What do you think?
Rate this book
What's Not Said
2021 CIBA Chatelaine Book Awards First Place Winner
Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease—something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom—at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save—her husband’s or her own?
Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease—something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom—at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save—her husband’s or her own?
316 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2020
About the author
Valerie Taylor
6 books348 followersValerie Taylor lives in Connecticut and considers herself a typical "average Jane." She might remind you of the reclusive neighbor who fancies herself a novelist. Unlike many of her peers whom she admires, she does NOT have a degree in literature. But she is the award-winning author of the romantic comedy trilogy: What's Not SAID, What's Not TRUE, What's Not LOST. The roots of those three novels, as well as the first two books in the Venus Bixby Mystery series—A WHALE OF A MURDER and SWITCHED AT DEATH—most likely took hold during her early years watching Carol Burnett, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, and The Twilight Zone. Her love of oldies music stems from hours listening and dancing to Elvis Presley and The Beatles, and being in the Bobby Darin fan club.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
August 26, 2021
EXCERPT: Kassie spent much of the first half of their marriage trying to save it, and most of the second half trying to escape it.
Several years ago, well at least over the last four to be sure, she'd start each year with one goal: get the hell out. And then something unpredictable, either work or family related, derailed her, making her put off what she knew deep in her heart she had to do.
ABOUT 'WHAT'S NOT SAID': Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease—something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom—at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save—her husband’s or her own?
MY THOUGHTS: I started What's Not Said by Valerie Taylor with high hopes. Unfortunately, as I read, I became increasingly disenchanted. No doubt there are plenty of people who have marriages like Kassie and Mike. But the more I read of them, the less I liked them, and I really didn't care what happened to them. They were as bad as one another and probably deserved each other.
Then we meet Kassie's lover, and the storyline deteriorated even more. Large tracts are given over to the characters sexual exploits. While it is not explicit I didn't find it particularly enjoyable and I found myself skimming and even skipping pages. By the time I got to 44% I was skipping more than I was reading, so I decided to abandon this read.
I am no prude and I don't mind sex scenes in my reading matter as long as it is relevant and fitting. With What's Not Said, I felt that the storyline (if indeed there was one) existed merely as a device to string the sex scenes together.
I am well aware that I am very much on my own with my feelings on What's Not Said, and that it may well be a book that you enjoy, so please check out a selection of the very many positive reviews.
⭐
#WhatsNotSaid #NetGalley
I: @valerieetaylor @ shewritespress
T: @TaylorsTracker
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama
THE AUTHOR: Valerie Taylor was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. She earned a B.S. Marketing degree and an MBA from Sacred Heart University, as well as a graduate certificate in health care administration from Simmons University (formerly Simmons College). She had a thirty-year career in the financial services industry as a marketer and writer.
After her divorce, she spread her wings and relocated her career to Boston and then to Seattle. When she retired, she resettled in her home state to be near her two grown children and granddaughter. She enjoys practicing tai chi and being an expert sports spectator.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to She Writes Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of What's Not Said by Valerie Taylor for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Several years ago, well at least over the last four to be sure, she'd start each year with one goal: get the hell out. And then something unpredictable, either work or family related, derailed her, making her put off what she knew deep in her heart she had to do.
ABOUT 'WHAT'S NOT SAID': Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease—something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom—at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save—her husband’s or her own?
MY THOUGHTS: I started What's Not Said by Valerie Taylor with high hopes. Unfortunately, as I read, I became increasingly disenchanted. No doubt there are plenty of people who have marriages like Kassie and Mike. But the more I read of them, the less I liked them, and I really didn't care what happened to them. They were as bad as one another and probably deserved each other.
Then we meet Kassie's lover, and the storyline deteriorated even more. Large tracts are given over to the characters sexual exploits. While it is not explicit I didn't find it particularly enjoyable and I found myself skimming and even skipping pages. By the time I got to 44% I was skipping more than I was reading, so I decided to abandon this read.
I am no prude and I don't mind sex scenes in my reading matter as long as it is relevant and fitting. With What's Not Said, I felt that the storyline (if indeed there was one) existed merely as a device to string the sex scenes together.
I am well aware that I am very much on my own with my feelings on What's Not Said, and that it may well be a book that you enjoy, so please check out a selection of the very many positive reviews.
⭐
#WhatsNotSaid #NetGalley
I: @valerieetaylor @ shewritespress
T: @TaylorsTracker
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama
THE AUTHOR: Valerie Taylor was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. She earned a B.S. Marketing degree and an MBA from Sacred Heart University, as well as a graduate certificate in health care administration from Simmons University (formerly Simmons College). She had a thirty-year career in the financial services industry as a marketer and writer.
After her divorce, she spread her wings and relocated her career to Boston and then to Seattle. When she retired, she resettled in her home state to be near her two grown children and granddaughter. She enjoys practicing tai chi and being an expert sports spectator.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to She Writes Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of What's Not Said by Valerie Taylor for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 29, 2020
Q:
Kassie prided herself on being a control freak—not the my-way-or-the-highway kind of bitch, rather the do-the-right-things-right stickler for details. (c)
Delightful.
Kassie(KO) is a control freak whose life is out of control. She can't stay motivated enough to file for a divorce and it has been going on for at least 4 years.
She's got a whole lot of things to solve and as soon as she manages to start doing just that, all crumbles apart.
Mike's being an asshole. Has been since ages.
Chris's being something else. And he does get preachy, even for all his sweet blue-eyed self.
Annie does approve of Chris but she's also being quite moralistic about Kassie's great timing (not so!).
Lots of improbable happenings go on piling up…. Poor Kassie, her ESP is no match for all this ring of coincidences that she finds herself in the middle of. A hilarious ride with a great wrap up.
Q:
Kassie would freely admit she also had a well-developed time management gene. The best part of her day was when she planned the next. …
So imagine what was going on inside her highly compartmentalized mind when the day hadn’t started quite the way she’d intended. (c)
Q:
Ever since he was her Italian professor in college, she approached him with deference, expecting him to grade her every performance. And grade her he did, as a student, a lover, a wife. …
He was her college professor, and she’d do just about anything for him, especially when it involved his boxer shorts. (c)
Q:
To stay motivated, she established annual mini bargains. If she filed for divorce, she’d buy a new car, or a diamond ring, or take a cruise around the world. Yet, even her mind games hadn’t worked. (c)
Q:
I’m an observer of life, and just lucky in my guesses, I guess. (c)
Q:
Just chill. I’m good with pussies.”
“Great. I’m panicking and you’re joking.” (c)
Q:
“Do you ever send texts with hearts to your male co-workers?” ...
“Can’t say that I do. The middle digit occasionally.” (c)
Q:
She assumed her normal position in the middle of the long glass conference table and opened her light purple Moleskine notebook to a blank page. With her purple ballpoint pen, she scribbled the date and the words, “duct tape,” and underlined it twice, reminding her to stifle Bad Kassie if needed. This subtle personal warning had saved her on more than one occasion from opening her mouth and inserting her foot. (c)
Kassie prided herself on being a control freak—not the my-way-or-the-highway kind of bitch, rather the do-the-right-things-right stickler for details. (c)
Delightful.
Kassie(KO) is a control freak whose life is out of control. She can't stay motivated enough to file for a divorce and it has been going on for at least 4 years.
She's got a whole lot of things to solve and as soon as she manages to start doing just that, all crumbles apart.
Mike's being an asshole. Has been since ages.
Chris's being something else. And he does get preachy, even for all his sweet blue-eyed self.
Annie does approve of Chris but she's also being quite moralistic about Kassie's great timing (not so!).
Lots of improbable happenings go on piling up…. Poor Kassie, her ESP is no match for all this ring of coincidences that she finds herself in the middle of. A hilarious ride with a great wrap up.
Q:
Kassie would freely admit she also had a well-developed time management gene. The best part of her day was when she planned the next. …
So imagine what was going on inside her highly compartmentalized mind when the day hadn’t started quite the way she’d intended. (c)
Q:
Ever since he was her Italian professor in college, she approached him with deference, expecting him to grade her every performance. And grade her he did, as a student, a lover, a wife. …
He was her college professor, and she’d do just about anything for him, especially when it involved his boxer shorts. (c)
Q:
To stay motivated, she established annual mini bargains. If she filed for divorce, she’d buy a new car, or a diamond ring, or take a cruise around the world. Yet, even her mind games hadn’t worked. (c)
Q:
I’m an observer of life, and just lucky in my guesses, I guess. (c)
Q:
Just chill. I’m good with pussies.”
“Great. I’m panicking and you’re joking.” (c)
Q:
“Do you ever send texts with hearts to your male co-workers?” ...
“Can’t say that I do. The middle digit occasionally.” (c)
Q:
She assumed her normal position in the middle of the long glass conference table and opened her light purple Moleskine notebook to a blank page. With her purple ballpoint pen, she scribbled the date and the words, “duct tape,” and underlined it twice, reminding her to stifle Bad Kassie if needed. This subtle personal warning had saved her on more than one occasion from opening her mouth and inserting her foot. (c)
November 11, 2020
A bit underwhelming in terms of the characters and the soap opera style plot. I think what it comes down to is I never felt invested in the characters and therefore I didn't really care all that much about their messy lives. The aspects of the story that were meant to be shocking just didn't pack a punch in my eyes. To be fair though, I grew up during the heyday of both daytime and nighttime soaps so just about everything I've seen before and it's hard to catch me completely off guard.
Kassie O’Callaghan has wanted to leave her husband, Mike, for awhile now but she needed to get all her ducks in a row, so to speak. She's been having an affair with a guy named Chris and he's moving into town so they can live together. She's finally ready to set her plan in motion and tell her husband she wants a divorce. But before she is able to discuss it with him, Mike ends up in the hospital. And that's when Kassie finds out Mike was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease years ago and never told her. Perhaps announcing your intentions to divorce is not ideal timing when your husband is in the hospital.
The story follows multiple characters but in my opinion, Kassie is the lead character. When it comes to fiction, I don't mind an adultery plot and it isn't a factor in whether or not I like certain characters. The characters in this book just didn't come alive on the pages if that makes any sense. It didn't seem like there was a compelling reason for me to care about any of them. I almost wish the author would have cranked up the craziness a few notches and made the characters so outlandish so they were fun in a love to hate type way. Instead, I didn't find them fascinating and somehow they came across as boring.
Just my two cents. Judging by other reviews, many readers enjoyed the book. Sometimes characters click with you, and unfortunately that just wasn't the case for me with this particular book.
I won a free copy of this book in a BookTrib giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review.
Kassie O’Callaghan has wanted to leave her husband, Mike, for awhile now but she needed to get all her ducks in a row, so to speak. She's been having an affair with a guy named Chris and he's moving into town so they can live together. She's finally ready to set her plan in motion and tell her husband she wants a divorce. But before she is able to discuss it with him, Mike ends up in the hospital. And that's when Kassie finds out Mike was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease years ago and never told her. Perhaps announcing your intentions to divorce is not ideal timing when your husband is in the hospital.
The story follows multiple characters but in my opinion, Kassie is the lead character. When it comes to fiction, I don't mind an adultery plot and it isn't a factor in whether or not I like certain characters. The characters in this book just didn't come alive on the pages if that makes any sense. It didn't seem like there was a compelling reason for me to care about any of them. I almost wish the author would have cranked up the craziness a few notches and made the characters so outlandish so they were fun in a love to hate type way. Instead, I didn't find them fascinating and somehow they came across as boring.
Just my two cents. Judging by other reviews, many readers enjoyed the book. Sometimes characters click with you, and unfortunately that just wasn't the case for me with this particular book.
I won a free copy of this book in a BookTrib giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review.
October 17, 2020
Thank you Iread Book Tours for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
What's Not Said
By: Valerie Taylor
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Valerie Taylor's debut novel, What's Not Said, is a story fit for debate. I can envision this book being a popular choice for book clubs.
Kassie has decided to leave her emotionally abusive husband, Mike. Her decision is based on years of being Mike's personal slave, waiting on him hand and foot. When they married, he was a professor and she a student. That is just all kinds of wrong. Kassie's plans are thwarted when she discovers that Mike has a serious health problem. How can she leave her sick husband and live with that decision?
Kassie has secrets, too. There is another man, Chris, whom she met five years ago on a solo vacation. But, to further complicate the situation, Chris is hiding something from Kassie, and Mike has more than one skeleton in his closet. Does Kassie stay with a man she doesn't love out of obligation? Should she be with the man she loves for her own sake? I honestly have no idea what I would do if it were my decision. There are pros and cons either way.
What's Not Said is definitely thought provoking and compelling. None of the characters are particularly likeable, but their flaws authentic the relatable human qualities they do possess. If you want layers of complexity, hard questions, moral dilemmas and a story that keeps you reading way past bedtime, this is it.
What's Not Said
By: Valerie Taylor
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Valerie Taylor's debut novel, What's Not Said, is a story fit for debate. I can envision this book being a popular choice for book clubs.
Kassie has decided to leave her emotionally abusive husband, Mike. Her decision is based on years of being Mike's personal slave, waiting on him hand and foot. When they married, he was a professor and she a student. That is just all kinds of wrong. Kassie's plans are thwarted when she discovers that Mike has a serious health problem. How can she leave her sick husband and live with that decision?
Kassie has secrets, too. There is another man, Chris, whom she met five years ago on a solo vacation. But, to further complicate the situation, Chris is hiding something from Kassie, and Mike has more than one skeleton in his closet. Does Kassie stay with a man she doesn't love out of obligation? Should she be with the man she loves for her own sake? I honestly have no idea what I would do if it were my decision. There are pros and cons either way.
What's Not Said is definitely thought provoking and compelling. None of the characters are particularly likeable, but their flaws authentic the relatable human qualities they do possess. If you want layers of complexity, hard questions, moral dilemmas and a story that keeps you reading way past bedtime, this is it.
July 13, 2021
Valerie Taylor writes women’s fiction like no other. In this gripping read and jaw dropping drama full of lies, deceit and oh so many unexpected secrets and surprises, I was certainly drawn in by the twists and turns of this page turner.
I enjoyed this wonderful style of storytelling.
I was intrigued and highly entertained.
I enjoyed it!
I enjoyed this wonderful style of storytelling.
I was intrigued and highly entertained.
I enjoyed it!
August 31, 2020
well this was a crazy ride
May 24, 2021
Whats Not Said...
Is A Book that totally kept me interested till the last page. I wanted more.
A story about a couple who once was in love. However time changes everything. Growing apart wasn't part of the plan.
Mike, the husband has secrets. Secrets that would be hard on any marriage. Not one but a few..
Secrets from his past, that weren't meant to come out .
Kassie The wife, has a few of her own secrets.
Kassies marriage has been over for many years for her, practicing the speech. How to tell Mike.
But then Mike Ending up in the hospital..so no this wasn't the right time.. the longer it takes the more she learns Mike's hiding.
Then there's the Letter. From her mom. That Final straw.
This is Definitely one Book that grabs you. And Doesn't let go.
Now I'm looking forward to Book 2.
Is A Book that totally kept me interested till the last page. I wanted more.
A story about a couple who once was in love. However time changes everything. Growing apart wasn't part of the plan.
Mike, the husband has secrets. Secrets that would be hard on any marriage. Not one but a few..
Secrets from his past, that weren't meant to come out .
Kassie The wife, has a few of her own secrets.
Kassies marriage has been over for many years for her, practicing the speech. How to tell Mike.
But then Mike Ending up in the hospital..so no this wasn't the right time.. the longer it takes the more she learns Mike's hiding.
Then there's the Letter. From her mom. That Final straw.
This is Definitely one Book that grabs you. And Doesn't let go.
Now I'm looking forward to Book 2.
March 18, 2021
Looking for that book that you can’t put down? Something that consumes you completely and you can’t stop reading until you are finished? That “one sitting” read? Trying to find that book that gets you out of your reading rut? I have it right here!
Some of the best books I’ve ever read have been introduced to me on book tours. A lot of them are ones that aren’t the “big name” authors that most people pass by. WHAT’S NOT SAID happens to be one of those books, and after reading it I can honestly say it is one of my most favorite reads of this year, and I am anxiously awaiting the sequel that comes out later this fall.
WHAT’S NOT SAID is about Kassie O’Callaghan and he longstanding plans to divorce her husband. Mike is emotionally abusive, secretive and not interested in intimacy with her. But on the weekend she plans to tell him she’s filed for divorce he emergently ends up in the hospital with chronic kidney disease - something he’s been hiding from her for years. While Mike is being admitted to the hospital, Kassie heads home to gather an overnight bag for him and happens upon more locked away secrets in his underwear drawer that make his kidney disease secret seem insignificant.
But Kassie has been hiding secrets of her own, and she’s no angel. While vowing to help Mike with his disease they both face off over each of their hidden secrets, lies, and deceit. The more Kassie finds out from Mike, the more she struggles with her own decisions, and realizes in helping Mike she may threaten herself and her own future.
A brilliant debut. Completely pulls you in immediately and is unputdownable. I read this novel in one sitting and am anxiously awaiting the sequel this fall. Taylor’s writing is gripping and entertaining with realistic characters and true to life scenerios. There is drama galore with a bit of humor and snark. You can’t help but route for Kassie, she’s the imperfect protagonist that just wants to be happy, and Mike is the perfect man you love to hate. This book is everything you are looking for in a captivating read. I absolutely loved it. Hard to believe this is Taylors first book. Highly recommend.
Some of the best books I’ve ever read have been introduced to me on book tours. A lot of them are ones that aren’t the “big name” authors that most people pass by. WHAT’S NOT SAID happens to be one of those books, and after reading it I can honestly say it is one of my most favorite reads of this year, and I am anxiously awaiting the sequel that comes out later this fall.
WHAT’S NOT SAID is about Kassie O’Callaghan and he longstanding plans to divorce her husband. Mike is emotionally abusive, secretive and not interested in intimacy with her. But on the weekend she plans to tell him she’s filed for divorce he emergently ends up in the hospital with chronic kidney disease - something he’s been hiding from her for years. While Mike is being admitted to the hospital, Kassie heads home to gather an overnight bag for him and happens upon more locked away secrets in his underwear drawer that make his kidney disease secret seem insignificant.
But Kassie has been hiding secrets of her own, and she’s no angel. While vowing to help Mike with his disease they both face off over each of their hidden secrets, lies, and deceit. The more Kassie finds out from Mike, the more she struggles with her own decisions, and realizes in helping Mike she may threaten herself and her own future.
A brilliant debut. Completely pulls you in immediately and is unputdownable. I read this novel in one sitting and am anxiously awaiting the sequel this fall. Taylor’s writing is gripping and entertaining with realistic characters and true to life scenerios. There is drama galore with a bit of humor and snark. You can’t help but route for Kassie, she’s the imperfect protagonist that just wants to be happy, and Mike is the perfect man you love to hate. This book is everything you are looking for in a captivating read. I absolutely loved it. Hard to believe this is Taylors first book. Highly recommend.
March 24, 2021
I’m always glad to see when a book shows that middle-aged people can still have great sex. Uh um.. but here we have a married couple both unknowingly having great sex - just not with each other!
Kassie O’Callaghan has this all planned out. She is finally telling her husband Mike that she wants a divorce. Then she can move in with her younger boyfriend who she has been having a fling with for five years. Yep, it’s finally going to happen.
Until Mike ends up in the hospital. Kassie then learns that Mike has kept from her that he has Chronic Kidney Disease. He has hidden it from her for years, but now it has progressed. She decides that she needs to put off the divorce, for now, but while Mike is in the hospital Kassie does some snooping.
Finding some keys and a lockbox, she discovers that Mike has been lying to her about many things throughout their marriage. But she doesn’t know the half of it; only her deceased mother does.
Before you say this Mike guy is a real piece of work, she should just leave him to suffer, just know Kassie is no saint either. Now I’m not one for cheaters, so yes I was shaking my head at these two, but then the next minute they had me laughing. Taylor’s infectious writing had me flipping pages to know what happened next. When Kassie promises to help Mike find a donor, their lies and secrets start to unravel just like the double helix of DNA.
I can’t wait for book two What’s Not True later this year.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @valerieetaylor for this #gifted book.
Kassie O’Callaghan has this all planned out. She is finally telling her husband Mike that she wants a divorce. Then she can move in with her younger boyfriend who she has been having a fling with for five years. Yep, it’s finally going to happen.
Until Mike ends up in the hospital. Kassie then learns that Mike has kept from her that he has Chronic Kidney Disease. He has hidden it from her for years, but now it has progressed. She decides that she needs to put off the divorce, for now, but while Mike is in the hospital Kassie does some snooping.
Finding some keys and a lockbox, she discovers that Mike has been lying to her about many things throughout their marriage. But she doesn’t know the half of it; only her deceased mother does.
Before you say this Mike guy is a real piece of work, she should just leave him to suffer, just know Kassie is no saint either. Now I’m not one for cheaters, so yes I was shaking my head at these two, but then the next minute they had me laughing. Taylor’s infectious writing had me flipping pages to know what happened next. When Kassie promises to help Mike find a donor, their lies and secrets start to unravel just like the double helix of DNA.
I can’t wait for book two What’s Not True later this year.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @valerieetaylor for this #gifted book.
February 14, 2021
Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “What’s Not Said” by Valerie Taylor, She Writes Press, 2020 On tour with Suzy Approved Book Tours
Valerie Taylor, the author of “What’s Not Said” has written a thought-provoking, intriguing and memorable story that revolves around secrets, betrayals, and unpredictable events. The genres for this story are domestic fiction, contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, and fiction. There is a dash of romance, and suspense added to this story. The timeline is set in the author’s present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her characters as flawed, complicated, and complex.
In a relationship, if “something is not said, would you consider that something truthfully and honest communication? Kassie is determined to divorce her emotionally abusive and demanding husband until she finds out that he is very sick. When he goes to the hospital, and she has to get some of his things, she realizes that her husband has kept secrets, and has betrayed her. Her husband also kept his poor health diagnosis hidden from Kassie as well.
Kassie has not been honest either in communicating with her husband. There are secrets she has kept from him as well. There are many surprises and unexpected coincidences that had me at the edge of my seat. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking and intriguing novel for other readers.
Valerie Taylor, the author of “What’s Not Said” has written a thought-provoking, intriguing and memorable story that revolves around secrets, betrayals, and unpredictable events. The genres for this story are domestic fiction, contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, and fiction. There is a dash of romance, and suspense added to this story. The timeline is set in the author’s present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her characters as flawed, complicated, and complex.
In a relationship, if “something is not said, would you consider that something truthfully and honest communication? Kassie is determined to divorce her emotionally abusive and demanding husband until she finds out that he is very sick. When he goes to the hospital, and she has to get some of his things, she realizes that her husband has kept secrets, and has betrayed her. Her husband also kept his poor health diagnosis hidden from Kassie as well.
Kassie has not been honest either in communicating with her husband. There are secrets she has kept from him as well. There are many surprises and unexpected coincidences that had me at the edge of my seat. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking and intriguing novel for other readers.
July 19, 2020
Kassie O’Callaghan wants to get on with life, move on. She wants to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and start a life with Chris, who she met while in Venice. Chris has a secret and when it is revealed their worlds will collide. Chris does not want Kassie hurt but Kassie must help him get an organ donor......
Fast paced, well structured with a plot that makes you think and feel, What's Not Said is a novel I am glad I was approved for.
What's Not Said is about relationships, secrets lies and learning to trust again.
Thanks to Valerie Taylor and She Writes Press for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
Fast paced, well structured with a plot that makes you think and feel, What's Not Said is a novel I am glad I was approved for.
What's Not Said is about relationships, secrets lies and learning to trust again.
Thanks to Valerie Taylor and She Writes Press for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
October 5, 2020
In What’s Not Said, debut novelist Valerie Taylor gives us a great read. It is a saucy tale of a woman who has found a younger lover and wants to divorce her lying husband. The story flows well and the characters are multifaceted. Yet it’s so much more than that. It’s about secrets and lies and their impact on our relationships and our lives. In addition, the book raises moral and ethical dilemmas about adoption and organ transplants. It accurately portrays Chronic Kidney Disease and its consequences. On the surface, it’s an enjoyable, titillating read, but it also will make you ponder some important questions. I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel: What’s Not True!
February 15, 2021
Kassie wants a divorce from her husband Mike and she’s been wanting/ planning the divorce for a while now . He’s emotionally abusive and it doesn’t help that he had been her professor when they met. Many years ago she met a man named Chris while on vacation, and she’s been having an affair with him. Well he’s nows moving to town so they can be together. Before she can reveal she wants a divorce Mike ends up in the hospital. At the hospital they are informed Mike has Kidney disease and he was told years ago and he never told her. Shocked she puts off the divorce until she can figure out everything. but not everyone is being honest and it seems likes everyone has a secret their keeping. Kassie is faced with many obligations does she stay with her husband because he’s sick, be with the man she’s fallen in love with? The story follows multiple characters and it has quite a few twists and turns, and causes the readers to think about how so many woman put others needs before themselves, I don’t condone adultery , I felt for Kassie and her situation, but myself who has gone to therapy I’m a firm believer in finding happiness within yourself and it’s ok to say no and finding time for yourself. I’m giving this four stars.
June 17, 2021
Satisfying
Well, I went into this read with my eyes open, not again being my usual read. My fav is fantasy romance. But I had to say I really enjoyed it. It was well written and flowed. And the heroine, my sympathies are all for her, being able to relate so much to the life and lies she has been told. I found myself willing her to let her husband have it … lol I would have said a lot more. But I’m a sucker for a hea, , And the end was great…
Well, I went into this read with my eyes open, not again being my usual read. My fav is fantasy romance. But I had to say I really enjoyed it. It was well written and flowed. And the heroine, my sympathies are all for her, being able to relate so much to the life and lies she has been told. I found myself willing her to let her husband have it … lol I would have said a lot more. But I’m a sucker for a hea, , And the end was great…
November 18, 2020
If you like contemporary novels about a feisty woman facing unexpected complications in her marriage, this novel should be on your TBR list. The twists and turns will keep you reading, as will the excellent writing, and, oh, how could I forget, there are also steamy scenes with a handsome young lover to enjoy as well.
August 9, 2021
This would be a great book club pick.Lots of themes to discuss and take sides on. Compelling enough you want to keep reading. It keeps your interest even when you want to reach into pages and smack some sense into them. Not what I was expecting or my usual genre/ theme, but that said I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the sequel when it comes out.
October 2, 2021
WHAT’S NOT SAID was a great women's fiction book that I found to be a great read! I really liked Kassie O’Callaghan and boy did she take me a tear jerkier of a ride. There were times were I just wanted her to forget about her husband and walk away and other times where I felt like I could really understand her choices and sympathize.
May 18, 2021
What’s Not Said by Valerie Taylor kept me turning the pages! In a story compiled of such realistic characters, I was reminded how life is rarely lived by absolutes. The events experienced by characters in the book were perceived differently by them all, even down to their interpretations of right and wrong.
I was drawn to how Kassie loves to organize and plan her life with Post-it notes, lists, and notebooks always on hand. I loved that reoccurring personality trait throughout the book that I completely relate to! I also loved piecing together clues from each plot twist and reveal as if I was reading a mystery novel while I also got to laugh along the way!
Virtual book club members of Book Club-Hosted by Heather Skinner voted for What’s Not Said to be our May 2021 book of the Month and it is a perfect book club read that I highly recommend! Author Valerie Taylor was graciously in close contact with our book club all throughout the month while we read her book. She had the foresight to provide an amazing book club discussion resource at the end of her novel for a perfect follow-along opportunity that every book club can enjoy! I am excited to read the adventure these characters go on next in her sequel coming out in August and to see what fun and creative works she will continue to surprise us with after that!
-Heather Skinner
I was drawn to how Kassie loves to organize and plan her life with Post-it notes, lists, and notebooks always on hand. I loved that reoccurring personality trait throughout the book that I completely relate to! I also loved piecing together clues from each plot twist and reveal as if I was reading a mystery novel while I also got to laugh along the way!
Virtual book club members of Book Club-Hosted by Heather Skinner voted for What’s Not Said to be our May 2021 book of the Month and it is a perfect book club read that I highly recommend! Author Valerie Taylor was graciously in close contact with our book club all throughout the month while we read her book. She had the foresight to provide an amazing book club discussion resource at the end of her novel for a perfect follow-along opportunity that every book club can enjoy! I am excited to read the adventure these characters go on next in her sequel coming out in August and to see what fun and creative works she will continue to surprise us with after that!
-Heather Skinner
May 28, 2021
I was drawn into this story from the very beginning, and it is a real roller coaster ride, with Kassie, Mike and Chris and all the lies between them, all unsaid. The story is a realistic view of a crumbling marriage, though, with characters that are both endearing and flawed. I found the character of Kassie quite relatable, because of her complexity; there was her bad side, her controlling side and her compassionate side, which all seemed to appear at surprising times. I found myself rooting for her throughout the whole book, and wanted her to find a solution to the mess she was in. I thought I could guess what would happen, but thanks to the delightful quirkiness of Kassie and the characters in this book, I could not have predicted the satisfying ending. This is a captivating debut novel and I highly recommend it.
February 27, 2022
This is a fun and entertaining novel packed with so many plot twists and turns! Kassie O'Callaghan is desperate to escape her marriage to Mike, who feels like a stranger to her. But her plans to move in with her younger boyfriend are derailed when she finds out her husband has chronic kidney disease. This is a fascinating portrait of a disintegrating marriage with deeply flawed, relatable characters. This story is filled with so many secrets and lies that I wondered if the truth would ever come out. What's Not Said is a real page-turner!
September 18, 2020
Large number of readers enjoy the books that talk about two young people who fall in love, going through ups and downs during their realization time, and end up cherishing their love forever and live happily ever after.Old-time and modern fairy tales. But is happily ever after always possible? If you want to read a book that talks about the problems that may arise after the marriage vows are said, for a slightly different story, then you should definitely read ‘What's Not Said’ by Valerie Taylor.
Kassie O’Callaghan and her husband Mike, a married couple, had had the opportunity to enjoy their love and marital happiness, but somehow got lost halfway. And now the divorce is knocking on their door. Cassie is burdened by her daily life, as well as the emotional abuse of her husband. But aren’t two needed for a tango?Well, the same applies to marriage. If we put her lover, Chris and some other details in the picture, it is clear that she is far from an victim. After 30 long years, she decides that it is time to seek happiness. But do our plans and wishes always come true? Or can throw a curved ball when we least expect it?
I have to agree that parts of the book seemed a bit contradictory to me, but I have to mention that some parts are really thought-provoking and inspiring. The subtle message of open communication and conversation as an essential part of the success of a marriage is so skillfully woven throughout the story. The plot is excellent and well-presented, just enough to hold the reader's attention without bothering him.
The style of the writer is very solid, it can be said that it is excellent for a debut work. It must be noted that her skill to lead through the story, allowing the reader to understand the past as well is absolutely masterful. The perspectives through which the story is told allow the reader to have an insight into the characters, and the opportunity to look at the story from different angles and to understand it.
Yes, we definitely sometimes need to look outside of the box, outside of our favorite genre so that we can find a book that deserves to be read. A work whose hidden message requires us to scratch a little deeper under the surface so that we can see its beauty.Definitely, this one deserves attention.
Kassie O’Callaghan and her husband Mike, a married couple, had had the opportunity to enjoy their love and marital happiness, but somehow got lost halfway. And now the divorce is knocking on their door. Cassie is burdened by her daily life, as well as the emotional abuse of her husband. But aren’t two needed for a tango?Well, the same applies to marriage. If we put her lover, Chris and some other details in the picture, it is clear that she is far from an victim. After 30 long years, she decides that it is time to seek happiness. But do our plans and wishes always come true? Or can throw a curved ball when we least expect it?
I have to agree that parts of the book seemed a bit contradictory to me, but I have to mention that some parts are really thought-provoking and inspiring. The subtle message of open communication and conversation as an essential part of the success of a marriage is so skillfully woven throughout the story. The plot is excellent and well-presented, just enough to hold the reader's attention without bothering him.
The style of the writer is very solid, it can be said that it is excellent for a debut work. It must be noted that her skill to lead through the story, allowing the reader to understand the past as well is absolutely masterful. The perspectives through which the story is told allow the reader to have an insight into the characters, and the opportunity to look at the story from different angles and to understand it.
Yes, we definitely sometimes need to look outside of the box, outside of our favorite genre so that we can find a book that deserves to be read. A work whose hidden message requires us to scratch a little deeper under the surface so that we can see its beauty.Definitely, this one deserves attention.
September 24, 2020
The characters in this novel are compelling, even if they themselves often don't know if they are coming or going. Mike loves Kassie but has secrets in his past and carries on casual affairs. Kassie loves Mike but decides to divorce him to live with her lover. The events that pull Kassie and Mike apart, and those that pull them together, keep you reading this book until the surprising end.
March 27, 2021
Although the characters are unlikeable What's Not Said has so many unexpected twists and turns. I did enjoy how Kassie did end up traveling and doing things she normally wouldn't with her husband. I can't wait to see what Taylor does with book two which will be released in August.
March 9, 2023
A different kind of book, with a very modern, albeit "middle-aged" heroine. I didn't know who I was rooting for, to begin with, and as the book progresses, the author deftly switched my allegiance from one character to another. With many twists and turns, this makes a perfect beach read, to keep you turning the pages. The title, What's Not Said, sounds innocuous enough, to begin with, but by the end of the book, I realized how much weight those words really carried. Recommended for book clubs - and it includes a reader's guide to get you thinking...
September 12, 2020
An excellent debut novel! Kassie O’Callaghan is a marketing executive who works in a larger firm. Her husband, Mike, is also in marketing at his own smaller company. They met in college, him a professor and she was his student and they’ve been married over twenty years. Marriage was difficult once the honeymoon period was over and Kassie came to terms with Mike’s controlling and emotionally abusive ways. She’s been conditioned to cater to Mike’s every whim and to his every need. He constantly made digs at Kassie and has her do everything for him. However, Kassie has wanted to divorce Mike a little over four years. As the novel said she spent the first half of her marriage trying to save her marriage and the other half trying to escape it. Every time Kassie thought about divorcing previously, something else would come up that would prevent her from following through. It’s very relatable to those in a marriage that they want to escape, but something that others might not understand holds them back.
During a solo trip to Venice, as Mike didn’t want to go, she meets Chris who is Mike’s current opposite. Where Mike doesn’t seem to care about Kassie, Chris makes sure Kassie’s needs are acknowledged. She soon starts a long distance affair with Chris as he lives in San Francisco and she lives in Boston.
At the beginning of our story, Kassie has finally decided to move forward with divorcing Mike and moving in with Chris as he relocates to Boston. The best laid plans though do not always come to fruition as the night Kassie is about to tell him about the divorce, Mike ends up in the ER with a medical condition. The title of the story What’s Not Said says it all about what comes next as secrets are revealed. There are twists and turns throughout the story that helped drive the story. One twist was very easy to guess early on, but it might not be as obvious to every reader. It does start out slower as the first two thirds of the novel take place in less than two weeks with many flashbacks to help the reader understand the past. These are necessary though in order to show the different sides of our three main characters are some chapters are told through Chris and Mike’s perspectives.
The overall theme shows the need for open communication in any relationship, whether it be family, friends, or romantic. Without this, there are lies and secrets that can be formed and trust that can be broken. It’s a very relatable story and makes you think about which path Kassie should take. Should she be with Chris and go along the path she planned or should she keep her marriage vow to stay with Mike in for better or worse and sickness and health?
I sympathized with Kassie about her dilemma, but it was difficult to fully comprehend that she seemed to only come up with two main choices to either choose Mike or Chris. She doesn’t fully put the option of choosing neither and trying to live on her own on the table, which is not a decision that everyone wants to even consider. Although Kassie wasn’t my favorite character (I didn’t fully like any of the characters), but I loved the way that you, as a reader, can still sympathize with her and just want everything to work out for her.
Again, I will repeat that this is a fantastic debut novel! It truly was hard to believe that this wasn’t one of many that the author has written. I believe there is a sequel in the works and I will definitely add it to my reading list!
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Feel free to check out more of my reviews at: https://chonkybooksreview.com/
During a solo trip to Venice, as Mike didn’t want to go, she meets Chris who is Mike’s current opposite. Where Mike doesn’t seem to care about Kassie, Chris makes sure Kassie’s needs are acknowledged. She soon starts a long distance affair with Chris as he lives in San Francisco and she lives in Boston.
At the beginning of our story, Kassie has finally decided to move forward with divorcing Mike and moving in with Chris as he relocates to Boston. The best laid plans though do not always come to fruition as the night Kassie is about to tell him about the divorce, Mike ends up in the ER with a medical condition. The title of the story What’s Not Said says it all about what comes next as secrets are revealed. There are twists and turns throughout the story that helped drive the story. One twist was very easy to guess early on, but it might not be as obvious to every reader. It does start out slower as the first two thirds of the novel take place in less than two weeks with many flashbacks to help the reader understand the past. These are necessary though in order to show the different sides of our three main characters are some chapters are told through Chris and Mike’s perspectives.
The overall theme shows the need for open communication in any relationship, whether it be family, friends, or romantic. Without this, there are lies and secrets that can be formed and trust that can be broken. It’s a very relatable story and makes you think about which path Kassie should take. Should she be with Chris and go along the path she planned or should she keep her marriage vow to stay with Mike in for better or worse and sickness and health?
I sympathized with Kassie about her dilemma, but it was difficult to fully comprehend that she seemed to only come up with two main choices to either choose Mike or Chris. She doesn’t fully put the option of choosing neither and trying to live on her own on the table, which is not a decision that everyone wants to even consider. Although Kassie wasn’t my favorite character (I didn’t fully like any of the characters), but I loved the way that you, as a reader, can still sympathize with her and just want everything to work out for her.
Again, I will repeat that this is a fantastic debut novel! It truly was hard to believe that this wasn’t one of many that the author has written. I believe there is a sequel in the works and I will definitely add it to my reading list!
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Feel free to check out more of my reviews at: https://chonkybooksreview.com/
November 28, 2021
What’s Not Said is a witty and entertaining rom-com written by Valerie Taylor. The narrative follows Kassie in the midst of concocting a plan to divorce her intolerable and emotionally abusive husband, Mike, which is suddenly halted by the revelation of Mike’s chronic kidney disease. The novel opens from Kassie’s point of view, in which the reader learns about all the hardships that Kassie had to endure under Mike’s hand; manipulation, lies, infidelity- the list is endless. Mike is painted as an archetypal storybook villain. But the plot thickens further when we are introduced to Mike’s point of view, and learn all the intricacies of the pair’s turbulent marriage. In this story, there seems to be no innocent party.
The main character Kassie is revealed to have a lot of dark secrets of her own, and at times this makes it harder to empathize with her. But Kassie is written with such humor and wit that it makes her so undeniably charming. So, while I found myself ultimately rooting for Kassie and her happiness, all the layers and intricacies of her situation make it very challenging to form the simplistic “A is the hero, B is the villain” perspective that most books typically command. This was intriguing, as it made the narrative more complex and urged me to continue reading to learn the entire context of the situation. Due to this, the story was gripping. Furthermore, there were so many twists and turns in the story, conflicts mimicking that of a soap opera. While some twists were a little predictable, several truly shocking ones kept me on the edge of my seat. The book only has a few characters, as the narrative events are centered heavily on Kassie and Mike’s relationship dynamics. Due to this, all the characters were explored fully, making the story feel more realistic and engaging. Taylor’s writing explored the characters and their perspectives deeply, so the narrative was richer and more interesting overall.
I loved the witty and vibrant writing style, and the characters were riveting overall. There was no end of surprises and layers to the story, keeping the reader on their toes at all times. I would love to read more of Taylor’s work in the future.
The main character Kassie is revealed to have a lot of dark secrets of her own, and at times this makes it harder to empathize with her. But Kassie is written with such humor and wit that it makes her so undeniably charming. So, while I found myself ultimately rooting for Kassie and her happiness, all the layers and intricacies of her situation make it very challenging to form the simplistic “A is the hero, B is the villain” perspective that most books typically command. This was intriguing, as it made the narrative more complex and urged me to continue reading to learn the entire context of the situation. Due to this, the story was gripping. Furthermore, there were so many twists and turns in the story, conflicts mimicking that of a soap opera. While some twists were a little predictable, several truly shocking ones kept me on the edge of my seat. The book only has a few characters, as the narrative events are centered heavily on Kassie and Mike’s relationship dynamics. Due to this, all the characters were explored fully, making the story feel more realistic and engaging. Taylor’s writing explored the characters and their perspectives deeply, so the narrative was richer and more interesting overall.
I loved the witty and vibrant writing style, and the characters were riveting overall. There was no end of surprises and layers to the story, keeping the reader on their toes at all times. I would love to read more of Taylor’s work in the future.
January 7, 2023
What’s Not Said
A Novel
By Valerie Taylor
Book Review by Sylvia Jacobs
It starts off with someone named Kassie being somewhat of a perfectionist.Today, was the day she had been planning for years. It was time to tell her husband that she filed for a divorce. All she had to do was get her husband Mike out of the hospital and back home so she could jumpstart the rest of her life. Kassie spent the first half of her marriage trying to save it and the second half of her marriage was spent trying to escape it. Kassie was a marketing executive, and was very successful.
Would Cassie's life have been different If she had children, she wondered about that. Did she give up too easily on her marriage, she wonders about that as well. She now finds out her husband has hid his chronic kidney disease from her for years. Will this now change her plans for getting a divorce?
What will Kassie find out in the middle of the book that will make her run out of the room, read and find out.
A positive thing about this book starts with the title. It is a perfect fit for the book. When you get towards the middle of the book you find out more and more. You will understand the cover with the key when you read it. You will also find out a lot at the end of the book as well.The ending of the book was so unpredictable and amazing. One will not guess it. I loved it. I loved reading the letter that Kassie’s mom left for her toward the end of the book, wow! The next book titled What's Not true is available now, so I must read it. You will want to read it too, after reading this book. This was definitely one of my favorite books that I have read.
There aren’t any negatives to be said about the book. The only negative is that I took my time to finish the last pages of the book. Pardon me, I only wanted more.
What would one rate this book you ask? 5 out of 5 stars hands down. Why do you ask? One will not want to put the book down. It was unpredictable. It is a must read, it shouldn’t be unread or one will miss out. It should win an award.
A Novel
By Valerie Taylor
Book Review by Sylvia Jacobs
It starts off with someone named Kassie being somewhat of a perfectionist.Today, was the day she had been planning for years. It was time to tell her husband that she filed for a divorce. All she had to do was get her husband Mike out of the hospital and back home so she could jumpstart the rest of her life. Kassie spent the first half of her marriage trying to save it and the second half of her marriage was spent trying to escape it. Kassie was a marketing executive, and was very successful.
Would Cassie's life have been different If she had children, she wondered about that. Did she give up too easily on her marriage, she wonders about that as well. She now finds out her husband has hid his chronic kidney disease from her for years. Will this now change her plans for getting a divorce?
What will Kassie find out in the middle of the book that will make her run out of the room, read and find out.
A positive thing about this book starts with the title. It is a perfect fit for the book. When you get towards the middle of the book you find out more and more. You will understand the cover with the key when you read it. You will also find out a lot at the end of the book as well.The ending of the book was so unpredictable and amazing. One will not guess it. I loved it. I loved reading the letter that Kassie’s mom left for her toward the end of the book, wow! The next book titled What's Not true is available now, so I must read it. You will want to read it too, after reading this book. This was definitely one of my favorite books that I have read.
There aren’t any negatives to be said about the book. The only negative is that I took my time to finish the last pages of the book. Pardon me, I only wanted more.
What would one rate this book you ask? 5 out of 5 stars hands down. Why do you ask? One will not want to put the book down. It was unpredictable. It is a must read, it shouldn’t be unread or one will miss out. It should win an award.
May 1, 2021
"What's Not Said" by Valerie Taylor is the May pick for one of my online book clubs. As the novel opens, Kassie O'Callaghan, a 54-year-old marketing/advertising executive, is on the verge of leaving her husband of more than 30 years, Mike Ricci, and moving in with Chris Gaines, the hot young lover she met five years earlier on a solo trip to Venice. Unfortunately, her meticulous plans go awry when Mike winds up in the hospital, and she learns he has chronic kidney disease -- has had it for the past several years, but hasn't told her about it. And that's not the only secret he's been keeping from her. Chris has a few secrets of his own too...
A few of the reviews I read on Goodreads used "soap opera" in their descriptions of this book, and I don't disagree. There is plot twist after plot twist after plot twist -- secrets and lies (and more secrets and lies) and miscommunication galore -- almost to the point of ridiculousness. (Also plenty of steamy stuff, for those who like it. ;) )
None of the characters is particularly likeable (and we get to view events from all three perspectives). I did like Cassie's best friend Annie, and I did appreciate that, in a youth-obsessed culture, Cassie & Mike were an older, childless couple in a long-term relationship, even if it wasn't a happy one. (Cassie had a miscarriage early in their marriage and we learn that Mike was reluctant to bring a baby into their lives, which drove a wedge between them.)
This wasn't a long nor difficult read, and I will admit that it did keep me turning the pages, just to find out what would ultimately happen. It's the first in a planned three-book series (the second expected in August). Not sure I will be picking up any of the sequels, but I will look forward to our book club discussion about this one!
3 stars.
A few of the reviews I read on Goodreads used "soap opera" in their descriptions of this book, and I don't disagree. There is plot twist after plot twist after plot twist -- secrets and lies (and more secrets and lies) and miscommunication galore -- almost to the point of ridiculousness. (Also plenty of steamy stuff, for those who like it. ;) )
None of the characters is particularly likeable (and we get to view events from all three perspectives). I did like Cassie's best friend Annie, and I did appreciate that, in a youth-obsessed culture, Cassie & Mike were an older, childless couple in a long-term relationship, even if it wasn't a happy one. (Cassie had a miscarriage early in their marriage and we learn that Mike was reluctant to bring a baby into their lives, which drove a wedge between them.)
This wasn't a long nor difficult read, and I will admit that it did keep me turning the pages, just to find out what would ultimately happen. It's the first in a planned three-book series (the second expected in August). Not sure I will be picking up any of the sequels, but I will look forward to our book club discussion about this one!
3 stars.
March 17, 2021
Ohhhh save the drama for this mama!
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Valerie Taylor for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Whew. What a dramatic ride...in a good way! Get ready to pick up this marriage expose. Perfect for the beach!
Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease—something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom—at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save—her husband’s or her own?
I was intrigued by the premise going in. Any kind of marriage shrouded by secrets is so appealing to me when done right. Obviously, as a wife, I am thankful my marriage doesn't look like this one, but I cannot help, but be enamored by the events in this story. Kassie is a dynamic character with such perfectly crafted personality that allows you to sink into this story and take in the lies and secrets. The plot was quick and witty. From the first page, I was laughing at the creative way Taylor spun words with humor and honesty. Yes, this story is serious in nature, but the writing was so engaging with dark humor. It added to the overall experience. Well-done!
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Valerie Taylor for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Whew. What a dramatic ride...in a good way! Get ready to pick up this marriage expose. Perfect for the beach!
Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease—something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom—at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save—her husband’s or her own?
I was intrigued by the premise going in. Any kind of marriage shrouded by secrets is so appealing to me when done right. Obviously, as a wife, I am thankful my marriage doesn't look like this one, but I cannot help, but be enamored by the events in this story. Kassie is a dynamic character with such perfectly crafted personality that allows you to sink into this story and take in the lies and secrets. The plot was quick and witty. From the first page, I was laughing at the creative way Taylor spun words with humor and honesty. Yes, this story is serious in nature, but the writing was so engaging with dark humor. It added to the overall experience. Well-done!
October 5, 2020
** Book Review **
Book: What’s Not Said by Valerie Taylor
Book Synopsis:
Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease―something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom―at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save―her husband’s or her own?
Book Review:
*****
Presenting the challenges of a long-failing marriage, What’s Not Said offers a glimpse into the life of Kassie; a professional, oft-controlling, driven woman who has planned her escape toward divorce down to the minute – or so she thought.
Over the course of a five-year period, this novel brings to the forefront the struggles and hurdles couples can face. Lies & deceit come to a head and Kassie has a decision to make. I was drawn into this story from the first chapter, Kassie is incredibly relatable – she’s stuck in a loveless marriage, and Ms. Taylor does a great job of drawing you in and holding your attention. In my opinion, there is no heroine or hero in this story – each character is guilty of something; and each character is a victim and villain in some way or the other. Each just as guilty of failing the other, as the next. It’s easy to identify with flawed characters, even if you yourself have never gone through what they’re going through – because no one is perfect.
Full of twists, turns, dips and unexpected instances keeps you gripped to the very last page. Make sure you don’t miss this one!
Thanks to @iReadBookTours, @SheWritesPress and @valerieetaylor for an Advanced Copy of this book in exchange for participation in this iReadBook Tour, and my honest review.
#allbookedupreviews #chicklit #bookstagram #romance #booklover #book #bookworm #bookstagrammer #teenlit #instabook #womensfiction #books #reading #novelromance #novelmetropop #drama #lectores #ol #authorsofinstagram #bookish #bookaddict #novel #fiction #youngadult #metropop #kindleunlimited #bookblogger #urbanfiction #booksofinstagram #bhfyp
Book: What’s Not Said by Valerie Taylor
Book Synopsis:
Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease―something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom―at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save―her husband’s or her own?
Book Review:
*****
Presenting the challenges of a long-failing marriage, What’s Not Said offers a glimpse into the life of Kassie; a professional, oft-controlling, driven woman who has planned her escape toward divorce down to the minute – or so she thought.
Over the course of a five-year period, this novel brings to the forefront the struggles and hurdles couples can face. Lies & deceit come to a head and Kassie has a decision to make. I was drawn into this story from the first chapter, Kassie is incredibly relatable – she’s stuck in a loveless marriage, and Ms. Taylor does a great job of drawing you in and holding your attention. In my opinion, there is no heroine or hero in this story – each character is guilty of something; and each character is a victim and villain in some way or the other. Each just as guilty of failing the other, as the next. It’s easy to identify with flawed characters, even if you yourself have never gone through what they’re going through – because no one is perfect.
Full of twists, turns, dips and unexpected instances keeps you gripped to the very last page. Make sure you don’t miss this one!
Thanks to @iReadBookTours, @SheWritesPress and @valerieetaylor for an Advanced Copy of this book in exchange for participation in this iReadBook Tour, and my honest review.
#allbookedupreviews #chicklit #bookstagram #romance #booklover #book #bookworm #bookstagrammer #teenlit #instabook #womensfiction #books #reading #novelromance #novelmetropop #drama #lectores #ol #authorsofinstagram #bookish #bookaddict #novel #fiction #youngadult #metropop #kindleunlimited #bookblogger #urbanfiction #booksofinstagram #bhfyp
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews