The characters stayed true to themselves and for that, we were given a steady ride of their journey.

Maggie Lydon rides the bus to her cleaning job every day and because of those trips, she sees a man that intrigues her. Shay is quiet and keeps to himself but he's always watching her. After finding the courage to strike up a conversation, Maggie learns that Shay is mute. With each passing day on their bus route, Shay and Maggie developed a deep friendship that even with silence, was louder than anything.

I truly enjoyed the beginning of this story. The characters were tip toeing around each other in a sense and I didn't know where it was going to lead to. After reading a few chapters, I quickly realized that this was a slow and steady read but I still felt the anticipation of something MORE. I practically craved it and when that didn't happen, I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I liked the characters and the family dynamic but after a while, it became boring. There were no gasp worthy moments that made me want to flip through the pages at warped speed and I felt like I was just reading about someone's day to day life.

Despite thinking that this story was going to be more, this book was the epitome of a truly sweet romance. Straight-forward with the main characters go from getting to know each other one day at a time, to becoming a huge part of each other's inner circle and falling in love. If you're looking for a sweet romance with lovable characters,then this one's for you.



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Profile Image for ↬ Ⓛ.
378 reviews706 followers
April 25, 2024
Aweee. My heart. This is so cuteee.
Profile Image for Bookphenomena (Micky) .
2,928 reviews544 followers
August 7, 2025
Headlines:
Mute hero
Quiet looks
Low angst

Quiet types was quietly beautiful. It was the kind of read that just swept me up and I read it completely on a Sunday morning, feeling sad when it was done. This was a character-driven story written with such depth and emotion.

Maggie and Shay had been travelling on the same bus to and from work for months and looks were exchanged. The way this story built (slowly) from fleeting looks to making contact was exceptionally written. I was invested so quickly and I felt their uncertainty alongside their fresh interest in one another. Those feelings built with such tangibility and I was in the moments with them.

Communication was a key theme in this story. Having to communicate differently and observing a relationship grow this way felt special. Family and friends provided some side plot. Both Shay and Maggie had complications but I appreciated the loving family on one side to off-set the mess on the other side.

This quiet, low-angst story is wholly memorable and I highly recommend for romance lovers in need of that lower stakes reading experience.

Re-read August 2025, still loved this easy, quiet romance.
Profile Image for Merhan.
107 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2025
I haven't read a romance this emotional (and real) in a long time. From page one I was either smiling so hard it hurt or shedding tears. I rarely get this engaged, but I couldn't help feeling every anxious vulnerable emotion and all the happy excited moments.
The slow burn and buildup was so good especially on the bus before they started communicating. wow. 

The connection between shay and Maggie felt so genuine.
They were so thoughtful, patient and never pushing especially Shay. Maggie was actually very strong despite all her vulnerabilities, She wasn't depending on Shay, she only needed his love and support.
I also like that they didn't let their issues and doubts complicate their relationship, but instead they were trusting with each other and didn't take them long to open up. And although I hate misunderstandings, they quickly resolved theirs.

The side characters were also intriguing, especially Rhys and Jonathan. I'm so happy they have their own stories :)

I'm glad to not only come across this hidden gem but also find out about this incredible author. Her writing style is so my type.
Profile Image for iremucka.
319 reviews16 followers
September 11, 2025
Sessiz Tipler 💗 💗 💗

Maggie (31) her gün temizlik işine giderken otobüse biner, son altı aydır aynı durakta aynı otobüse binen Shay (33) dikkatini çeker, hiç konuşmazlar ama Maggie merak eder, bu eski filmlerden fırlamış gibi duran adam kimdir necidir.. Bir gün kadın adama seslenir ve olaylar gelişir. 🫠 🫠 🫠

Kendi küçük dünyalarına sığınmış iki naif ruh (ay ebedi yazıyorum oj jk) aynı dünyayı paylaşmaya çalışırlar, her iki karakterin de kendi eksiklikleri ve güvensizlikleri vardı ama o kadar güzel uydular ki birbirlerine.. Çok iyiydi beee.. 💁

Bu yazardan ilk kez okudum ve devamı kesinlikle gelecek çünkü çok günlük hayattan hikayeler yazıyor. Her zaman günü kurtaran kahramanlar, gölgelere hükmeden babacıklar, 45 kere göğsünden vurulup iyileşen karakterler okurken arada ferahlatıcı geldi. ⛅️

Tadını kaçırmayayım spoil etmeyeyim gidin okuyun sora gelin teşekkür edin 🧡

https://t.me/theothershelfceviri/2643
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,305 reviews362 followers
October 16, 2024
Loved this.
These two were so sweet together.
They both have their issues, see spoilers below.
There is small exdrama with the Hero.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Bit slow burn.
HEA.


Spoilers.
Hero is mute.
Heroine is dyslexic so he uses his phone to share his thoughts but she has issues reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ياسمينة.
140 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2025
I found this story to be beautiful and deeply touching. It was about two invisible people those often overlooked by society. Each of them carried something that held them back and kept them on the margins. Yet one day, their eyes met across a crowded bus, and a spark ignited, inevitably drawing them together.🙌🏻

I loved how their relationship grew naturally, gaining momentum and finding its way through life. It felt so real.
Shay was absolutely lovely, gentle, kind, brave, and essentially a giant teddy bear. Family meant a lot to him, something he shared with Maggie. I truly appreciated how simple and sweet they were together while still being deeply connected on a level that went beyond mere lust or casual conversation.

Maggie and Shay made such a sweet couple. They were genuinely precious. They took their time falling in love, embracing both each other and the simple life they shared. I thoroughly enjoyed the longing and the little touches between them. There were no princes, no mafia, —and that was a refreshing change. It felt like a story about real people, filled with anxiety, drama, and all the raw emotions.🥹

I was also genuinely impressed by the writing style.

Shay&Maggie ♡



______________
- He saw me when, to most of the world, I was invisible.

- “I want us to be together, Shay.”
“I want it, too,” “I want it more than my next breath.”

- He made me feel wanted.

- I never imagined anyone would see me as Shay did. I was resigned to be on the periphery, observing the world, alone in it. But then he came along and opened me up. He made me love him.

- She was the only person in the world who could shatter my confidence and reduce me to nothing with a few carefully chosen words.
November 18, 2024
4 ⭐'s

Maggie and Shay's relationship was sweet and endearing but also incredibly frustrating dealing with one being mute and the other dyslexic...it made communicating extremely difficult.

And I was a bit anxious over that, however, I couldn't quit trying to picture Shay's facial expressions. I'm sure it took steamy to a whole new level!

It was an enjoyable read and I can't wait to start the next book with Rhys!
Profile Image for Betül.
1,067 reviews291 followers
April 19, 2024
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

3.5 stars

In Quiet Types, Maggie Lydon’s routine bus rides take an unexpected turn when she notices Shay Riordan, a mysterious stranger who seems intrigued by her presence. Despite their lack of communication, a twist of fate brings them together, sparking a connection that transforms both their lives.

What stands out in the book are the characters of Maggie and Shay. They're easy to like, and their chemistry keeps you rooting for their romance. While the story holds your interest, it does feel a bit like a slow burn. You keep waiting for that extra excitement to kick in, but it remains a gentle ride throughout.

Nevertheless, Quiet Types delivers a sweet love story. Maggie and Shay both have their struggles, and seeing them help each other through it is heartwarming. It’s a cute, feel-good read that reminds you of the power of love and companionship. Overall, Quiet Types might not be the most thrilling romance out there, but if you're in the mood for something cozy and heartfelt, it's worth a read.
Profile Image for Sara Ann.
683 reviews
April 22, 2024
3.5 stars

I’ve been a huge fan of Cosway since the beginning. While I enjoyed this book I will admit it wasn’t my favorite by her. Still, these characters hold a special place in my heart and will be living in my head rent free for a while.

Let’s talk about the plot. I liked the premise of this story because it gave me Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan vibes, but that is where it ended. This was a story of its own and not like any story I’ve read.

We follow Shay who is mute and Maggie who is a maid. They both take the same bus to and from work everyday, but for what feels like forever they have just been stealing glances at each other. That is until one day Shay gets in between Maggie and an angry man, and it’s history from there. These characters both struggle through issues with themselves and in the relationship, but the love is always there.

Shay was so adorable. I need a Shay in my life. He is caring, kind, brave, and basically a giant teddy bear. Family is important to him, which is something he shares with Maggie.

Maggie has had a rough go at life, but she is making the best of a bad situation. She stays positive and finds friends everywhere she goes. I liked how she grew in this story to have a backbone and find her way in life.

Let’s talk about a couple things I didn’t particularly like in this story, which lead to the 3.5 stars. (Don’t worry, they are spoiler free)

1. There were a couple plot twists that had me gasping, but later I looked back and decided they were too out of the blue and maybe a bit too much for one story… the jury is still out on that last one.

2. The opposite of my last comment, there were a couple things I saw coming. But that didn’t take away too much. I was just like “ok yeah. Called that. A bit of a cliche but ok.”

3. I wanted more with the Johnathan situation. I’ll leave it at that.

Overall, this is yet another lovely book by the Miss Cosway. I’m really looking forward to the next installment in this standalone series where we see Rhys!

*An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kara.
1,417 reviews25 followers
April 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! LH Cosway has been a consistent author for me through the years. When I saw this author had a new book out I didn’t hesitate to pick it up. The story was different & unique- something I really enjoy from them.
Profile Image for Amanda White.
581 reviews10 followers
April 14, 2024
I just love how LH Cosway always manages to write characters that are quirky, different, or just not the “norm” (or how the norm is portrayed in other books anyway!). They always have their unique challenges, but demonstrate grit and determination. Her characters are always ones I can admire.
Quiet Types did not disappoint and Maggie and Shay had all those qualities and more. The slow burn romance was sweet with some steamy scenes, and they had a lot of chemistry. I enjoyed seeing Maggie grow and come out of her shell, and I adored Shay and his family (his Dad was the sweetest!). Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Sandra R.
3,347 reviews47 followers
April 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this well written, slow burn romance set in Dublin, Ireland. I went in knowing nothing about the story and that's the way I think this book should be read. There are no billionaires, princes, mafia, suspense etc and it was a refreshing change. This stars real people and has angst, drama and all the feels. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Callie.
662 reviews30 followers
March 19, 2025
3.5 stars

This was very cute. I actually love a quiet love story/characters so this was realistic and peaceful without being boring.

Shay was mute after a surgery gone wrong as a child. Maggie has a solitary life after a bad childhood, but finds herself lonely. They know each other from the bus and eventually strike up a friendship and relationship.

They fit together very well, and I thought they complimented each other. Shay was able to have Maggie open up, and Maggie gave Shay more confidence and brought some interests back into his life, like art.

I like how they did their best to communicate with each other and never let that deter them.

The thing that kept it a higher rating for me was the ex stuff. Shay’s ex was mentioned a little too much for my taste. Now this is totally a me thing. Shay wasn’t hung up on her, but she cheated on him and she does pop up once and also cause some trust issues/a few other problems. I just didn’t like that it caused insecurity for Maggie, who had never been in love, and Shay was in love in the past and just under a year ago.

Thankfully he says what he feels for Maggie is more. And he does take care of her in so many ways.

So overall, it was a very sweet read. Perhaps a little repetitive/in their heads at the beginning, but I got used to it and was happy they got a happy ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Min.
978 reviews13 followers
May 16, 2024
3.5 stars

This was certainly something different from what I usually read. It's quiet (duh) and slow-paced, especially in the first half. The time it took for Maggie and Shay to become strangers to friends was a little too long for my liking (the reason why I rounded down my rating). Nevertheless, when they start hanging out, things started to fall into place and I loved the story a lot more.

Given how long this was given the simplicity of the plot, I was surprised how well fleshed out the characters were. Maggie and Shay felt like real people, although each a little too nice and patient to be real. Their progression from friends to lovers was lovely and I loved how well they communicated with one another. Maggie's one of the loveliest contemporary romance heroines I've read in a while. Her interior world is so rich I didn't mind the relatively long-ish monologues (which is a rarity for me).

What ultimately made this book stand out were its many achingly tender moments. Shay, being mute, shows, more than he tells Maggie how it feels and UGH my soul's on fire. There were times where the emotional tension between Maggie and Shay was so visceral I had goosebumps. Man, this was pretty good... And for how quickly I finished this, being a terrible eyeball reader, I guess this speaks for itself!

Self note: First read from the author - will be following this series.
Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,530 reviews101 followers
November 20, 2024
I said in currently reading that this is a gentle, warm, sweet, feel good that makes you happy when you’re done. Quiet Types is a perfect title and this is another winner by
L.H. Cosway.

Maggie hasn’t lived the best life. Her terror of a mother kicked Maggie out when she was 16 and she really struggles. She makes a living cleaning people’s houses. She lives a pretty grey life. But there is one bright spot. She rides the bus to and from work every day and she has recently noticed a young man taking the same bus, both ways, who watches her. The more she sees him watching her, the more interested in him she becomes.

Eventually circumstances happen where they start to interact. While Shay, the young man in question can hear! he is unable to speak? He had surgery on his throat when he was very young and lost his voice. But a very special and sweet bond happens between these two and it’s so heartwarming reading their story. There isn’t much action in this book and I was very fine with that. I love both these characters and it’s wonderful reading their story.

I got this one on KU and there’s a second book out in this short series I want to read very soon.
Profile Image for Jessica.
323 reviews33 followers
May 20, 2024
4.5 stars 🌟

Beautiful romance. The chemistry is amazing, and I love that it is disability inclusive(mute MMC and dyslexic FMC). They fall in love despite all the hardships and loss they've faced. Really great read.
Profile Image for Michelle.
454 reviews3 followers
Read
August 25, 2025
DNF

I am not rating this...the writing was great, I could see why people would love it. I am just not feeling it. It's very much a me thing, it may be even simply not in the mood for this book thing. I may try it again in the future.
Profile Image for Babel.
2,350 reviews196 followers
April 26, 2024
I haven't been so excited about the premise of a book for a long time. A man besotted with a woman he only sees in the morning bus ride, but he's mute and doesn't dare approach her. Until one day changes everything. The drama!

I couldn't wait to see what would unfold between Maggie and Shay.

Now that I've sated the need, I can tell you this: it's a really romantic story. Pure romance.

It's a slow-burn, romantic, sensitive and sweet story between two damaged people who still make the best of their circumstances and yearn for love.

It is set in Dublin, so I enjoyed myself even more with the touches of life there, the comforting everyday tea and even the mention of digestive biscuits! Lovely :-)

Maggie is that kind of woman who has endured untold injustices but perseveres with inner strength and goodness. I think I liked everything about her. Even her self-doubt and apparent meekness are rooted in endearing reasons to love her. She grows so much throughout the book and opens up like a flower. And the sun that helps with that beautiful arc is Shay. Oh, a man with no words and deep, strong, protective feelings. He is the perfect real man because he's got a pain of his own, he's not a saint, yet he is tender, thoughtful, handsome and a gentleman when it comes to his Maggie, the woman who has caught his heart on the bus every morning.
I think the way this couple's relationship evolves is adorably sweet and simmering. They really get to know each other in small, tentative steps that allow their feelings to grow and settle into something real and durable. That doesn't mean there's no room for passion and ecstasy. There is!

I loved the tenderness of their conversations, how they coped with the difficulties in communication, how they adapted to each other's needs out of understanding and love. It's very pretty and heart-warming.

Their story is also about family and friendship, trust and loyalty, reconciling with the past and allowing hope and new chances to fly their way back into one's life, even toxic bonds and how they affect one's self-worth. I enjoyed the scenes and the important impact of other characters like friends and family and neighbours.

It is a long story with a cosy narrative style that feels like living a life alongside the characters. The two big plot twists are intense, especially one that left me reeling. Very satisfying.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,223 reviews152 followers
April 13, 2024
A very sweet low stakes romance but with a lot of misunderstandings..

ARC
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