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Falling Slowly #2
So Much She Never Said
Fifteen years ago, Cassie Jameson left Echo Lake without a word—after a night that changed everything—and took Brett Sullivan’s heart with her.
Now Brett is back in his hometown. He’s a successful banker. A devoted father. A man trying to rebuild his life after a divorce.
The only thing he never fixed? The heartbreak Cassie left behind.
Cassie swore she’d never return to the place that hurt her so deeply. A death in the family brings her home for one week—just long enough to reopen wounds neither of them ever truly healed. Seeing Brett again is dangerous. Wanting him still is worse.
Old love collides with buried truths, and the chemistry they once shared burns hotter than either expects. Brett wants answers about the night everything fell apart. Cassie knows some truths are easier to carry than to say out loud.
Will finally uncovering the past bring them back together…
or tear them apart for good?
A heartfelt second-chance romance about first love, unfinished business, and the risk of opening your heart when walking away once nearly destroyed you.
Now Brett is back in his hometown. He’s a successful banker. A devoted father. A man trying to rebuild his life after a divorce.
The only thing he never fixed? The heartbreak Cassie left behind.
Cassie swore she’d never return to the place that hurt her so deeply. A death in the family brings her home for one week—just long enough to reopen wounds neither of them ever truly healed. Seeing Brett again is dangerous. Wanting him still is worse.
Old love collides with buried truths, and the chemistry they once shared burns hotter than either expects. Brett wants answers about the night everything fell apart. Cassie knows some truths are easier to carry than to say out loud.
Will finally uncovering the past bring them back together…
or tear them apart for good?
A heartfelt second-chance romance about first love, unfinished business, and the risk of opening your heart when walking away once nearly destroyed you.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 22, 2026
So much she never said is right. This book is deep and emotional while also being funny and adorable. unfortunately one of the downsides is the miscommunication..
if they just talked when they were teenagers this entire book wouldn't exist. Which, I actually liked.. (SORTA) it showed how much they regretted not talking about it when it actually happened and how that drove the wedge between them.
i actually had a lot of bookmarks, highlights and notes but since i read it as a doc 😬 nothing saved 😖.. so i’ll just put some of my notes here
______________________________________________
page 26
The man whose absence reshaped the trajectory of my whole life. He doesn’t get to look at me like that anymore.
YOU LEFT HIM YOU TWIT
DO NOT GIVE ME THAT PHONY MALARKEY!! you go crying bc... "I broke his heart.." an then 2 seconds later? "HE DOES NOT GET TO LOOK AT ME THAT WAY! 😡"
ms girl please use your brain
______________________________________________
page 27
It’s only a matter of time before I completely fall apart, and I refuse to do that in front of Brett, of all people. These tears aren't about you. I want so badly to say, You don’t deserve them.
GIRLLLL WHAT DID HE DO OTHER THAN LOVE YOU AND COMPLY WITH YOUR WISHES?????
______________________________________________
page 29
“I think you should leave,” I say, jerking my chin toward the door. He scratches the back of his neck, glancing between the door and me. “Even if you don’t want dinner, I’d still like to help you and your dad.” And damn him—he means it.
what a load of phooey
______________________________________________
page 29
“What the hell just happened?”
excuse me. girl im not on your side here. a man from your past that you used to date came over and asked you out again and you just did the equivalent of spitting in his face. he was nothing but nice that entire encounter. that’s what happened.
______________________________________________
page 32
It seemed like a miracle that a girl as beautiful as Cassie liked the short, chubby guy whose only uniform was for marching band.
AWWWWWWWWW, Cassie I hate you even more now
______________________________________________
page 40
“If you… Want to grab another drink?” she says quietly. “I can explain.”
says the girl who JUST a second ago wanted to "wrap things up"
______________________________________________
page 88
“Guess I fooled you all then.”
"guess I'm just being a terrible person and blaming everything on everyone around me then" 🫣🙋♀️
______________________________________________
page 100
my jaw locking.
LOCKKKKK JAWWWW (pls get the reference)
————————————
page 104
He swallows so hard I can hear it.
"GUUULP" 🫤
______________________________________________
page 213
“God… what are we doing?” “Something we should’ve done a long time ago,” I say, brushing my forehead against hers. “Loving each other.”
I could've told you that 180 pages ago
______________________________________________
these thoughts are 100% my own,
this author is genuinely so kind and so so very talented so my rating does make me sad, but I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review and I intend to stick with it.
Ava's writing style is incredible, always setting the scene so perfectly!
these guys unfortunately have the emotional maturity of teenagers, who let them have children?? I mean, ok.. they were such good parents, but uh guys why are you giving each other the cold shoulder? you're like 40, don't you have bills to pay and 401k's to deal with?
Fortunately, the kids were so sweet and actually acted like children!
_________________________________
everyone in this book smirked. the grandma, both grandpa's, the 50 year old babysitter, random people in town, heck I wouldn't be surprised if the babies started smirking. This place should not be named Echo lake, and instead Smirksville because what was this... EVERY SINGLE PAGE HAD AT LEAST ONE SMIRK.
Thank you so much, Ava Andrews for sending me an early copy of your book,
even if I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one I still had a lot of fun!
I was so happy to have so many encounters with Emily and Adam in this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
if they just talked when they were teenagers this entire book wouldn't exist. Which, I actually liked.. (SORTA) it showed how much they regretted not talking about it when it actually happened and how that drove the wedge between them.
i actually had a lot of bookmarks, highlights and notes but since i read it as a doc 😬 nothing saved 😖.. so i’ll just put some of my notes here
______________________________________________
page 26
The man whose absence reshaped the trajectory of my whole life. He doesn’t get to look at me like that anymore.
YOU LEFT HIM YOU TWIT
DO NOT GIVE ME THAT PHONY MALARKEY!! you go crying bc... "I broke his heart.." an then 2 seconds later? "HE DOES NOT GET TO LOOK AT ME THAT WAY! 😡"
ms girl please use your brain
______________________________________________
page 27
It’s only a matter of time before I completely fall apart, and I refuse to do that in front of Brett, of all people. These tears aren't about you. I want so badly to say, You don’t deserve them.
GIRLLLL WHAT DID HE DO OTHER THAN LOVE YOU AND COMPLY WITH YOUR WISHES?????
______________________________________________
page 29
“I think you should leave,” I say, jerking my chin toward the door. He scratches the back of his neck, glancing between the door and me. “Even if you don’t want dinner, I’d still like to help you and your dad.” And damn him—he means it.
what a load of phooey
______________________________________________
page 29
“What the hell just happened?”
excuse me. girl im not on your side here. a man from your past that you used to date came over and asked you out again and you just did the equivalent of spitting in his face. he was nothing but nice that entire encounter. that’s what happened.
______________________________________________
page 32
It seemed like a miracle that a girl as beautiful as Cassie liked the short, chubby guy whose only uniform was for marching band.
AWWWWWWWWW, Cassie I hate you even more now
______________________________________________
page 40
“If you… Want to grab another drink?” she says quietly. “I can explain.”
says the girl who JUST a second ago wanted to "wrap things up"
______________________________________________
page 88
“Guess I fooled you all then.”
"guess I'm just being a terrible person and blaming everything on everyone around me then" 🫣🙋♀️
______________________________________________
page 100
my jaw locking.
LOCKKKKK JAWWWW (pls get the reference)
————————————
page 104
He swallows so hard I can hear it.
"GUUULP" 🫤
______________________________________________
page 213
“God… what are we doing?” “Something we should’ve done a long time ago,” I say, brushing my forehead against hers. “Loving each other.”
I could've told you that 180 pages ago
______________________________________________
these thoughts are 100% my own,
this author is genuinely so kind and so so very talented so my rating does make me sad, but I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review and I intend to stick with it.
Ava's writing style is incredible, always setting the scene so perfectly!
these guys unfortunately have the emotional maturity of teenagers, who let them have children?? I mean, ok.. they were such good parents, but uh guys why are you giving each other the cold shoulder? you're like 40, don't you have bills to pay and 401k's to deal with?
Fortunately, the kids were so sweet and actually acted like children!
_________________________________
everyone in this book smirked. the grandma, both grandpa's, the 50 year old babysitter, random people in town, heck I wouldn't be surprised if the babies started smirking. This place should not be named Echo lake, and instead Smirksville because what was this... EVERY SINGLE PAGE HAD AT LEAST ONE SMIRK.
Thank you so much, Ava Andrews for sending me an early copy of your book,
even if I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one I still had a lot of fun!
I was so happy to have so many encounters with Emily and Adam in this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a simple quick read on finding love again. It doesn't make it seem like just because years have gone by time stands still each person lives life. Coming home is not always easy and when death of a loved one is the reason you return its even harder. The pull between them never died and he does everything he can to find out why she left. When he puts a plan in motion to get her stay and to feel comfortable about being back she stops fighting it and they find the real love they have been missing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2026
Brett and Cassie’s story is such a sweet second chance romance with all the feels. Brett is a wonderful man with so many green flags and such a good heart. He deserves all the hope and happiness possible. Even with the immense pain that Cassie brought when she ran, Brett holds only goodwill toward her. Cassie, swearing she would never come back to the hometown she swore she’d never leave, ends up back in her hometown for the funeral of the woman who raised her. But for Cassie, coming home for her grandmother’s funeral isn’t the only monumental challenge she’ll face as she runs into demons from her past and from that night that changed everything between her and Brett. Cassie, understandably, wants to bury everything and anything associated with that night as deep as possible, but life has other plans as she and Brett begin to learn about each other again as well as their sons, Johnny and Jacob. As Brett and Cassie spend more time together, details from the past and from that night slowly make their way to the light. I love how the little boys are never left behind in this sweet story and how the rest of Brett and Cassie’s primary circles are so supportive and included throughout, showing that life isn’t always calm or perfect, but love is still possible.
Favorite Quotes:
“I want to see what it’s like – being here as an adult. Being here and feeling free.”
“You’re safe here…with me.”
“I love you…I don’t think I’ve ever stopped…and I’m not going to. Not again. Not ever.”
“I think we can get through anything…as long as neither of us runs. As long as we choose each other – even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard…. And I want a real life with you.”
“Sometimes healing takes honesty. Sometimes it takes patience. And sometimes it takes choosing not to run when things get hard.”
Favorite Quotes:
“I want to see what it’s like – being here as an adult. Being here and feeling free.”
“You’re safe here…with me.”
“I love you…I don’t think I’ve ever stopped…and I’m not going to. Not again. Not ever.”
“I think we can get through anything…as long as neither of us runs. As long as we choose each other – even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard…. And I want a real life with you.”
“Sometimes healing takes honesty. Sometimes it takes patience. And sometimes it takes choosing not to run when things get hard.”
Review of advance copy
To understand Brett, the Male main character, you should read the first book, So Not According to Plan (Falling Slowly #1) With that said, I read this without reading the first book, it was a little confusing at the start but you get to understand him as you continue reading.
I consider this a very slow burn, so if you're looking for very light romance, this is a good book to read for it. Also, a second chance romance as well.
Brett's high school sweet heart comes back home after leaving town 15 years ago, she struggles with something that happens in the past that happened in town and doesn't want to stay there long, just wants to help her father and go back to where she moved to, Portland. Brett has never been over her and wants to reconnect with her but scared to since she says she's only there temporarily.
The author does a good job with making this about a small village taking care of each other type, with Brett's ex still caring about him and being involved in his life. However, I didn't find it was necessarily for his ex to butt in. In the beginning, you can sense Brett feeling hurt by her happiness and what's going on with her life (don't want to spoil it for you) and struggling to find happiness in his life. Ava Andrews does a great job with letting the emotions of both characters, Brett and Cassie as they go through past history and present life's emotions with what they are struggling and going through.
I round this up to a 4 star rating, I'd give it more if it was more steamy in the sex department as that's more my cup of tea, but if you don't need the steam, then you'd probably rate it more.
I consider this a very slow burn, so if you're looking for very light romance, this is a good book to read for it. Also, a second chance romance as well.
Brett's high school sweet heart comes back home after leaving town 15 years ago, she struggles with something that happens in the past that happened in town and doesn't want to stay there long, just wants to help her father and go back to where she moved to, Portland. Brett has never been over her and wants to reconnect with her but scared to since she says she's only there temporarily.
The author does a good job with making this about a small village taking care of each other type, with Brett's ex still caring about him and being involved in his life. However, I didn't find it was necessarily for his ex to butt in. In the beginning, you can sense Brett feeling hurt by her happiness and what's going on with her life (don't want to spoil it for you) and struggling to find happiness in his life. Ava Andrews does a great job with letting the emotions of both characters, Brett and Cassie as they go through past history and present life's emotions with what they are struggling and going through.
I round this up to a 4 star rating, I'd give it more if it was more steamy in the sex department as that's more my cup of tea, but if you don't need the steam, then you'd probably rate it more.
February 19, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a nice interconnected standalone in this series following one of the side characters from the first book. We get to see our MMC rekindle a love once thought lost after 15 years, and learn why the love was deemed lost. Throughout the story, you can see how impactful certain things can be during prime teenage years, prior to college. A lot of things can happen, both good and bad, and sometimes hard choices have to be made. Be aware, that this book does have sub-context of sexual assault. It is not shown on page, but as a memory of our FMC. I do believe the author handled this tough subject with care and consideration for those who will read this story. It was well written in the way that the victims are the ones who end up suffering for years, usually alone and afraid to speak up. Please know this ahead of time prior to picking it up. Although this topic is discussed, the primary focus of this love story, is that love cannot easily be forgotten. And that trust can mean a lot to people and can go a long way to make people feel safe. Even though I do feel like some of the actions of our MMC were repetitive (listening but not listening to our FMC), I think it was necessary to a point. He wanted her to feel safe. Apart from this, this story is truly a romance of rekindling that love you once had with someone, and knowing that even though it’s been years since last seeing them, sometimes you just know that they were meant for you. ☺️
Review of advance copy
A Compelling Romance Held Back by Convenient Plotting
Brett and Cassie are wonderfully drawn characters whose chemistry leaps off the page, making their love story genuinely engaging. The author deserves credit for tackling the difficult subject of trauma and its lasting effects on relationships, bringing an emotional depth that elevates this beyond typical romance fare.
However, the execution stumbles where it matters most. The second-chance romance element feels too convenient—Brett and Cassie’s reunion and rapid reconnection lack the messy complexity that real reconciliation requires. Their journey back to each other glosses over the genuine obstacles that should stand between two people with their history.
More troubling is the book’s handling of trauma itself. While the author introduces important themes around healing and recovery, the resolution feels superficial. The characters arrive at solutions that work for the plot’s timeline rather than solutions that feel psychologically authentic or sustainable. Readers familiar with trauma narratives may find themselves wishing for a more nuanced, realistic approach to such weighty subject matter—one that honors the long-term work healing actually demands.
A romance with memorable leads and good intentions, but one that ultimately chooses narrative convenience over emotional truth.
Brett and Cassie are wonderfully drawn characters whose chemistry leaps off the page, making their love story genuinely engaging. The author deserves credit for tackling the difficult subject of trauma and its lasting effects on relationships, bringing an emotional depth that elevates this beyond typical romance fare.
However, the execution stumbles where it matters most. The second-chance romance element feels too convenient—Brett and Cassie’s reunion and rapid reconnection lack the messy complexity that real reconciliation requires. Their journey back to each other glosses over the genuine obstacles that should stand between two people with their history.
More troubling is the book’s handling of trauma itself. While the author introduces important themes around healing and recovery, the resolution feels superficial. The characters arrive at solutions that work for the plot’s timeline rather than solutions that feel psychologically authentic or sustainable. Readers familiar with trauma narratives may find themselves wishing for a more nuanced, realistic approach to such weighty subject matter—one that honors the long-term work healing actually demands.
A romance with memorable leads and good intentions, but one that ultimately chooses narrative convenience over emotional truth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Brett and Cassie dated in high school, but one night sends Cassie running anywhere but Echo Lake, becoming the one who got away. 15 years later, Brett, a divorced father, hears Cassie is back in town. Single mom, Cassie is back for the first time in 15 years and Brett is determined to show her how unchanged and strong their love is while unraveling the truth behind that one night.
I enjoyed this quick read as I am a huge fan of second-chance romances and found themes similar to Love and Other Words.
I received this ARC for free and this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Brett and Cassie dated in high school, but one night sends Cassie running anywhere but Echo Lake, becoming the one who got away. 15 years later, Brett, a divorced father, hears Cassie is back in town. Single mom, Cassie is back for the first time in 15 years and Brett is determined to show her how unchanged and strong their love is while unraveling the truth behind that one night.
I enjoyed this quick read as I am a huge fan of second-chance romances and found themes similar to Love and Other Words.
I received this ARC for free and this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
February 23, 2026
Book 2 of the Falling Slowly: A Second Chance Series. Can be read as a standalone.
'A heartfelt second-chance romance about first love, unfinished business, and the risk of opening your heart when walking away once nearly destroyed you.'
The characters were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend
Kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'A heartfelt second-chance romance about first love, unfinished business, and the risk of opening your heart when walking away once nearly destroyed you.'
The characters were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend
Kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
A nice and engaging book about second chances. Itˋs an easy read, and itˋs easy to picture everything that happens. Even though it has a romantic feel-good vibe, it also adresses serious themes, which I think the author handled well.
An enjoyable and easy to read book thats perfect for those who like romantic novels. I recommend reading book 1 "so not according to plan" before starting this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this is such a good second chance romance. this follows the story of Brett and Cassie. Brett is a banker with a toddler who runs back into his high school sweetheart Cassie and her baby after not seeing or speaking is 15 years.
Cassie is still running from her past and doesnt believe she deserves Brett. Brett is trying to figure out what happened 15 years ago and how to help Cassie to realize she is safe and that he is still in love with her.
This story has a very cute and beautiful HEA.
Cassie is still running from her past and doesnt believe she deserves Brett. Brett is trying to figure out what happened 15 years ago and how to help Cassie to realize she is safe and that he is still in love with her.
This story has a very cute and beautiful HEA.
February 20, 2026
I love that Brett gets his story, and it’s a very good one, the way he takes steps to make sure she is always good, is so sweet and understanding.
this is book two and recommend reading book one first just to get the full story, but you don’t have to.
it’s an easy quick read, and the writing is good.
this is book two and recommend reading book one first just to get the full story, but you don’t have to.
it’s an easy quick read, and the writing is good.
February 23, 2026
This was a sweet second chance romance for Brett and Cassie. He wants answers and she needs to explain. I loved that Brett was able to have patience and kindness towards Cassie as she slowly built up to telling him what happened. And once these Terry got past all of that, I was so happy for them. This was a wonderful story.
February 9, 2026
this book was everything . i loved the development of the characters . also just the way this book was wrote?? it’s perfect . this was such an easy read . I fell inlove with the characters so easily !!
I received an ARC copy for this book for free and am willingly leaving a review
I received an ARC copy for this book for free and am willingly leaving a review
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 2 of a series and it’s a short day or 2 read.. I would say to read book 1 dots so you get the back story on Brett’s life .. it’s a cute story about second chance love and happiness and how eve thou your divorced that love still has a chance
Review of advance copy
Good read. Second chance romance. Past trauma
Review of advance copy received from Author
So Much She Never Said by Ava Andrews. This is book two in the series and picks up right where book one ends. It awesome to get the see Brett get his HEA. The emotional battle Cassie goes through facing a terrible past is so heart wrenching. This is a feel good super sweet romance that just makes you smile. While the spice level is 0 it definitely delivers on the story and emotions. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick read with a great story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book from the author as an ARC. A cute, small town, second-chance at love story.
Cassie survived one of the worst traumas women suffer but was still full of guilt and pain for something she could barely remember. The author handled that considerately and with empathy.
Loved the happy ending! Looking forward to reading more of Ava's work.
Cassie survived one of the worst traumas women suffer but was still full of guilt and pain for something she could barely remember. The author handled that considerately and with empathy.
Loved the happy ending! Looking forward to reading more of Ava's work.
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