Struck Speechless

by Tati Richardson

Sports agent Jackie Miles is a petite powerhouse who has built her empire on killer instincts, designer stilettos, and tough skin. Her client roster is legendary, her temper is hotter than Georgia asphalt, and aside from her French bulldog PeeWee and her "boss chick village," she's perfectly content flying solo.

Then Antonio Steele walks back into her life, and all hell breaks loose.

The towering former football star turned rival agent has always known exactly which buttons to push. Just when Jackie thinks she can handle their explosive chemistry and complicated past, she mysteriously loses her voice. But this isn't ordinary laryngitis; a cryptic stranger's message implies that Jackie must "quiet her tongue and listen with her heart" to lift whatever spell she's under. With a career-defining client trip to Mexico looming, and only the devastatingly handsome Antonio as backup, Jackie must learn to let go-if only she could trust him to catch her.

Struck Speechless is book two in the Boss Chicks Village Series, following the hit romcom Losing Sight.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, African American Romance, Black Author, Forced Proximity, Rom Com, Sports Romance

400 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

About the author

TATI RICHARDSON (she/her) is the author of Losing Sight, a romantic comedy which Kirkus called "playful" and "terrific" in a starred review; and The Build Up, named one of Amazon's Best Books of 2023 and a Booklist Top Romance of 2023. She is cofounder of the Romance in Colour podcast, and an Apple Books Writer to Watch.
Under the name T.M. Richardson, she writes extra-steamy works like the USA Today bestseller The Oath. A native of Atlanta, Tati lives with her husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Rae | My Cousin’s Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The spice was 🔥🔥🔥. The magic was surprisingly powerful. And the romance was ✨chefs kiss✨
I also enjoyed reading about a Black woman in the sports management world! Such a different world that I would’ve never know about without reading this book.
Thank you to the author, Tati for an advanced e-copy of the book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Don’t bring God into this… it’s about to get real sinful”

AHHHHHHHHHH. 🤪

God I love Jackie. She doesn’t want to be feeling what she is feeling.. but she is FEELING it. I love that she stands in what she believes-to some that may be annoying, but I found her to be a badass who only melts for Antonio.

I loved their chemistry! Antonio and his damn 🦶 🤭 IYKYK. Anyways I loved it and I loved seeing Tanika and Gideon again 🥹

Dual narration and they smashed it. Go read it!!

Thank you NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for the ALC!

[Chantel DaCosta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie annoyed to begin with but then I was rooting for her and Antonio.

Another fantastic romance with a hint of magic from Tati Richardson.

I recommend. Read Losing Sight first though.

[Ro_Monique_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Generous Press for the advanced reader copy of Struck Speechless.

3.5 stars | Struck Speechless was a fun read! Jackie, a sassy, no-nonsense sports agent, encounters her soul match in fellow agent and retired football player Antonio. While Jackie is vocal in the conference room and when it comes to championing her clients, she finds herself at a loss of words - literally- when it comes to vulnerability and matters of the heart. Similar to Losing Sight, this book includes a sprinkle of magic that brings about a revelation for the protagonist. I would recommend this read to those looking for a light romantic comedy that don’t mind a dose of miscommunication and stubbornness.

[Kayybereading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Happy release day! I loved this book! I love a good second chance romance and this was written very well! Jackie and Antonio story turned out to be so beautiful! The message i got from this book was to listen to your heart and be truthful with your self and you won’t be silenced! Jackie only lost her voice because she wasn’t being real with herself about her true emotions and until she did she would be silenced ! They lost so much time due to stubbornness ! Everything happened the way it was supposed to ! Yes to the HEA!!!!!

[anovelaccount (Kayla) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super cute! And…hot 🥵 The chemistry between the two MCs was palpable from their first interaction and throughout the book—just another reason why I’m a huge fan of second chance romance. I love that they already had a history and some foundation had been laid.

I was pleasantly surprised at the inclusion of magical realism (because I LOVE whenever magical realism is included), and I thought this part of the plot really allowed Jackie her time to grow. I wouldn’t say she annoyed me, but she kept getting in her own way, jumping to (wrong) conclusions, and ultimately causing herself pain. I like that the loss of her voice forced her to get introspective. I also loved Jackie being the only black woman in the male-dominated world of being a sports agent. She was such a boss!

Antonio was down SO bad for Jackie. He was incredibly patient with her, except for one part where he basically calls her a liar. I was not his biggest fan in that moment, but thankfully it ended up being a small detail that gets resolved quickly.

The forced proximity here was so good (love a forced work trip), but it does get a little overused, to the point where the MCs are even joking about it by the end.

This is a cutesy romcom that is funny, (very) steamy, and empowering. It was such a fun take on a romance and I really had such a fun time with it!

🎧The narrators were great and fit their characters perfectly! My only annoyance was that the female narrator mispronounced common last names while the male narrator didn’t, so the inconsistency drove me a little crazy. But I loved the life their voices brought to these characters!

[bree ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars ✨ jackie had me stressing towards the end! she was fighting that happiness harder than mo/moe fought his opponent chile... every opportunity she got 🤣 anyways, "bitchy" and "cutthroat" black women DESERVE happily ever afters!!!!

[ShaTorey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed this one even more than book 1. The banter and smut is top tier and it was so funny ! I also loved how relatable Jackie felt being a black woman in white work spaces and standing up for herself and her worth as an employee.

[Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Boss Chicks Village series, Struck Speechless is Jackie’s second chance love story. The loss of her voice in the book is part of the mystical touch in the series, and I appreciated that she acknowledged the purpose of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) applications and who it was originally developed for before using it in the narrative. I feel like other authors might not have done that and even though it was a quick reference, I felt the care in mentioning it.

The book itself is full of humor and chemistry. I honestly barked out loud when someone said, “No girl! Not the beans!” I’m curious as to whose love story will be next in the series. If I missed the announcement, I’d love to know.

Thank you to NetGalley and Generous Press for the gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book (Losing Sight) and I loved this one even more. Jackie and Antonio's second chance together was such a delight to read. Jackie's headstrong nature was humorous but understandable, and Antonio was deep and caring while also dealing with this own conflicts. The magical elements in this book were a little less defined than the first book in my opinion, but I think they still worked well. The friend group was just as fun as book 1, and I'm excited to see what character she focuses on next. Having a romance series that focuses on MCs in middle age rather than their 20s is such a great perspective that I don't see as often.

The narrators for this book were great as well. They really brought the story to life. I enjoyed both POVs equally, both in narration as well as the story itself.

Disclosure: I received gifted ALCs through Spotify and Netgalley.

[Nelly Lavaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to download this book before it was released in return for an honest review on NetGalley

I can honestly say I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it a lot and I need to go and read more by Tati Richardson. When I first started this book, I was so not into the FMC Jackie. She got on my nerves to badly, that I would roll my eyes whenever she began to speak. To me she would just talk non-stop and it pissed me off, it was like she had to hear her own voice. Granted she was a woman in a male dominated field and she needed to stand apart from them but DAMN!!! When talking to anyone it was like you couldn't get in a word edgewise with her and it was making me think this was going to a miscommunication trope in this story. It was not that at all, thankfully. While Jackie did get better towards the middle of the book it took me some time to get to really like her, my disdain for Jackie was so bad that at the beginning she made me want to put tape across her mouth just to get her to shut up! Ooh that lady could be wrong and strong. Thankfully we had an awesome MMC who made you love him from the beginning. I loved me some Antonio though, he was just a great MMC and his patience to deal with Jackie was saintlike. I loved how he was willing to help her out and also give her the space to be as dominant as she normally is. I loved how he know how to switch roles and be domineering when he needed to be but also submissive as well. A second chance romance is one of my favorite topes and seeing Jackie and Antonio rekindle their love was beautiful. There were many laugh out loud moments in the book. Jackie can hang with the best of them, and the banter between her and Antonio was classic.

Tati can defintely write her some spice. The spicy scenes were AH-MAZING!! Antonio is so attentive and giving. I loved it!

an amazing 4.25* book!

[Amber Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good. I liked it! It was fun in the right areas. It was a unique plot! Spicy when needed. I can’t imagine losing my voice and having to navigate my boss a** career, love life and friendships through that. This woman was a girl boss and when you rock like that you need a MAN that can handle your spice.

[Khari · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ A cute romantic comedy about a sports agent who loses her voice and also finds love.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5⭐️) I loved that Jackie was such a boss in her career, especially in such a male-dominated field. She was unapologetically herself. And Antonio was a whole man. Attentive, supportive, and self-sacrificing. I think the two of them had a palpable chemistry. I also really liked the magical realism element, it made for an interesting plot.

What didn’t work for me: Jackie, while a layered character, was honestly pretty insufferable for the majority of the book. I understand being guarded, but she didn’t seem like a fun person to be around because her walls were always up, she always had something slick to say, and she jumped to hella conclusions. She eventually grew and accepted some hard truths about herself, but I think had she gone to therapy like it was suggested, and we were able to see her doing the work, it would’ve added more heart to her character. Antonio definitely had the patience of a saint. I also feel like a lot of the fallout from Antonio’s “secret” could’ve been avoided if it had come out much sooner, but then again, there would’ve been no drama.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that felt like a Netflix rom-com. The pacing was good, the plot felt unique, and I really liked the banter and the friendships.

Thank you to NetGalley and Generous Press for the ARC.

[Tangela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4✨ Loved Jackie in the first book of the series so I was happy when her story was written. Jackie was a bad ass who played no games with her career and I respect that. Antonio seemed like a good person and they both made a good match in the story. The ending of the book was hilarious. I always love a good comedy roasting session.

[Mya E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am I starting to fall in love with romance stories sprinkled with a touch of magical realism? This one certainly makes it feel that way!

I laughed so much throughout this book!

Last year, I found myself drawn to similar elements in Losing Sight, and this story gave me that same captivating blend.

We follow Jackie, a fierce, high-performing sports agent thriving in a male-dominated industry. Though she’s small in stature, she has a big reputation for getting things done with a sharp attitude to match. While I admired her ambition and drive, there were moments when her lack of understanding made her difficult to fully root for.
Antonio, along with the thread of magical realism, helped create a beautiful balance in this second-chance romance, softening Jackie’s edges and adding depth to the story.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and am sharing this review voluntarily.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always here for a second-chance love story, so Struck Speechless by Tati Richardson already had my attention. Listen… Antonio Steele??? That man was not giving up! Im a sucker for a persistent man in a second chance romance and Antonio was standing ten toes down the whole time.

Now Jackie… sis had me stressed!!! She was so cold to that man and making a lot of assumptions about him the entire time. I kept wanting her to just sit down and actually talk to him because the tension between them was REAL.

Also, the fact that Jackie, who is usually so vocal and outspoken, got so stressed that she literally lost her voice?? That is actually crazy. Talk about unlocking a whole new fear. Ha. It forced her to slow down in a way she clearly wasn’t used to, which added an interesting layer to the story.

There were definitely some twists and turns along the way, but this was a great read.. If you love a good second chance romance with tension, history, and a man who refuses to give up, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Shefali · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️

This book was just not for me. It could be that I am missing something by not having read the first book in the series, but I didn’t connect emotionally with the characters. The plot point of Jackie losing her voice was interesting at first, but I feel like it lasted way too long and resolved without paying off. And to me, it seemed like most of Antonio’s feelings for Jackie were based on lust from a ten-year-old sexual encounter. I also felt that there were many missed opportunities for depth and a lot of the book ended up telling the reader what was going on instead of showing them or letting them infer. I do appreciate NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!

[Adanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie is a petite powerhouse and her own greatest advocate, but outside of work? She gets in her own way. Two very bad experiences had her convinced that love just was not worth the risk, and watching her work through that was one of my favorite parts of the book.

And Antonio! This man has been shooting his shot for years with absolutely nothing to show for it, and he just … kept going. You could feel his yearning from the opening pages and I loved his patience. Stubborn Jackie was NOT trying to go back down that road, and honestly, fair. But watching him wait patiently for the right moment was so satisfying.

Together they were great. Two rivals who knew exactly how to push each other’s buttons, learning to be each other’s biggest supporters instead.

🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Myles Washington and Tamika Antoinette delivered. Antonio’s longing and regret came through beautifully, as did Jackie’s duality of the fierce professional vs. the softie with her people and her dog Pee Wee. The immersive read (reading & listening at the same time) genuinely elevated the whole experience.

I’m going back for Losing Sight, the first book, and already looking forward to whatever comes next in this series!

Pick up Struck Speechless for a romcom with witty banter, a wonderful group of friends, and a man who is absolutely, unashamedly down bad.

I received a free copy of this book. This voluntary review reflects my own opinions.

[Chanelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. 😭 It was the perfect mix of rom-com and contemporary romance. Oooooo Jackie put my man Antonio THROUGH IT. 😂 Ten yearssssss, and he was still thinking about that night in Vegas! That 🐱 got POWER, fasho. 🤣 But nah, I understood Jackie so much.

I know a lot of women like Jackie a strong, independent, go-getter Black women who is afraid to truly let love in because they’re so focused on their careers. Love is scary as fuck, but it’s also so rewarding. Jackie really had to lose her voice to finally listen.

I usually hate the miscommunication trope, but the ending completely saved it for me. The spice and chemistry between Antonio and Jackie is so good. This book reminds you that there’s truly someone out there for everyone, especially strong Black women who deserve love even when they feel like they’re “too much” or their personality is too strong. There’s someone out there who’s going to love every part of us, fr. 🥲

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The magical love continues with the second book in the Boss Girls Series. This one tells the story of Jackie, sports management extraordinaire and Antonio also a sports manager.

They met in Vegas 10 years ago. Had a memorable weekend. Got matching tattoos and Jackie walked out when she misunderstood a phone call he took on their final morning together. Never speaking to Antonio again.

Jackie is called the viper at her firm because she’s ruthless when recruiting clients and has a tongue that can dice and slice you. So, when a clairvoyant tells her she won’t speak again until she tells her truth, the games begin.

Antonio is back in her sphere, she wants to sign an amazing client, and Tanika and Gideon’s wedding needs to be planned. Of course, Antonio and Jackie get their HEA. Though I have to tell you that Jackie and her attitude started to get on her nerves 3/4rds of the book. Cause denial ran strong with her.

Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited. Actually I’m hoping there’s another book in the series because this women’s group is awesome.

[Syd Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tati Richardson is 2/2 for me!! I absolutely loved this book. This was a perfect balance of hilarious banter, romance, and sisterhood. I really look forward to reading The Build Up and more books in the future.

[JazzReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a cute and light read. The cover is cute and I like the overall plot. I do feel like the book dragged on after a while however, I really like the FMC relationship with her dog. Overall solid read

[eriberri · Rating 1 out of 5]

okay so this was actually terrible😀😀😀 the over use of “ma” and “mama” from the MMC was making my skin crawl. the plot was so jumbled and all over the place. they had ZERO emotional chemistry it was all just physical which got old FAST. and jackie was literally unhinged to the point it made this book almost impossible to read.

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟

[Sarah Zimero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes as women we need to hush and let the man love us. This book was so cute Jackie was on her own way and when she literally couldn’t speak she had to learn to trust again. The spice was spicy but it went with the book.

[Shawn M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t a bad story I just didn’t fully enjoy it. I like the characters. Something just felt meh🫤 to me. I feel like something was missing.

[Ciara Dickens · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

[Electra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jackie is pretty insufferable & intolerable. She lacks the maturity that would be realistic for someone her age. At least a friends try to gather her every now and again. The "secret" that needed to be disclosed that they had drawn out throughout the entire book, was wack. That could have been done on page 5. There were no stakes involved for telling her right off the bat. After her first tantrum, spit it out and done. And Antonio cares entirely too much about staying in Jackie's good graces, given the reason he's doing what he's doing.