Juliet Everette has always been loved loudly, protected fiercely, and kept safely inside the walls of one of Havenbrook’s most powerful families. But when one cruel rumor cracks open a secret buried before she was born, Juliet is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her life, her family, and the people who raised her.
Psalm Mitchel wasn’t supposed to become her safe place. He was supposed to be another arrogant problem she could argue with and walk away from. But somewhere between the tension, the music, and the way he refuses to let her hide, Psalm becomes the one person Juliet runs to when her whole world falls apart.
As the truth about Juliet’s past resurfaces, so does the danger tied to it. And when love, family, and old sins collide, one thing becomes even through the silence, real love is felt.
When this book first started it pulled me in because we learn early on that there is a secret involving Juliet and I wanted to see how it would effect her once she found out. After Juliet's birth she is diagnosed with a rare condition that affects her hearing and speech capabilities at times so sign language was very prevalent in this book as well with her and her loved ones around her which I thought was nice to see. Once Psalm's character was introduced into the story, I saw that they didn’t have the best relationship and I was curious to see how they would form a relationship. Although they were basically enemies, it was interesting how he was drawn to her and how he felt the need to protect her and have her back when he didn’t have to which ultimately led to them moving from enemies to lovers. It was nice how he became so invested in wanting to do things to make the best of their relationship once they agreed to be together.
As other characters were introduced into the story I was wondering what role they would play in Juliet’s life and when the pieces starting coming together I was anxious to see how it would all play out. Once I got to the end I was on edge because I didn’t know which way it was going to go and then to find out the whole truth was a little shocking but it made sense when I put it all together. This story had a little bit of magical realism towards the end too which was kind of like someone or something else was looking out for Juliet. After the truth was revealed, I would have liked to see a little more of the effects with Juliet and the family on page and I would have liked to see more of Juliet and Psalm after the whole ordeal they went through but overall this was an enjoyable read.
This book had me laughing from page one! 😂 But underneath all the comedy, Juliet’s Echo touches on something much deeper: how families, especially in Black households, can sweep secrets under the rug in the name of protection without realizing the effects those secrets can have later.
Joliet is LOVED down by her family, and there is no questioning that. However, you also see how they overcompensate when it comes to protecting her, partly because of her disability and partly because they are carrying a secret that could completely change her life. Unfortunately, by keeping that secret from her, they unintentionally leave her vulnerable to people who don't have her best interests at heart.
I really enjoyed how this book could have me cracking up one minute and thinking about some real family dynamics the next. Sometimes protecting someone from the truth doesn't actually protect them. Sometimes it just leaves them unprepared when that truth eventually finds them.
The main reason this wasn't a 5-star read for me was the pacing in certain areas. One chapter has Joliet starting elementary school, and the next chapter she's in college. That was a HUGE jump, and I definitely think there could have been a smoother transition or a little more development between those stages of her life.
I also wanted more after everything was finally exposed. With such a major secret being at the center of the story, I wanted to sit in the aftermath a little longer. Give me the conversations, the emotions, the consequences...all of it! 😂
Overall, Juliet’s Echo gave me laughs, family, love, secrets, and a message that was much deeper than I expected going into it. Definitely an enjoyable read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Although the authors note forewarned us about a few things, what she left out was how disrespectfully grown these kids would be and how quickly we would be thrust into a time traveler situation. Back to the grown kids for a minute though, I am not sure why in the year of 2026 and with all the educational black excellence that our youth are showing all over every social media platform do some authors find time and amusement in portraying them in such a bad light? Within the first 5 minutes, Echo, at 15 was cussing like he had a mortgage and a 401K at both of his 2 FT jobs, and in front of AND with his parents no less. Then time travel 5 years and the "baby" is now cussing out of her mouth and via sign language too, and is described as the type of brat that everyone would want to have put out of a store. Now in a book universe where these characters literally could be anything else, THIS is what the author chose to start off with.
Unfortunately it didn't get any better for me after we Ffwd'd to "the baby's" college years. She was was a spoiled brat FMC surrounded by unnecessary lies. Lies that never got cleared up in the end. So much time was spent on things that didn't add to a resolution for the reader made me feel like my time had been wasted. Like WHAT WAS THE REASON!? As much as I really loved Snoh in December, I really disliked most of this book.
After reading Snoh in December I was really looking forward to the next book in the After Five collection because that first book was SO good! Unfortunately Juliet's Echo didn't quite live up to my expectations. I will say that I enjoyed the drama family secrets and plot twists throughout the story. There were some interesting revelations and I liked how certain things were hinted at early on but weren't fully revealed until later. I had my suspicions about a few things so it was interesting watching everything unfold and seeing whether I was right.
Where this book fell short for me was the ending. I wasn't really satisfied with how things wrapped up and I felt like certain parts of the storyline could've been developed a little more. I understand that this author has her own unique way of storytelling and doesn't necessarily give readers every single detail which I'm perfectly fine with. But in this case I felt like the story ended before I was completely satisfied with it.
Maybe part of my disappointment comes from how much I loved Snoh in December. That book set the bar pretty damn high and while this one had some entertaining moments it just didn't hit the same for me. One thing I do appreciate about this collection is that the books seem to work as standalones so you don't necessarily have to read them in order. I'm also curious to see which characters the author decides to focus on next.
In this one we have Juliet, we start off her story from her birth, age 5, and then a junior in collage. She is living life as the youngest and only girl sibling in her family. She also is living with a rare listening disorder but that never stopped her from doing things in life. Then comes along Pslam who is trying to go to medical school but has a passion for music. These two couldn’t be more opposite but they do say opposites attract.
I absolutely loved everything about this one. There were some highs and lows with this one. I definitely went into this thinking it was going to be a full blown love story but there were some twists and turns that took place that kept the story interesting. I loved Juliet and Pslam’s chemistry. My only thing was some of the intros to characters maybe could’ve had a smoother entrance into the book because at times I was like who is this person. Overall I can’t wait to read the next one.
When I tell you this book had me HOOKED from beginning to end… I mean it. 😭🤚🏽
The imagery? Incredible. The pacing? Perfect. The plot? Absolutely insane. Every single element came together so seamlessly. It genuinely felt like I was watching a movie unfold in my head.
I also loved how the story was told from multiple POVs. Instead of feeling confusing, each perspective added another layer and tied everything together beautifully.
I don’t even know how to write a proper review without spoiling it for future readers, so I’ll just say this: this book is 1000% worth reading. If I could erase my memory just to experience it again for the first time, I would.
Not once did I get bored. Not once did I get the ick. Not once did I lose interest or put my Kindle down because I “needed a break.” I was completely invested from the first page to the last.
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. I promise you won’t regret it.
I really enjoyed this one! Juliet and Echo were THAT brother-and-sister duo we all love. Big brother is overprotective, ready to shoot, and definitely has shooters on standby! 😂 And little sister Juliet? She’s living her life while carrying her own challenges, including a disability that was thoughtfully written in this story.
There were SECRETS all throughout this book, and every time I thought I had things figured out, something else popped up. This read like a good TV episode you know, the kind where you keep saying, “Okay, just one more chapter!”
Psalm and Juliet were a cute, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. The supporting characters were also a great addition. Optimus and Juliet’s besties brought some personality, humor, and extra flavor to the story.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with family drama, romance, secrets, and plenty to keep you turning the pages. Definitely enjoyed!
3.5/5 The premise of this book was really good, and I genuinely enjoyed all of the characters. I especially loved the representation surrounding Juliet’s disability—it felt meaningful and added another layer to the story.
That said, I felt like the structure was a bit off, especially with how the story progressed. Sloane’s POV in particular felt misplaced and didn’t really flow with the rest of the storyline. I also felt like the ending fell a little flat. Everything was technically wrapped up, but I was still left wanting certain things to be fleshed out and explored a bit more.
There were definitely parts of this book that I really enjoyed, and I think the story had a lot of potential. Overall, it was a good read, but the execution and pacing kept it from being a favorite for me.
Shanette Shanté completely knocked it out of the park with Juliet’s Echo! It’s the perfect mix of a gripping romantic thriller and a total slow-burn, emotional ride that you won’t want to put down. Juliet is such an amazing, resilient main character, and the protective, high-stakes energy from her brother Echo and her unexpected safe haven kept me hooked from the very first page. If you love Black romance packed with family drama, deep secrets, and intense chemistry, you absolutely need to add this After 5 Collection book to your TBR list ASAP.
Thank you to the author for this arc read. All opinions are my own.
My 2 revelations was that I knew Echo was that baby daddy by the way he exploded in that hospital!!!…I knew that Alonse was Sloane when Psalm described him!!!… But this book was definitely a good read and I love how the ppl around Juliet protected her!!!…I love how they did not treat her any differently, but spoiled her in the same breath!!!… Optimus was going to show up each and every time about his Godbaby!!!… I can’t wait to see what is next in this After 5 Collections!!!…
This was a cute story. Initially in the beginning I was a bit annoyed bc the Everette family is well to do not into gangs or drugs but Echo needs to have an entourage watching his family at all times. Yea they are famous but I felt like the guns and all was over the top, he couldn’t just be a good kid from a good neighborhood trying to make music. However past that, when we actually get to Juliet and Psalm, they have a sweet lil love story. But that last like 10% of the book was crazy and my suspicion was definitely confirmed. Read it, it’s cute enough and short.
I really enjoyed this read. The twists, and the revelations at the end of the story were also really good. I just wish we had more to the story at the end like the way Echo felt, and what lead them to make those decisions. Maybe a love story with Echo can give more insight. But overall it was a great read. I loved the fmc personality.
I can not believe how awesome this book was. I originally thought it was a love story, but it was so much more than that. You will be drawn in, attention kept, shocked and ready for the next book. Please continue to write these stories Ms. Shante. Thank you for sharing the Everett’s with us.
This book had me thinking something different but I will take what it did give me. The education behind Juliet's hearing and Echo protective nature. All the other in between is goodness combined for a good story with some psychotic plot twist.
Girl this was so good, i couldn't pull myself from the beautiful way this was weaved. I could honestly picture this as a show. I love Juju and Choo choo. the love this family showed each other was so intricate. You did that!!! 💞💞💞
This book was so good I need a part 2 of them. I thought it would be a follow up from Snoh in December but its not however this story didn’t disappoint ☺️ and I rarely leave reviews 10/10
This was such a perfect book! I’m so glad that I had an opportunity to read this! Juliet was definitely such an amazing character, and I thoroughly enjoyed following her journey into adulthood. I highly recommend this book.
4.5 stars. This book was so darn good. There was love and action. JuJu seemed like such a sweet girl and Psalm was just that dude. I need a visual of him. I was not surprised by the twist and I hope one day the author will go a little deeper about that but overall this book was fantastic.
I really enjoyed this book. It had drama, secrets, love, and action! It’s my first book by this author and I’m looking forward to reading more. Don’t miss out on Juliet’s Echo!
This book gives you a little bit of everything. Between the romance, emotional charged highs, the back in forth banter between the characters and the suspenseful moments this book was truly everything!! I would for sure recommend this book!
This was my first read by the author and it won’t be my last!!
*Thank you to the author and Love In Color for the ARC *