Everything We Couldn't Say

Castle Hill Academy #2

by Emma Scott

They were supposed to be rivals. They weren't supposed to fall in love.

Harper Bennett has fought for every inch of her life: for her dreams, her brother, and the roof over their heads. The Novus Science Prize is her ticket to a brilliant future, and she won't let anything stand in her way.

Especially not Orion Mercer.

Golden boy. Heir to one of Castle Hill's elite Big Five families. Orion is all effortless charm, endless jokes, and a future already written within a billion-dollar chemical empire.

But Orion isn't what Harper expected.

Behind the polished confidence is a secret battle he's been fighting alone and a musical talent no one saw coming. Harper sees through his mask, while Orion sees her not as charity or competition, but as the only honest thing in a world built on winning.

Late nights in the lab give way to shared music and unspoken truths, and their rivalry softens into something deeper.

Then a party ends in tragedy, a trusted mentor makes a dangerous offer, and when the truth explodes on awards night, Harper and Orion must decide who they are without the prize…and whether love is worth risking everything.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Coming Of Age, Friends To Lovers

431 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2026

About the author

Emma Scott is a USA Today and Wall St. Journal bestselling author and Pushcart Prize nominee, whose books have been translated into eight languages and featured in Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, New York Daily News, and USA Today’s Happy Ever After. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband, daughter, and her dog, who won't stop barking. If she's not at her desk writing her latest ugly cry novel, she's probably playing Baldur's Gate 3. Tell her to stop it and get back to work.

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Reviews

[yuvi (hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

infinite 'my-heart-is-so-full' stars!!!!

amaze amaze amaze.
this was everything i'd expected and more. beautiful. enthralling. ethereal. emotional. heartwarming.
orion mercer the man you are🙂‍↕️🩷

sidenote- harper's NoSci project kinda lowk reminded me of gitanjali rao's tethys project.

full rtc🤍

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
ִֶָ. 𓂃˖꣹ pre-read ꧔⟢ ִֶָ࿐

release day yayyy😭
i was breathlessly waiting for this book. and now it's out and in my hands. someone catch me b4 i faint from shock

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬 📚 [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Review]

❥ 𝐄V𝐄R𝐘T𝐇I𝐍G W𝐄 𝐂O𝐔L𝐃N'T S𝐀Y ❥ Is the second full length romance book in the (Castle Hill Academy) series by author Emma Scott. This can easily be read as a stand-alone.

📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

As soon as this hit my kindle life adulting that day took a back seat, coffee in hand, comfy seat and I dived right in, I was in my happy place absorbing all the feels, loving the dynamics of these two couples.

They were as different as chalk and cheese, they didn't fit in each others worlds, he came from money, she came from nothing.

He was like a ghost walking the hallways, a boy hiding behind his jokes, hiding a secret even he didn't understand fully what was wrong, a boy struggling.

Until her..

She saw everything he was trying to hide, she helped him in ways no one had ever done before.

In a world where these two didn't make sense, were perfect for each other. She pushed and he pulled until people listened and they soared. He wasn't broken, he was just wired different. And she was the glue that pieced it all together and held them strong.

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[vxmpslibrary [hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

.4.75 stars.
- publishing date: July 28th, 26.

.‧🫧˚"When is yet? When is later? When is soon? Because there will come a time Orion, where later and soon will become too late."

.my thoughts.
I absolutely really like love this book!! I genuinely had no idea if I would like this book but then it just hooks me in.

Finally an ARC that I actually had a fun time with oh my I cannot believe it xoxo. The writing style was easy to understand as well. I almost cried so many times here, I smiled for a longer time, I had felt heartache because of this book.

This book's draws me in like a moth to a flame, I am captivated, in love with the characters as well. I could find myself relating to them and I didn't even realise when I was almost towards the end because of how quickly i finished it like this is something 356 pages in one day like could you imagine?

──꒰💗꒱ ❞ .characters. ‧₊˚
Harper was such a strong character in general, she takes everything and handles her brother Dash. She's so smart and I genuinely liked her perspective. I could feel her sadness for her mother, and the way she had to be like the eldest daughter she was. It's genuinely so heartbreaking to see her happiness being shredded away due to her life problems. She's strong, being in her position with all the school hierarchy is a mess and her pain was something felt dearly.

Orion , oh my, first of all his nickname love, and also he has a BRITISH ACCENT!!! Yeah I am down bad😝😝. But genuinely I felt his pain, his perspective spoke out to me in ways. He had so many flaws but whenever I read about him, he was just so perfect, he's so strong for whatever he's been going through and he wants everyone to like him like he's a people pleaser as well.

There are so many other characters that I loved A LOTT but ur just gonna have to read about them 😝 (spoiler jk it's not- DASH MY CUTIE)

Their romance was lovely, I loved it, it wasn't that much rivalry like there was NO rivalry, because like they were supposed to be but they just weren't. Also they both were infatuated from the start and I really didn't mind it because this felt like a realistic encounter and Harper thoughts felt like mine if I met a gorgeous Orion lmaoo. But yes this book is a type of cliche, but it focuses more on individual development of main characters.

ADHD rep is not easy, but I could see how author manages to do it along with another rep. I liked the concept because of how Orion was strong and really trying to deflect it making everyone laugh so that he could avoid it. Even in acknowledgements, the way author mentioned she took help to make it accurate makes this book worth it!

I am so sad now that the book has ended, and now without me these characters will live their own life happily, successfully with what they built without their safety net. Life is not easy for us real people too, and you all are doing what you can, I hope you all can achieve your goals as well.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book, it captures so many feelings efficiently and makes you want to fall in love with it. Like I cannot even say.

Please read the Content Warnings as well before reading💗.

🫧 Thank you so much Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this Beautiful Coming Of Age story advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

For Suicide & Crisis Helpline
International Helpline

For Sexual Assault Helpline
Rainn

For Alcohol Abuse Support
International Helpline

You're not alone, reach out to these helplines as also supported by the author's acknowledgements.💗. Some things are not easy, doesn't mean you have burden it all by yourselves and alone. If you have anyone near you suffering, please don't hesitate to help them out with these helplines.

with all love.

also this book is YA & NA, it has themes such as vulgar language and some scenes etc. Young Adults is for 12-18, while I loved this book, I don't think it should be specifically in the category of Teens & YA. I hope the marketing strategy changes. The story is amazing on its own with so many themes explored that I am extremely proud of. But this should be in NA, thank you.

.update.
I think I will be able to finish this tomorrow, I think I have a lot to say about this book😝

he said 'who said this to you' and I folded🤭🤭 I got literal butterflies what the hell

.preread.

'They were supposed to be rivals. They weren't supposed to fall in love.'

someone said rivals and I immediately woke up from my slump and grabbed this book when I had the chance 🤭💅 because CLOCK it and I am definitely gonna download it and read it from tomorrow hehe.

OH THIS IS SECOND IN SERIES? will definitely go back to the first one too

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Everything We Couldn’t Say, Emma Scott’s second book in her ‘Castle Hill Academy’ series, was just as emotional, poignant, and spectacular as the first.

Orion Mercer has been going to Castle Hill for years. He’s wealthy, but more kind than most of the rich kids. Harper Bennett is not only new to the school but new to the area. And she’s a Bender. From the wrong side of town, or at the very least, the not-wealthy side. These two end up as lab partners. And they’re competing for an elusive prize in a science competition that Harper needs to win, and Orion is pressured into entering.

They start as rivals, but end up being so much more. Harper has so much on her plate when it comes to her family and the pressure to do well in school to get into a good college. Orion has much different pressure and family challenges. Just because it seems his life is perfect doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own struggles.

I loved these two together. They had such a fun opposites-attract with their personalities. I also loved Orion’s relationship with Harper’s brother. It was the sweetest. This book had so many parts that kept a huge smile on my face, but other parts that brought me to tears. I can’t believe I had to live through a certain part of this book twice haha!

Overall, this was such a fantastic read. Emma Scott’s writing is powerful, and I’m always addicted to her stories. This was no exception. Most definitely a must-read!

[Mira · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 35%

I have a lot of favorite books by Emma Scott, but this series isn’t for me. I barely managed to finish the first book, and with this one I decided not to waste my time.

This book is full of clichés, and I didn’t feel any connection to the characters. It felt like I’ve read this kind of plot many times before: a poor girl starts studying at an elite school, and the most popular rich boy takes an interest in her. Others bully her because of her status, but of course he protects her—and you can probably guess the rest.

It also has the insta-love trope, which I usually don’t enjoy, and I was really annoyed that the MMC kept calling every (or almost every) girl “love”… why?

This series is YA, and even though I’m no longer in that age group, I still enjoy YA romances from time to time. But this one felt like it was truly written for teenagers, and not in a way that worked for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books (Bloom Books) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper + Orion

Orion was delivered by his billionaire parents to the Castle Hill Academy as a 15 year old with lots of problems and no one to talk to them about. He's built himself a life there that's all ladies man and fun buddy to the other Richies.
Harper arrived three years later in the hopes that such a great school might help her to get into MIT or NYU. Her not-Richie life is so busy with her mom and brother and being the adult and learning and getting bullied ... she has no time to fall for this British hottie, right?

══════════════════




I re-read the first book in this series before starting this one.
Harper and Orion are in there a bit too. But not too much about their story is told - even though both stories take place at the same time.
This second book can totally be read as a standalone. But don't do it, because Emery and Xander's book was SO beautiful & heartbreaking...
And this book was beautiful too. Different. But still so adorable and heartbreaking and you constantly ask yourself why doesn't anyone help them? Why has no one ever sent poor Orion to the right doctors? Ugh. I wanted to slap all the parents!
Orion and Harper are from completely different worlds, but they are so amazing together. They help each other in so many different ways, but they have a lot to fight through on their own before we might see a happily ever after on the horizon.
We get so many funny and adorable moments. Heartbreaking and very sad moments. Charming British accent moments. Music and chemistry moments. Friendship moments. Cute little & big brother moments.
I loved reading this and I wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on TV one day.
Also... I wouldn't mind seeing this one roommate again...for a future Castle Hill book!

EVERYTHING WE COULDN'T SAY was such a sweet + heartbreaking + just beautiful YA/NA love story. Please run to your nearest book dealer for your own Orion- this one is mine!

If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!


💜 💜

[Victoria Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bloom Books for the Physical ARC!

This book was INCREDIBLE! Emma knows how to write such raw yet powerful stories!

This one stole my heart. Harper took on so much at such a young age. The strength and determination she had… I was in awe.

My heart hurt so much for Orion. His story represented how systems can fail the youth. How all the money in the world can still leave you feeling empty inside.

But Harper & Orion together…. Leaning on each other… healing each other… seeing each other. So powerful!

This is one of those books that had me loosing track of time while being completely consumed with the story. That is how you know a book is amazing.

Tropes:
💜Rival to Lovers
💜First Love
💜Trauma/Healing
💜2 side of the track
💜Neurodivergent Rep
💜Protective MMC
💜who hurt you
💜Secret Relationship

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this one down!! This book 🥹 I just adored this story!! Orion & Harper were everything! She is a strong FMC dealing with impossible situations & Orion is just so lovable. Every aspect of his story broke my heart, but he still showed up again and again. They were two sides of a very different track, but the way they were made for each other. I just loved every second of it.

Both of these characters are carrying their own very heavy struggles, but to see them both find a safe place in each other & help find peace within their love, was just beautiful! This one definitely covers some heavy topics & had me in tears, but it was just such a wonderfully done story about being able to overcome & come out stronger than you ever believed.

Emma Scott always has a way of pulling at my heartstrings and this one didn’t let me down! One I will definitely be recommending!!

Thank you Bloom/ Sourcebooks, NetGalley, and Emma Scott for this early reading opportunity!!

[Terra James · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My whole life has been nothing but stress. It runs through me like a current, all the time. I feel like I’m sitting in a sling shot and one day it’s going to snap. I’ll go flying into a bright, brilliant future of my own making, or straight into the ground. So I spend every waking hour on the lookout. Planning, studying, being vigilant. Because if I am going to get smashed to bits, I want to be prepared. As if it won’t hurt as bad if I see it coming. The only thing worse than being smashed to bits is not seeing it coming.” She shook her head. “That feels like death.” Harper

Harper just explained how I and maybe a lot of others feel. This book is great! Healing in the way of showing me, I'm not alone nor are my kids in this neuro-divergence. My daughter has dyslexia. She couldn't get an IEP either and she's autistic too. I had to homeschool both of my kids because they do fall through the cracks. My son has ADHD and the school just wanted to medicate him and he had the same side effects as Orion.

Why is it that people have to bully others who are different to make themselves feel better? Why can't we cheer for each other no matter the financial status? Difference? Whatever the case? We can't take all that money with us when this life is over. Love is better, always, rather than hate.

When Orion told her, "I got you." in the storage closet, I felt that down to my soul because that's what my husband is for me, my anchor. He's got me no matter what. Like Harper, I've spent my whole life taking care of everyone else while I suffered in silence. I also relate to the undiagnosed masking that Orion does. I did that until I was 36 when I was diagnosed with autism. It's exhausting. Utterly exhausting. Finding your person, that's what makes life beautiful. Someone to hold your hand through the ups and downs in life, who encourages you to follow your dreams, and be the best version of yourself.

"Tap, tap, tap. Someone trapped, trying to get out." I wished I'd of had a Professor Wolfe to encourage me to write. My husband did that. I feel this statement too.

(Remember Shawshank Redemption? Andy crawls through that tunnel of shit to his freedom. We just have to keep crawling until we get to the good stuff.”)

Emma just keeps putting to words how I feel. This explains a lot about trauma survivors. Keep moving because if you don't you get stuck and drown. Crawl, then one foot in front of the other. (“I know,” I said. “But I don’t know what to do with the compliments, so I deflect with sarcasm. Classic coping mechanism.”) I feel this Harper. I did the same thing for years.

This is a beautiful book Emma. I love that you respect survivors. As one this touches my heart. I cried, laughed, and read through the night while mom's in the ICU. Thank you Emma for giving me comfort through your words when I needed it.

Recommended 5 stars but I'd give it 10 if I could.

[VikingGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Isn't that what anyone wants? To feel seen? Understood? And that doesn't take any doing. It only takes being."

This quote is the essence of this book and what a powerful and beautiful message it is.

Everything We Couldn't Say revolves around Orion and Harper, who we already know from Little Pieces of Light, and I already knew I was going to adore them, because they already shone even as secondary characters. And I wasn't one bit disappointed.

We follow the two navigating each of their difficult realities while trying to create one together as well. It isn't an easy road due to social status, expectations, negligence and trying to find out who they are as human beings and as two young people in love who want to build something together but constantly face challenges.

Both Orion and Harper have families that don't see them and seemingly don't have the capacity to do so, be it due to issues with addiction or due to dismissal. I kept debating with myself which one was worse. That's why seeing them find each other and see each other for who they truly are - embracing, supporting, and loving that - was an inspiring and life-confirming journey to witness.

It's no secret that I adore everything that Emma puts out in this world, pouring her heart and soul into her words. I see you, Emma, for everything that you give us readers, for your hard work, your strong character, and your beautiful heart.

[Claudiaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review💖

Everything We Couldn’t Say completely stole my heart.♥️

This is one of those books where you know something is coming, and yet you still aren’t prepared for the emotional impact. From the very beginning I found myself already feeling protective of Harper and Orion, hoping that somehow they’d find a way through everything life kept throwing at them.🥺

What I loved most was the relationship between Harper and Orion. Their connection develops so naturally, starting with friendship, quiet understanding and late-night conversations before it ever becomes romance. There are no unnecessary betrayals or dramatic misunderstandings—just two teenagers carrying burdens far too heavy for their age, trying to navigate fear, expectations and the pressure of becoming who everyone else wants them to be.

Harper is resilient in a way that quietly breaks your heart. 🥹💖 Watching her shoulder responsibilities no teenager should have to carry, while trying to protect the people she loves, felt incredibly authentic. Her mother’s addiction is handled with so much care and realism that I found myself constantly worrying about what would happen next.

Then there’s Orion.🥰

He quickly became one of my favourite Emma Scott heroes. Behind the effortless charm and humour is someone desperate to be seen for who he really is rather than the version everyone expects him to become. His love for music is woven so beautifully throughout the story, and every scene involving the piano felt full of emotion. Watching him slowly let someone see the parts of himself he’d hidden for so long was incredibly moving.

Emma Scott’s writing is, as always, beautiful. Every emotion lands exactly where it’s supposed to, and the structure of the novel almost feels musical in itself, which perfectly complements Orion’s journey. There were moments that genuinely shocked me, moments that made my heart ache, and moments where I had to stop reading just to process everything I was feeling.

This story explores family expectations, identity, grief, addiction, first love and finding the courage to choose the life that’s truly yours. It’s emotional without ever feeling manipulative, heartbreaking without losing hope, and beautifully character-driven from beginning to end.💖♥️🥹

If you’re looking for a romance that’s as much about healing and self-discovery as it is about falling in love, I can’t recommend this enough.

Just make sure you have tissues nearby for the final part of the book.

[Laine · Rating 3 out of 5]

After having read and loved the first book in the Castle Hill Academy series, I was very excited to read Everything We Couldn't Say, Unfortunately, though, it didn't quite meet my expectations. Harper and Orion's opposites attract, rich boy/poor girl story was not only about their romance but also about their personal struggles (Orion with navigating his family's expectations and managing his ADHD, Harper with her challenging home life and adapting to a new school). While it clearly had potential, I don't think it managed to fully achieve it.

The first half of book felt too repetitive and ended up dragging on. The pacing did pick up after the halfway mark , however, making me enjoy it more. Character wise, and even though I was a fan of Harper's and Orion's from what I'd read in Little Pieces Of Light, I couldn't really connect to them in their own story. Emma Scott always writes such beautifully complex characters with incredibly emotional plots, but, this time, it all felt a bit superficial and lacking in depth. Yes, the main couple struggled and grew both individually and in their relationship, but it just didn't pack that emotional gut-wrenching punch that usually makes me love Emma's books.

The supporting cast, however, was a different story. I was instantly taken with Dash (Harper's little brother) and loved his and Orion's interactions. Dean continued to be a favorite of mine and I really liked Ezra as well. To me, the three were the highlight of the story, and, apart from that, I also liked the ADHD representation.

So, overall, this was an enjoyable read, even if it didn't quite hit the right spot. Then again, mine is just one opinion and I'm sure the story will resonate more with other readers, so I'd still recommend it.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 🎶💜 BOOK REVIEW 💜 🎶📚

“I want an abundance of you.”

I just finished Emma Scott’s Everything We Couldn’t Say, and, no, I’m not okay. I’m an emotional mess, drowning from this book that broke me in the best way. A shatteringly stunning tale of indestructible love, sacrifice and soul, Everything We Couldn’t Say is a straight hit to the heart. Moving. Musical. Magical. Meaningful.

Everything We Couldn’t Say is the tale of two hearts colliding as one that stars a musician and his muse. Harper’s life is orbiting out of control. Orion’s life is about control. She is the color to his gray world and continually in his corner. He is her hero and the beat of her heart. Orion and Harper are destined soulmates, drawn together like a moth to a flame with a combustible connection, and powerful love that explodes everywhere. I fell hard for this hero and heroine who both intoxicated and inspired me. Completely obsessed!

I was so moved by Everything We Couldn’t Say, which is more than a fated love story of soulmates. It tackles tough topics like assault, abuse and overdose—resonating with me and many on a personal level. It shows the beauty and bravery among the broken, the fierceness among the flaws, and the healing, undying love. And it shows the power and positive impact that just one person can make. One person believing in you … being in your corner … bringing hope and changing your life.

Everything We Couldn’t Say is the brightest of stars in the darkest of skies. Brilliant, breathtaking, and heartbreakingly beautiful. I was in awe of Harper and Orion … so brave with the biggest hearts. Everything We Couldn’t Say stamped itself all over my heart. I felt so much. A unicorn story and favorite romance I’ll treasure forever. Unique. Unflinching. Unforgettable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but worth all the beautiful and brilliant stars in the universe

➡️ https://link.amazon/B09idhpjU

Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog

[daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An emotional coming-of-age story where you’ll want to jump in and give the main characters the biggest hug possible.

Harper and Orion meet at a somewhat hectic and tumultuous time in both of their lives. And when they’re least looking for it, or expecting it, feelings start to bloom. Juggling new, and first, love alongside the struggles they’re both facing is not always easy, but these two 18-year-olds handle this better than most. Hereby, meaning that this level of honesty and communication is not always present between adults in a lot of books, and I think this also speaks to the maturity level of both of the characters.

Emma Scott really has a knack for writing heartfelt and moving stories, and this one is no different. She doesn’t shy away from heavier and more complex topics, which leads to deeper storylines and more well-rounded characters, too.

Though I enjoyed reading this and finished it in less than 24 hours, I do think that despite the heavy themes and topics, it read very young adult, which confused me quite a bit. Most of the plot and the dialogue felt as if the target demographic was younger readers, but quite a few of the scenes had me thinking that an NA rating would be more fitting and appropriate.

I will say that the characters of Emery and Xander definitely have my interest piqued, so I might have to go back and read their book!

The publisher very kindly provided this arc through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟, 3🌶️

I had a really lovely time with this story.

Harper and Orion were so easy to root for, and I loved watching two people carrying very different burdens become a source of comfort for each other. Harper’s strength quietly broke my heart, while Orion’s humor hid so much vulnerability beneath the surface.

Their relationship felt genuine, built on trust, kindness, and understanding rather than unnecessary drama. Orion’s bond with Dash was one of my favorite parts of the book, and I also appreciated how the heavier topics, especially ADHD and family struggles, were handled with care. I did wish some emotional moments had been explored a little further, but I was still invested from beginning to end.

This is a heartfelt coming-of-age romance that’s just as much about healing and growth as it is about falling in love.

It’s the kind of story that leaves you thinking about the characters after you’ve finished.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Emma Scott, Valentine PR, Scourcebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Dorcas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Scott is a beautiful writer. I’ve read majority of her books as well. I had high expectations for the sequel because the first book was so memorable, heartfelt and traumatic. The romance between Emery and Xander felt like I was reading Shakespeare. I was so distraught for them, and I knew if they didn’t end up together I wouldn’t be able to move past that for a while.

In contrast, the romance between Harper and Orion was instant and didn’t have much depth. Both characters had family turmoil to navigate, but I felt like Harper was very mean to Orion and Orion was too sarcastic/funny to be taken seriously in a relationship.

This book made me want to read Xander and Emery’s love story again because it was more interesting. several times throughout the book I lost the motivation to care about the plot, and there was a lot of side characters that kept disrupting the flow as well.

[Kristiej · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish they had six star you could give a book. I would give them very sparingly but a few deserve more than 5 stars. This is one of those books.
This one takes place. In Castle Hill Academy, a private school for the very ultra rich and it also has a scholarship program for less wealthy students but who are poor but scholastically brilliant. Our hero is Orion, a British student who comes from an ultra wealthy family and Harper who is rather poor but brilliant scholastically. Science is where her brilliance lies. The poorer kids are known as the benders and looked down on by many of the rich kids. There’s quite a class distinction. Orion and Harper meet in Orions fourth and final year and Harper’s first year. There is an immediate connection between the two. They come from different cultures but both suffer from deep seated issues. Orion was misdiagnosed when he was young with ADHD when he was young but we find out later it was a misdiagnosis. He struggles greatly over the years and can barely read but he covers it up with humour and other coping mechanisms. His parents are very cold and would prefer to ignore the issues he struggles with..
Harper on the other hand has grown up without a father, a younger brother with a different father who also abandoned and both mother and son and their mother has escaped into alcoholism, leaving all responsibility on Harper’s shoulders. Between being a mother to her little brother, along with her studies she has notice really for outside activities. Harper and Orion become each other’s haven as they slowly open up about their struggles..They form a deep bond which includes love but other forces get in their way.

Emma Scott has such a beautiful way of writing. It’s dry emotional and brings you in so you really experience what her characters do. You get very immersed in their story and as a result, you really feel their struggles and pain. A number of places had me weepy and totally immersed . As a result, I found this book very hard to put down. This is the second book in the series and takes place and time as the first book with many of the same characters. I don’t think you need to have read the first book but I’m very glad I did. I’m generations almost away from the characters in the book and normally would have a hard time relating to them but this wasn’t at all the case here. The book is available on KU and if I could, i would give this book 6stars, it’s that good.

[Deborah Scv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the ARC ☺️

I genuinely enjoyed this book. It was funny, emotional, and completely pulled me in from the start.

We first meet Orion and Harper in Little Pieces of Light, and I already loved them there, so I was really excited to dive deeper into their story.

Harper is such a strong character, and her life felt incredibly real. Stories about children dealing with a parent struggling with addiction always hit me hard, and I thought it was handled beautifully here. I felt anger, sadness, and even sympathy for her mother at different points, which made everything feel so genuine. My heart also broke for Harper having her childhood ripped away as she was forced to take on responsibilities no kid should have to carry.

Orion was such a layered character, and I felt so much for him throughout the book. The ADHD representation was done really well, and his struggles were explored with a lot of care and compassion. He honestly reminded me of Gibsie from BOT in some ways! And on top of all that, he's a piano prodigy with a British accent... what else can I say? I have a weakness for musicians in books…it gets me every time! So if you have any musician romance recommendations, please send them my way!

Orion and Harper were never really rivals, and there was definitely a touch of instalove, which I personally didn't mind at all. If you've already read Little Pieces of Light, you'll know some of the major events that happen here since both stories take place during the same timeline. That did remove a little bit of the emotional impact for me, but not enough to lessen my enjoyment.

Overall, this was a sweet, emotional love story that hit me right in the feels in classic Emma Scott fashion.

I can't wait for the next book in this series !

[MandyReads1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.


Synopsis: Everything We Couldn’t Say is book 2 in the Castle Hill Academy series by Emma Scott. It is a book that follows Harper and Orion, two students at a private school both vying for the Novus Science Prize. Harper is an incredibly hard worker who has fought for everything she has gotten in her life and she desperately needs this prize to secure her future. Orion is a legacy kid to one of the school’s elite families. These two had nothing in common, but gravitated towards each other. They were both exactly what the other one needed at exactly the right time. This book has secrets, struggles, and is full of emotion. Check for trigger warnings before reading.

Quick Review: I am appreciative for this advanced readers copy from Netgalley and Valentine PR. Unfortunately, I really struggled connecting to these characters and the plot throughout most of the book. At about 60% in, I was getting more into it, and was rooting for them. I really liked the ending though. The author handled many tough issues well and realistically.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love Orion and Harper!

Book 2 in the Castle Hill academy series does not disappoint, it takes you on a rollercoaster of feels before you reach the thankfully happy conclusion.

Orion and Harper are from opposite sides of the wealth divide, each with their own obstacles to conquer.

Orion struggles with dyslexia, trying to cover it with humour and getting away with it. Mostly. I love how cute he is, and how he stands out amongst those with wealth as more understanding and kind hearted.

Harper is battling with fitting in at school, looking after a young brother and monitoring her recovering alcoholic mother's behaviour for signals. She is funny and feisty, well able to stand up for herself.

Already so much on their plates they manage to really see each other, when others miss the signs and they build a beautiful connection despite the odds against them. I cannot wait for more in this series

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything We Couldn't Say is another powerful and emotional story that made me feel all the feelings.

You know, I've been in love with Emma Scott's books ever since I've read my first book by her in 2017. She just has a way with words that resonates deeply with me and I'm always excited like a child on Christmas, when she announces a new book.

So, no news here, that she flashed me again with Harper and Orion's story. Having met these two in book 1 I was certain, that Emma Scott has some great plan for these two. And oh dear did she deliver. AGAIN ;-)

And as always, I'm struggling to find the right words to describe this book and how it made me feel.
Let's just say: If you are a seasoned Emma Scott reader, you know what you are in for and you'll love this book no matter what. If you are new to Emma Scotts books: don't hesitate to pick this one up. You are in for a treat!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Harper and Orion’s story.
Harper has fought hard to follow her dreams, and a science prize is the means to a brilliant future, while Orion is the golden boy who is from an elite family. Harper sees through Orion’s confident and charming persona, to the hidden secret battle he is struggling with alone.
This is a well written easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family dynamics, friendships, heartbreak, opposites attract, humour, witty banter, romance, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, haunting, unpredictable, and heartfelt addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Bene_reads_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I love rivals-to-lovers in a academy setting and even if there was not much rivalry between the main characters, I really enjoyed it. I didnt expect the music to take such a place, I probably should have considering the cover, but I was happily surprised.
The author's deep incursion into ADHD and OCD was quite disturbing at first. But, soon, I was fascinated by Harper and Orion, the way they fit together, they interact, they understand and love each other.
This was a very character driven novel and the author did a very good job with them. I couldn't put it down.

[Tohfaaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review
4⭐
I read this book in one sitting! I really adore and love this book—Orion and Harper were just perfect for each other. Harper is such a strong FMC dealing with so much, and Orion is also very gentle with her, though his backstory literally broke my heart. The struggles they go through and the way they become each other's safe space is everything. They are so much more than rivals, and honestly, the way the author writes is just so good. I'm so glad I got the ARC of this one!🥹🥹

Thank you valentine pr for the arc🥰🥰

[Maddie Corder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know what to feel about this book. I enjoyed reading it and it kept my attention while reading but truly this book felt like everything happened while at the same time nothing happened.

Our two characters could not be from father areas of wealth but go to the same school and end up becoming lab partners, from there you follow them on a journey to self discovery, battling through hard time to get to the good on the other side and everything in between.

How some of the topics are handled in the book were not my favorite if I had to be honest. I can’t say too much without spoilers but the last half of the book was hard to read.

It didn’t feel like there was much time for our characters to be happy, they would start to not be miserable and then one more thing would pop up: rather it be an acknowledgment of a disability or our FMC’s hard relationship dynamic with a family member. It just never felt like we saw much of their relationship outside of school & the problems both characters were facing.

What happens in the last 20% of the book made me extremely uncomfortable and upset and there needed to be a trigger warning at the front of the book. I was not expecting it to happen and the fact that it did and no one did anything until more holes were made was extremely upsetting.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to arc read this book.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the Castle Hill Academy series, I already had a soft spot for Orion Mercer and Harper Bennett, so my expectations were pretty high going into this one. Thankfully, Emma Scott didn’t let me down. Their story gave me everything I was hoping for and more and then proceeded to stomp all over my heart in the process.

First things first, this book tackles some incredibly heavy topics. While this is, of course, fiction, the trauma these characters experience feels very real. Emma Scott handles those situations with care, but if you're someone who has sensitivities to certain subjects, definitely check the content warnings first. If you love emotional reads that make you feel everything, though? Yeah, this is the one.

Castle Hill Academy in Rhode Island once again proved to be such a fascinating backdrop for this story. It’s a place that will chew you up and spit you out no matter who you are, but the divide between the wealthy "Richies" and the struggling, poorer kids from the Bend is impossible to ignore. And honestly, it made me mad more than once because those kinds of socioeconomic disparities don't just exist in fiction. This is a real-world problem, and watching these teenagers navigate a world where privilege opens doors for some while slamming them shut for others really drove this point home.

Orion Mercer completely stole my heart. On the surface he's the charming, witty, wealthy golden boy who can charm anyone and disarm girls with only a smile, but underneath all of that is someone who has spent his entire life being taught to suppress his emotions. As a "twice-exceptional," neurodivergent young man with an incredible gift for music, Orion carried so much weight on his shoulders and was exhausted, and all I wanted to do was wrap him up in a hug. He was just so good, and he tried so hard.

Harper Bennett couldn't have been more different. She was smart, determined, and carrying far more responsibility than any teenager should have to. Life had dealt her a rough hand, but she never lost the fire that made me want to cheer her on toward a bright and beautiful future. My only small complaint about Harper was that she could be a little hot and cold with Orion at times, but it never stopped me from desperately wanting these two together or wanting to give them all the love and support they deserved.

And they really SAW each other.

That was my favorite part of this story. Beneath all the class differences, the expectations, the trauma, and the chaos, Orion and Harper recognized something in one another that no one else seemed to, and the spark was immediate. Watching them slowly build something real together had my heart aching in the best way. The yearning was perfect. Add in the touch of forbidden romance because of their different worlds and all that angsty first love goodness, and I was absolutely all in with this story.

One thing to keep in mind is that even though this is designated as YA and the characters are high schoolers, there are a few steamy moments and some discussion of other such encounters. They were done well and are only a tiny part of Orion and Harper's story, but I know that can be a deal breaker for some readers, so it's worth mentioning.

The supporting cast deserves so much credit, both friend and foe. Ezra Wolfe was such an unexpected source of wisdom and support, and Harper's little brother, Dash, was in a class of his own. He was the cutest little guy. Every side character felt like they belonged and helped shape Orion and Harper's journey in one notable way or another.

Now... if you've read the first Castle Hill Academy book, you already know that tragedy is coming. Let me tell you, experiencing those events again from a different perspective was no easier the second time around. Cue the ugly cry. That entire sequence after the Head of the Bay Regatta absolutely wrecked me all over again. Then watching everything spiral from bad to worse had me beside myself as all they had been working toward started falling apart.

If I had one main critique, it's that this book occasionally leaned a little dramatic. Then again, these are teenagers experiencing first love, unimaginable pressure, and life-changing trauma, so maybe a little extra emotion is warranted.

In the end, this was a story about love, resilience, healing, and finding the people who truly feel like home. I loved the way music became its own love language throughout the story, and I especially loved that Orion and Harper's scars never became the thing that defined them. That epilogue with a long-range look at the future was exactly what my heart needed after everything these two endured, and I happily soaked up every single word of it. I sincerely hope we get more stories from Castle Hill Academy because I'm not quite ready to leave this world behind.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Loving you is music". I'm completely in awe of Emma Scott once more (or should I say still) as she creates lines like these that pull at my heartstrings like no one else. Everything We Couldn't Say is beautiful. Scott takes the rich boy/poor girl trope and gives it a whole new meaning as Orion Mercer and Harper Bennett fall inexplicably in love when perhaps they simply shouldn't. But how could Harper resist the forever charming Orion when all she craved was to be left alone in the richie rich Castle Hill Academy and survive long enough to pull herself and her family out of the depths of despair? The answer she didn't want to admit to herself or even out loud to anyone else, is that she couldn't. And I didn't blame her one bit.

These two. As opposite as two young people could be, yet as Orion managed to thaw the ice around Harper's heart, I came to realize that only his vast wealth really separated them in the end. They are both fighting battles that are never easy. I felt for Harper as she not only had to maintain her 4.0, contend with the elite at Castle Hill deciding she wasn't worthy of being anything but a 'bender', but had to be head of her household when her oft-times pathetic mother couldn't hold it together. She is a remarkable person and the panic she feels almost hourly had my own stomach in knots more than once. Yet she loves her younger brother fiercely and has a gentleness for her fellow benders as they form a support group of sorts as each of their hearts long for one of the elite. In fact, it's those friendships that give her the push to want more than just a great education and know that she's not alone in her thoughts of yearning, especially towards Orion.

Orion is a sweetheart. The one member of the elite crowd who never looks down on the benders and is there to protect them and even fight for them no matter what it might cost him. His own struggles with learning keep him in his own brittle box and I wasn't sure he'd find the strength to push through all the programmed explanations his parents thrust upon him for the past 10 years. But then there was Harper. I do believe the man fell hard for her from the very first time she showed up for her first day of class. She didn't take any bs and although she had a strong desire to stay hidden and out of everyone's way, there was no way to ignore Orion or the feelings she felt whenever he was near.

Scott does a marvelous job in allowing us to experience moments, both touching and raw, that are happening simultaneously in book one, Little Pieces of Light. To get different points of view and a new perspective as to what occurs in this tumultuous senior year blew things wide open for me. I liked that Harper didn't suffer fools and wasn't initially open to befriending any of the elite. But then you could see her wanting to give Emery, Tessa, and most importantly, Orion, the chance to show her that maybe they had just as much anxiety about life as she did. They just wanted to be seen as well.

As I continue to think about this book, the tears again start to form, remembering the gestures of standouts like Dean, Ezra and Xander. What they do for Orion, in particular, is nothing short of remarkable. Orion is truly a piano virtuoso and the need for him to hide behind jokes and the pressure of being a Mercer, was understood all too well by those I just mentioned. Add to that list, the incredible Harper and how she pushed when necessary, allowing Orion to finally grasp what he needed in order to conquer his wayward thoughts when it came to classwork, and the man truly had it all. Even when things were rough and heartbreaking and the world seemed to never be on his side, Orion found his own cadence that saved him in the form of the girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

Everything We Couldn't Say will wreck you in the very best way. But you'll feel every word and your heart and soul will be overflowing with joy. At its core, the book is a love story and yet it's also about finding yourself and knowing that to be seen by at least one important person in your life is everything. Orion and Harper are completely seen by the other and what they experience is a crazy-great journey that leads them to all they deserve and so much more.

I definitely recommend reading Little Pieces of Light as well, so that you can to see how the lives of 4 young people intersect in ways that change them forever. I loved being back with the Castle Hill crew, even knowing that sometimes things don't turn out the way that they should. But when they do, it's beyond glorious.

5++ big stars!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t been as excited to receive an ARC as I was for Everything We Couldn’t Say in awhile. It’s simple, if Emma Scott writes it, I’m reading it. Probably in one sitting. Or two in this case.

Harper is one of the best FMCs I have read in a long time and she is only eighteen. I’m not sure whether I want to be her when I grow up or take care of her.

She is brave and strong and deeply empathetic. She hates her own vulnerability but she still allows it to come through and that is really beautiful and really well illustrated here. Harper is a tough cookie but she also understands how toxic it is that she has always had to be one.

She arrives in town with her recovering alcoholic mother and her little brother. Viewing Castle Hill Academy as her launchpad to the Ivy League. She has survived a traumatic past and taken on the responsibility of preserving her little brother’s childhood because she never got to have one. What she has sacrificed to protect him is heartbreaking.

Harper’s anxiety and hypervigilance are present in everything she does. She does not let herself get too close or want too much because nothing good has ever lasted in her world. Her clear boundaries around her mother’s addiction were painful to read but they only made me love her more. She understands that her mother’s recovery is not her responsibility even if she is still living with the consequences of it.

Orion is the English/Nigerian son of one of Castle Hill Academy’s five founding families. He is a genius and a piano prodigy but he has ADHD and learning disabilities that he has spent years hiding beneath charm and relentless debilitating effort.

His masking was written so well. Everyone sees the gifted athlete, the wealthy golden boy and the charming funny rogue who moves easily between the different social tiers at the school. But no one sees how hard he is working to maintain that image. They don’t see the exhaustion or shame or fear underneath it. His family’s expectations have robbed him of so much of himself.

In completely different ways Orion and Harper have both been forced to surrender pieces of their childhoods. Harper has been shaped by her mother’s addiction and the responsibility of protecting her brother. Orion has been shaped by the pressure of who he is expected to be and the constant need to compensate for the parts of himself his family views as weaknesses.

One grew up believing nothing good lasts. The other grew up believing approval depends on how well he performs.

Harper has learned not to need anyone. Orion has learned to become whatever everyone else needs him to be.

I really liked how this book expands on Castle Hill Academy itself. The pressure and impossible expectations are not only felt by the Benders and Townies. The wealthy legacy students are also being crushed by the same institution just in a different way.

Book one began exploring that divide but this story widens the lens by drawing in more characters from both sides of it. The Benders are judged and underestimated and made to feel disposable. The legacy students are expected to uphold family names and protect appearances and become whatever Castle Hill has already decided they should be.

That parallel was one of my favorite parts of the story. Harper and Orion are carrying very different burdens but both have been robbed of the freedom to simply be young and uncertain and unfinished. They recognize the parts of each other that everyone else misses.

This is about two young people learning that strength does not have to mean hiding every part of yourself that hurts. Harper especially will stay with me for a long time. She is amazing but Orion deserves just as much tenderness. Beneath all of his talent and privilege is someone who has spent far too long believing he has to earn the right to be loved.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 “Loving you is music” stars!

I am addicted to the Castle Hill Academy series. I fell in love with all the characters from the first book, Little Pieces of Light , and now we get even more of them. Harper and Orion are the next couple in the series and I am totally obsessed with them and completely devoured their story.

Harper has had a difficult childhood. Her father was gone before she was born and she’s been picking up the pieces for as long as she can remember, taking care of her alcoholic mother and her sweet little brother. When her mother finally gets sober, they move to Rhode Island so that Harper can attend Castle Hill Academy in hopes it will help her get into MIT or maybe NYC. She’s there to work hard and that is exactly what she does.

Unfortunately, Harper lives in Bend and doesn’t have crazy amounts of money like the majority of the school so she sticks out when she doesn’t want to. The Richies don’t like the Benders and will do everything to make Bender’s lives miserable, including Harper’s.
Orion is one of the Big Five, a group of five families that donate the most money to the school. He is loved by everyone and is the life of the party, but he has his own struggles and life isn’t as easy for him as it looks. He has his life mapped out for him and once he graduates, he’ll go to Cambridge and eventually work for the family business.

Orion meets Harper at school and there is an instant connection. Harper doesn’t know why Orion befriends her and it seems like he doesn’t have a problem with the fact that she is a Bender and he is a Richie. He is constantly standing up for her even when she doesn’t ask for it. Despite their differences, these two understand each other. They realize there is so much more to them than when they first met. Orion is there for Harper and wants to make things easier, and Harper is Orion’s biggest supportor. She believed in him and refuses give up. They are sweet and swoony together especially when they are themselves.

These two share something special but their love story is not an easy one. They go through heartbreaking trials and I was there through it all. My heart broke for the way Harper had to grow up too fast and for the way Orion wasn’t supported the way he should have been. The growth these two go through both as individuals and as a couple is beautiful. They are complex characters that dig deep into your soul and don’t let you go. I felt all the ups and downs right along with them.

I loved the secondary characters, both the new ones as well as the ones I met and love from before. Then the tragedy that we lived through in the first book we have to live through again, and though it wasn’t quite as detailed, it still brought back all the tears and heartache I experienced the first time around.

Overall, I absolutely love the Castle Hill Academy series and it remains a favorite because these books and characters are unforgettable!

*ARC generously provided by the author and Valentine PR and Literary Management*

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was what I was really looking to read. Achingly beautiful and palpable with heavy emotions covered in Humour. Endearing Characters so real, I felt them come alive on pages. This is Book 2 in the Castle Hill Academy Series. we met Orion Mercer in Little Pieces of Light. He's the one that oozes charm, smirking with all the jokes, a wealthy family scion, sent to CHA to train in chemical studies so he can join father's business.
But his heart sings a different Etudé

“ Music made sense in a way that nothing else did. It was air and water. It was light and breath and my own heartbeat. It was as if the piano and I were not two separate things but connected somehow, and I never wanted to be apart…”

This stayed hidden deep within his soul tho. Away from prying eyes, his safe place almost like his prison. The lock is opened by Harper Bennett. A bender to his Richie. Opposite sides of society. They might as well been on different planets, their disparity so vast & insurmountable.

“Some bridges are too far.”

But she has something no one around him possesses. Se SEES him. The scared, struggling boy hiding in his large, loud personality. Their relationship was filed with sweet ache, I manifested their happy ending with every fiber of my body.
Harper can recognize the lost boy in Orion because she is fighting her own demons everyday. Neglectful, alcoholic parent, a young brother, money, bills, academia, societal bullying, school pressure...everything is trying to drown her

“ She was on her guard. Defenses up.
I could relate.
While I had a different set of defenses, I recognized a fellow soldier when I saw one.
Maybe if we shared war stories…”

A warrior in a tiny body, she's inspiring, supportive, loyal to a fault.
Pace is tight, prose engaging, it's a lively read till Emma brings us to the brink, and drops the gavel.
The twist in the end, I'll NEVER FORGIVE her for that!!
This unpredictable love story is still nestled in my heart, long after I closed the book
“5 stars for Bandit the Cupid”
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