All the Words I Want to Say

by Sophie Oswald

The second installment of Cathy and Max's love story, with more spice, more yearning, more dubious decisions. It's time to tell truths rather than lies.

Whore. Lover. Liar.

She’s the virgin that became an escort. She’s the girl that slept with the boss. She’s the friend that lies. Now, Cathy has run away to Australia with her boss, client, and only-man-she’s-ever-wanted-to-have-sex-with, Max. Oh, and naturally, she has to pretend to be his girlfriend.

One beautiful family, one lavish Christmas, one eye-opening sex party later, Cathy begins to uncover Max’s past and the reasons behind his non-commitment. Faced with the very real possibility his heart will never be hers, Cathy has to decide if she can live with unrequited love, all the while having to hide just how deep her feelings for him go.

Their relationship reaches breaking point when Cathy’s clause in their arrangement is called into question, and they are forced to see each other’s truths, whether they’re ready...or not.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2026

About the author

Sophie lives in York, England with her husband and two daughters. As well as writing, she loves reading, video games and board games. Oh, and chocolate, so much chocolate. She hates the miscommunication trope and forced third-act break ups. Due to having aphantasia, heavy descriptions and excessive world building do little for her. Romance/romantasy is her go to genre, but she likes to mix it up now and again. She writes character-driven narratives, and story tells through witty and compelling dialogue, with a focus on love in all its forms - friendship, family, and romantic.

Reviews

[Teegan ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book knowing the characters and the story. I already love Max, the secretive, but attractive man he is and I also love Cathy, the romantic, quick to fall and awkward sweetheart.

Sophie hopped straight back in, into the drama and into the amazing spicy scenes she writes! (Arguably some of the best ones I have read in my smut career so far)

The timeline of being in Australia was great! There was equal parts spice as there was character building and wholesome moments. We also get to find out a bit more about Max and the secrets he mights be hiding.

There were points in this book where I was heartbroken, almost sobbing ( I had to hold it in on the flight back home 😭) and I was barely the way through the rest of the book. As soon as I hit that point of him saying “red”, I knew that this book was going to take a massive twist and fast.

By the end of this book I was staring mouth open at my kindle screen like, “wtf” but also, “omg i need more” and I’m so glad there is more coming!

What a wonderful, tragic but super sexy book you have written Sophie! I am looking forward to what else you have to offer!

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for sharing this ARC with me!

This book was a rollercoaster for me, as I did a full 180 on some of the feelings I had from the first book.

I originally admitted not liking Cathy much at the start of her story, while now I feel for her so much!
I bet 99.9% of us have liked somebody in their life, being happy with whatever affection they showed us, and secretly hoping “it would get better/ they will realise”.

Cathy may have been naive at the beginning due to her lack of experience, while her feelings were always so genuine, and I feel she stayed true to herself through the books.
I am so glad she stood her ground - with Max as well as with her friends.
And I’m even more glad she FINALLY started doing something for herself, accepting her true worth and starting her first book!
Also I am very happy she moved away from aiming to get pregnant “in case nobody else wanted to have sex with her”, and started enjoying the ride❤️

Absolutely there is still growing to be had - see her continuous omission of truth to avoid judgement, as well as her “final choice”.
Cathy still doesn’t believe in herself fully, and continues to put everyone else in front of her.
Her choice is absolutely controversial, while to be honest I get why she made it, and I hope she won’t be too hard on herself afterwards.

Going back to “I changed my mind about some stuff”- Sara was also a lovely surprise to me.
While I believed she loves Cathy, I felt she was a bit oblivious to her friend’s inner struggles in book 1.
Well this book redeemed her to me.
I can see she genuinely cares for Cathy, and her outspoken persona doesn’t mean she is a “prima donna”- Sara herself just has some things to process and come to terms with in her own life.

Finally, thank you so much for sharing Charlie and Priya with us. They are both the perfect mother figures, and I absolutely loved them both to bits.

Overall I love this series and I can’t wait to read the next chapter!
I hope Max will start opening his heart to love again, while to be honest it’s his loss if he doesn’t!
I feel I would be just as happy if the two of them didn’t end up together in the end, and Cathy just became her confident self without him!

[Joanne-Marie Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

*******Advanced reader copy received from the author ********

Thanks to Sophie for trusting me with this one, I really enjoyed it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

All the Words I Want to Say is the gripping, highly anticipated next book in the ‘All the Words’ series by Sophie Oswald. Picking up after the cliffhanger at the end of the first book, Cathy and Max’s story shifts to Australia, and the change in scenery does absolutely nothing to cool down their intense, highly sexualised dynamic. This sequel definitely cranks up the heat a notch or two. #elscorchio
What I Loved:
• The Fifty Shades Vibe: The chemistry between Cathy and Max is off-the-charts magnetic, heavily channeling that classic, billionaire-boss-and-innocent-heroine dynamic. Max is dominant, possessive, and brooding, while Cathy’s evolution from the virginal escort to someone fully embracing her desire creates an addictive, intense tension. The spicy scenes are frequent, beautifully written, and deliver some serious, high-contrast power dynamics.
• The Forbidden Element: The fact that he is her boss, her client, and the ultimate forbidden fruit keeps the tension razor-sharp. Every intimate moment feels loaded with high stakes and emotional baggage, making the physical payoff feel incredibly earned.
• Deep Character Growth: Beneath all the hot encounters, the plot is not sacrificed. Cathy’s journey toward finding her own voice developing from the emotive and insecure character works well alongside Max’s struggle to let down his guarded walls give the story a lot of genuine heart, even if at times it was quite heartbreaking to read.
While the intimacy is top tier, the middle of the book gets a bit bogged down in repetitive miscommunications stemming from Max’s intense, brooding nature which crosses into frustrating territory before he finally communicates, which slowed down the narrative momentum just a touch.
If you love your romance with a heavy dose of angst, complex power dynamics, twists, turns and a whole lot of spice, this book is an absolute must-read. Sophie Oswald successfully delivers a passionate, Fifty Shades-esque story that satisfies the physical as much as the emotional.

[Lantern Lit Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge with every page.

Thank you to Sophie Oswald for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this amazing book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

All the words I want to say is the second installment of Sophie’s All the Words series. Following on from Cathy & Max’s grey arrangement in Book 1 (and the cliff hanger that had me on tenterhooks), we join the pair as they navigate truths, lies, unrequited love and of course lots of spice. I wholeheartedly loved this book. The story is emotional, the romance is steamy, and the twists left me shook.

All the words is an extremely powerful story. Sophie manages to tackle serious themes with such grace and emotion while keeping the reader engaged. The development of both Cathy and Max within this book was moving and not always in a good way but all the while left me craving more. Cathy’s journey of learning to balance her feelings & her arrangement with the unfeeling Max has me unbelievably excited for Book 3 - Max’s Novella.

Favourite quote: She may have been living a lie but that was better than living without him.

I cannot recommend this book enough - everything about it was done so tastefully, it was crushing and heartwarming at the same time. It had me screaming and crying all at once. Sophie’s writing is brilliant; this whole series is my favourite read of 2026 so far
Final rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Jade 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was raw, messy, and at times genuinely heartbreaking to read.💔

Cathy is such an emotional, romantic character, but there’s also this deep insecurity within her that you can feel throughout the story.😢
It’s clear she’s been hurt before, especially by family, and that shapes how she sees herself and how she loves.
I found myself really connecting with her and wanting better for her.💕

Max is the complete opposite—cold, guarded, and emotionally closed off. ❄️
He’s clearly damaged, and while you can tell he has feelings for Cathy, he refuses to acknowledge them or change. Instead, he hides behind his distance and pushes her away, often in ways that feel cruel and hurtfu.l😞.
There were moments where his behaviour genuinely felt like betrayal, and you could see how much it was breaking her.😡💔

Their dynamic is complicated and, at times, frustrating—but that’s what makes it so addictive.🫠
You’re constantly hoping things will shift, that he’ll finally let his guard down, but the tension between what’s felt and what’s said creates this emotional push and pull that keeps you hooked.🪝

This isn’t a soft romance. It’s messy, emotional, and filled with moments that hurt—but in a way that makes you feel completely invested in the outcome.

And the ending… devastating. A real cliffhanger that leaves you needing to know what happens next.⛰️

[Stacey Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Sophie Oswald the author.

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Available: 22/05/26

Firstly I want to say a huge thank you to Sophie for allowing me the opportunity to read the ARC copy of ‘All the words I want to say’. I feel even luckier as I was able to also read the first book of the series ‘All the words you shouldn’t say” so it was a double win for me.

Being able to read the books consecutively has left me feeling all the feels about everything! All the words is an extremely emotional and powerful story, it goes a lot deeper into the relationship between Cathy and Max and delves into some of the experiences that have led them to be who they are.

It’s jam packed full of drama, twists, sometimes complete and utter heartbreak and the most delightful smutty scenes - seriously Sophie they're top tier!!!🌶️

Was I ready to say goodbye to Cathy and Max, not at all! Did I stare in silence at my kindle silently mouthing “Sophie you can’t finish it there” yes I did! (Sooooo when is book 3…asking for all of us)

I devoured the book in one (slightly long-missed some sleep) session and have no regrets.

To conclude, if you love a wonderfully tragic, evocative and seriously spicy read, Sophie Oswald and the ‘All the Words’ series is for you!

Run for your copy 22/06/26

[Kate Rolleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to thank Sophie for letting me be an ARC reader for her second book! I have only reviewed a few children’s books before so this has been a completely new experience for me.
I read the previous book in this series first because for me the plot always takes priority and boy was I glad I did. All The Words You Shouldn’t Say set this one up well, it gave a great start into the main characters, Max and Cathy including how they met and the first part of their relationship.
All The Words I Want to Say followed the first book with more spice, a somewhat more exotic location (for a while), more background information on the lead characters and a whole lot more drama. We got to know more about Max’s family, including his reason behind why he has relationships as he does. It’s a heartbreaking story, but not an uncommon occurrence. His specific reaction, however (IRL) is. It is the making of this set of books though and I can’t wait to see what happens next for the two of them. Will she go back to work for him? Will he ever happily/openly let her into his heart?
I loved the back and forth between Cathy and Max in this book, that there is no unnecessary fluff and the added spice of the voyeurism brings a different element to the table… I would definitely recommend this book to other romance readers and I can’t wait for the next releases in this series!

[Jo Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in All the Words series by Sophie Oswald and it’s every bit as visceral and emotionally charged as the first. Sophie captures the hearts of her characters perfectly. Cathy, the innocent, inexperienced, vulnerable “girl next door,” and Max, the handsome, wealthy, emotionally unavailable boss, carrying his own emotional damage.

The book feels like a collision between Fifty Shades of Grey and Pretty Woman - a contractual relationship that inevitably develops into something far more complicated, filled with heightened emotions, uncertainty, desire, and fragile hope. Is Cathy destined for heartbreak, or is Max slowly thawing and beginning to reciprocate her feelings?

I loved the comparison between Cathy and Jacob. The sense of solidarity between them, but also Cathy’s painful realisation that she was beginning to see herself in Jacob - an outsider looking in.

I also loved Sara, Cathy’s best friend, demanding to speak to Max through the office receptionist. It gave such strong Pretty Woman energy, and I adore Sara’s protective instincts over her friend.

It’s another raw, passionate, intensely spicy romance that pushes boundaries, explores taboo themes, and raises difficult moral dilemmas.

There is still so much left unanswered, and I cannot wait for the next instalment and Max’s novella.

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat… mostly because I kept thinking, “There’s no way it can get more chaotic than this,” and then boom … it absolutely did.

First of all, huge thanks to Sophie Oswald for the ARC. I went in expecting a nice, slightly dramatic continuation of Cathy and Max’s situation. What I got instead was emotional whiplash, trust issues, and the overwhelming urge to yell “GET IT TOGETHER” at fictional characters.

We pick up after that cliffhanger (which, by the way, was RUDE), and immediately dive back into the messy masterpiece that is Cathy and Max’s “arrangement.” And when I say arrangement, I mean a situationship so complicated it probably needs its own flowchart.

This book has everything:
Lies
Truths
Feelings nobody wants to admit
Feelings everybody should definitely admit
And enough spice to make you question your life choices at 2am

Cathy is out here trying to balance her emotions like she’s in an Olympic sport, while Max continues his reign as the CEO of Mixed Signals Incorporated. Watching their relationship evolve was equal parts beautiful and deeply stressful. Growth? Yes. Stability? Absolutely not.

And the twists?? I was SHOOK. At one point I had to just stare at the wall for a minute and reevaluate everything I thought I knew. Sophie really said, “Oh, you’re comfortable? That’s cute,” and then flipped the entire story on its head.

Also, can we talk about how this book manages to be devastating and romantic at the same time? One minute I’m clutching my heart, the next I’m fanning myself, and then suddenly I’m emotionally spiraling. Pick a lane?? Actually, don’t because I was fully invested.

Favorite quote: “She may have been living a lie but that was better than living without him.”

Which, honestly, sums up the emotional damage quite nicely.
By the end, I was screaming, crying, and immediately desperate for Book 3. Max’s novella cannot come soon enough because I NEED answers, closure, and probably therapy.

Final verdict: 8/10 would willingly put myself through this emotional rollercoaster again, maybe.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘All The Words I Want To Say’ is a fantastically addicting read, it’s part of a series called 'All The Words' and this is book two.

‘All The Words I Want To Say’ has it all - drama, lots of spice, comedy, strong friendships, slow build romance and cliffhangers in which I found to be really entertaining. If I wasn’t giggling, I was getting a bit emotional as in this book, we learn more about the backstory behind Max and why he has a mental wall up and we also learn more about Cathy and I’m a sucker for backstorys, it’s my favourite part of reading a book.

As a whole, this is a rollercoaster of a read in the best way. The ending had me thinking up lots of theories and it’s left a mysterious energy regarding what’s going to happen next. Of course I loved the spice, this book is filthy but I was absolutely present for it. If you like your reads very spicy and full of drama and cliffhangers, check out this series, I recommend you start at book one which is ‘All The Words You Shouldn’t Say’ another fantastic read!

[Wynona Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate enough to receive this as an ARC from the lovely Sophie and whilst I haven't had the chance to finish it before its release, I just wanted to sit down and take the oppotunity to give it a little review of what I currently think. In general, I usually struggle with sequels when I love the first book as much as I did for All the Words you Shouldn't Say, but from the get go, I knew that I was going to love this sequel even more that the first. The story takes off right after the last one started (no time jump - an aspect of books I personally hate), the spice is just as spicy if not more and I am loving learning more and more about Cathy and Max's relationship and dynamic together. I cannot wait to finish this book and see where the rest of this series goes! Sophie deserves all the love in the world and if you're on the fence about buying this book/series please take this as your sign to read it!

[Elizabeth Filtness · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, a huge thank you to Sophie Otswald for giving me the opportunity to receive a digital ARC of this book. I love reading series back-to-back, so after finishing the first book, I immediately knew I had to dive into the second.
This may be a quick and easy read, but the story is incredibly emotional, the romance is wonderfully steamy, and the twists genuinely left me shocked. It’s a powerful and captivating continuation of the series.

The relationship between Cathy and Max is explored on a much deeper level in this book, revealing new layers to their personalities and the experiences that have shaped them both. Their connection felt even more intense and meaningful this time around.

And that ending… I absolutely cannot wait for book three to see what happens next.

I truly cannot recommend this book enough.

[Sarah Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ALL THE WORDS I WANT TO SAY - Sophie Oswald ⭐️

Rating - 5 ⭐️ Spice - 4 🌶️

——————————————————

Another 5 star read from Sophie Oswald - I instantly picked this up following on the series and it did not disappoint!

Im so in love with the main character Cathy - i feel like I connected with her on a personal level - she was emotional and unsure of who she was but finds herself over the series. The way she loves and cares so freely is so hard to watch as Max is emotionally unavailable and closed off. I definitely have a love hate relationship with him. There was some points I felt like shouting at him - as it’s obvious he cares but he is so closed off the second anything requires emotion🙈

I am so obsessed with this series , the plot and characters are so addictive, and the steamy scenes are so perfectly, Sophie has managed to balance the spice and the plot flawlessly 😍

[Liane Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Words I Want To Say picked up right where book one left off, which is exactly what you want after that ending.

I’m so glad we got to learn more about Max and why he’s so guarded with his heart, but it was also heartbreaking seeing him turn cold and hurtful towards Cathy at times when you (and she) can tell he genuinely cares.

I wanted to scream at Cathy so many times because of her choices and half-truths, but at the same time, you understand why which just made her character feel more believable and real.

Once again, you’re left desperate to know more and continue this chaotic, gripping, emotional relationship. And that’s not just between Cathy and Max, but Cathy and Sara too.

I’ll 100% be continuing the series and can’t wait for Max’s novella.

Thank you to Sophie for having me on the ARC team!

[Jade Booth-Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thank you to the author for gifting me this digital arc.
Honestly I couldn't stop myself from starting this after the first book. The main characters had me pleading for more, begging for the answers I needed. If you love a spicy taboo romance book then this is 100% for you, such an easy and quick read. I won't spoil anything cause honestly this series can speak for itself but what I will say is... That ending Miss. Oswald?! You cannot be doing that to me, I need more and I need it as soon as possible, please and thank you.
Don't question yourself, just read it my fellow spicy book lovers.

[Leanne Friday · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC READ*

Ahhhh Sophie has done it again! I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down! I really felt for Cathy after all the drama she went through in Australia with Max's family and how he was acting around her, even I was starting to think he had changed his mind about their arrangement like she did! To have that all taken from her and to feel like her whole world had just come crashing down, I did really feel for her! I wasn't surprised that she wanted to get revenge on Max but to that extent? That did surprise me!

It was left on such a cliffhanger, that I'm desperate to find out what happens next! Will Cathy finally get a happy ending? I can't wait to find out!

[lyss-joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay so, I knew about the characters going into this book, and let’s just say that Sophie got straight back into the drama of it all - deary me.

It was really interesting to find more out about max, and his family and read more into why he is the way that he is, and also see Cathy come into herself a bit more and gain more confidence.

the only thing I have to say is that the ending events did feel quite rushed to me? like they honestly just came out of nowhere and it was hard to grasp as to why Cathy really went that far in the end. However - I am 100% hooked and am eagerly waiting for the next book to find out what happens next and get more of her point of view

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't see the end would be with a cliffhanger. But,what the ending. After 1st book, I actually thought it would be one of those romantic books with a happy end. Just bit of 💔 and that's it. But boy, if I was wrong.
Definitely 5⭐️
Did the main female character make the right choice by the end of the book? Definitely not, he broke her 💔, but she destroyed herself by making stupid choices. But we love drama and lots of red flags and lots of emotional rolecosters. I wouldn't mind more pov from other characters. Her friends are just something else, love them🥰

Thank you, author, for ARC. Waiting for the 3rd book!!! Please hurry up😬🤭

[Naomi Cundliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the ‘‘All the words’ series and it was even spicier than the first!
The story continues to follow Cathy, a homegirl, and Max, a wealthy and hard hearted businessman in their ‘agreement’.
My heart strings were tugged a few times during this read, family make up, Cathy’s new experiences and getting to the bottom of ‘that tattoo’.
Every girl needs friends like Sara and Allison too, they have her back and I love how they are so maternal towards Cathy.
I’m looking forward to Max’s novella and having my questions, that are living in my head rent free, answered!

[Jordan Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Oswald’s brilliant writing comes through again in book two. This book goes so much deeper into Cathy and Max’s relationship, showing other layers of their personalities and the experiences that have shaped them. Their romance is so readable, and I found myself just as invested in Cathy’s friendship with Sara, which adds even more depth to the story.

I’m absolutely hooked and so excited for book three already! Their journey is far from over, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I could read a whole separate series about Charlie and Ray. I loved their dynamic and would even like to delve deeper into finding more about the other family members too. As for Max and Cathy... they're so problematic and lovable my feelings for them constantly change. The pacing for this book felt perfect and I found it hard to put down, always wanting to find out what would happen next. Very excited to see where the story goes from here.

[fmj_books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie did not hang about with this book!

She drops straight back in from the huge cliffy from book 1, and this book is SPICY!!
Like fan yourself level spice!

Ending on another massive cliffy, i really need the next book to come out soon!

I have enjoyed getting to know the characters and their journey, but you know i am not a fan of cliffys! 2 in one storyline is pushing my limits!
But yet, i am still enjoying it!

[Ros Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive the ARC of this book from Sophie Oswald.

A super spicy workplace romance, following on the first book perfectly. I was so interested to see where the story would go, and the ending I need the next book now

[Elisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of drama, complicated relationships and LOTS of spice. I enjoyed it and got through it really quickly!

It was interesting to learn more about Max's past and his family in Australia.

I'll be patiently waiting for book number 3 😁

[Michelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sophie for the opportunity to read and advanced copy of book 2.

What can I say book 2 was just as good if not better than book 1, I loved the characters time in Australia and introducing us to Max's family ! I love Charlie :)

The ending left my aghast and definitely wanting more.