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California Love #1
Speechless
When life’s off-key, go to Malibu
Bestselling author Lucy Gold may write fairy tales for a living, but her own happily ever after is looking bleak. Seeking a fresh start after a sudden divorce on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, she decides to make a new life for herself and her service dog in Los Angeles. But when her living arrangements fall through just before takeoff, a handsome stranger offers to let her stay with him and his motley crew of musicians in Malibu. Her gallant hero? None other than Henry Turner, the award-winning composer whose music has held Lucy together while her life’s been crumbling apart.
Henry might be at the peak of his creative career, but his crippling anxiety throws his personal life completely out of tune. Yet all of that changes the longer Lucy stays with him and his housemates, swiftly becoming one of their own and offering Henry a glimpse of happiness he never thought possible. As their relationship deepens, Lucy’s attraction to Henry cannot be denied, but as she works through the aftermath of her divorce, she’s resigned to give up on love. Henry plays all the right notes and says all the right words. Will Lucy be able to hear them over her fear of the past repeating itself?
Speechless is a swoony saga about finding your people, overcoming your deepest insecurities, and choosing happiness no matter what life throws at you.
Bestselling author Lucy Gold may write fairy tales for a living, but her own happily ever after is looking bleak. Seeking a fresh start after a sudden divorce on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, she decides to make a new life for herself and her service dog in Los Angeles. But when her living arrangements fall through just before takeoff, a handsome stranger offers to let her stay with him and his motley crew of musicians in Malibu. Her gallant hero? None other than Henry Turner, the award-winning composer whose music has held Lucy together while her life’s been crumbling apart.
Henry might be at the peak of his creative career, but his crippling anxiety throws his personal life completely out of tune. Yet all of that changes the longer Lucy stays with him and his housemates, swiftly becoming one of their own and offering Henry a glimpse of happiness he never thought possible. As their relationship deepens, Lucy’s attraction to Henry cannot be denied, but as she works through the aftermath of her divorce, she’s resigned to give up on love. Henry plays all the right notes and says all the right words. Will Lucy be able to hear them over her fear of the past repeating itself?
Speechless is a swoony saga about finding your people, overcoming your deepest insecurities, and choosing happiness no matter what life throws at you.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2023
65 people are currently reading
4543 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Lanza
4 books381 followersLindsey Lanza is a bookstagrammer turned author originally from Columbus, Ohio. She is a tech start-up enthusiast by day, a voracious reader by early mornings, nights and weekends, and now writes love stories when she gets a spare moment. You can most often find her laughing about nothing with her husband Erik, perusing a dessert menu, consulting clients on zoom calls or obsessing over her Sheepadoodle Wally. Speechless is Lindsey’s debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 484 reviews
October 7, 2022
Some books are memorable enough to capture a sacred place in your heart and taint your soul! This is absolutely one of them! It makes your heart sing!
Lucy Gold and Henry Turner’s meeting at a plane story starts like modern fairy tale/ promising romcom but then it turns into something so special, unique! My emotions are everywhere!
I want to give those characters long hugs! Especially to Henry! And they are not the only perfect things about this book! The playful surfer Graham, wise and loyal Preston, flirty- fun Jayce, sweetest guardian dog Rowan, best friend-confidante Dami are the best supporting characters! Each of them is so perfect!
It also approaches to the sensitive mental and physical health issues such as endometriosis and selective mutism.
My heart ache so much for Lucy and Henry who has been getting through so much heavy tragedies. But I adore their strength and their characters’ evolving by getting out of their shelves.
Quick recap of the story: Lucy Gold at the age of thirty, freshly divorced, deciding to make changes in her life by moving to Los Angeles with her dog Rowan but at the last minute her girlfriend she’s planned to stay at her place, calls her to tell she is not welcomed after she got together with her boyfriend.
Lucy’s worst day miraculously turns into most special day of her life because the tall and handsome stranger she’s met at airport is the composer she’s been fangirling for years. With the help of music, she heals from her both physical and invisible emotional injuries! His music healed her soul! Now he sits the next to her at the airplane and makes an offer she cannot reject! He offers her to stay at her guest room of his house he’s sharing with musician friends. Lucy thinks she can stay few days till she finds a new apartment. But when they drive to the place, she realizes he lives at a mansion in Malibu with four gorgeous musicians! And three of them are so friendly!
As she spends more time with those people, she realizes she finds real friends who accepts her as she is. But she is curious why Henry lives a hermit life and has some problems to communicate with new people. When Henry opens up with his big secret, she understands she’s not the only one who is broken. Maybe they can help each other to break their walls to embrace the life without fear! Can they or will they?
No more words! The angsty parts of the book broke my heart and at some parts I wanted to yell at Lucy to give a chance to her happiness and I ugly cried- laughed out loud during my read! It awakened so many emotions I buried! I loved it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Victoria Editing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Lucy Gold and Henry Turner’s meeting at a plane story starts like modern fairy tale/ promising romcom but then it turns into something so special, unique! My emotions are everywhere!
I want to give those characters long hugs! Especially to Henry! And they are not the only perfect things about this book! The playful surfer Graham, wise and loyal Preston, flirty- fun Jayce, sweetest guardian dog Rowan, best friend-confidante Dami are the best supporting characters! Each of them is so perfect!
It also approaches to the sensitive mental and physical health issues such as endometriosis and selective mutism.
My heart ache so much for Lucy and Henry who has been getting through so much heavy tragedies. But I adore their strength and their characters’ evolving by getting out of their shelves.
Quick recap of the story: Lucy Gold at the age of thirty, freshly divorced, deciding to make changes in her life by moving to Los Angeles with her dog Rowan but at the last minute her girlfriend she’s planned to stay at her place, calls her to tell she is not welcomed after she got together with her boyfriend.
Lucy’s worst day miraculously turns into most special day of her life because the tall and handsome stranger she’s met at airport is the composer she’s been fangirling for years. With the help of music, she heals from her both physical and invisible emotional injuries! His music healed her soul! Now he sits the next to her at the airplane and makes an offer she cannot reject! He offers her to stay at her guest room of his house he’s sharing with musician friends. Lucy thinks she can stay few days till she finds a new apartment. But when they drive to the place, she realizes he lives at a mansion in Malibu with four gorgeous musicians! And three of them are so friendly!
As she spends more time with those people, she realizes she finds real friends who accepts her as she is. But she is curious why Henry lives a hermit life and has some problems to communicate with new people. When Henry opens up with his big secret, she understands she’s not the only one who is broken. Maybe they can help each other to break their walls to embrace the life without fear! Can they or will they?
No more words! The angsty parts of the book broke my heart and at some parts I wanted to yell at Lucy to give a chance to her happiness and I ugly cried- laughed out loud during my read! It awakened so many emotions I buried! I loved it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Victoria Editing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
September 24, 2022
Well, this is my book! It kind of feels like my child - this thing I’ve lived and breathed for the last year. While this is meant to be the kind of book that leaves you smiling, it does deal with some heavier topics like chronic health issues and severe anxiety.
My hope is that readers will find these characters relatable whether or not you have similar struggles and that their story will leave you feeling warm and optimistic.
Thank you so much for taking a chance on Speechless <3
My hope is that readers will find these characters relatable whether or not you have similar struggles and that their story will leave you feeling warm and optimistic.
Thank you so much for taking a chance on Speechless <3
December 13, 2022
“But under the rainbow, that’s how I feel when I’m with you. Like the storm has just ended and I can finally see the sun. You’re my fairy tale, Luzu.”
What a way to debut. Speechless tells a beautiful story about healing, about overcoming your fears and insecurities and most of all it’s about love—not only the romantic kind.
Through the pages of this novel, we follow the story of Lucy—a kindhearted, best-seller author, who’s always imagining and accompanied by her best-four-paws-best-friend, Rowan—and Henry—an enigmatic and talented musician, whom she’s been obsessed with for years. Their first meeting happens just when she’s about to start a new chapter of her life, fully alone, after divorcing and dealing with personal issues, while Henry doesn’t mean to do the same, but ends up doing the same for him and being part of hers.
Their meeting felt like fate—I swear there wasn't a way that these two, as different as they are, would ever find their ways to each other under any other circumstances—and it was very cute, just like their relationship’s development. As they went from strangers to friends to lovers, it all felt so smooth, natural and beautiful, and their scenes together brought me a lot of joy.
Plus, the found family trope always hits me hard, and it wasn't different this time. I loved to see Lucy’s—and even Henry’s—new relationship with all the HAAAM guys and Addama. And from the guys, I loved Graham the most—he’s so funny and didn't fail to make me laugh pretty much every time he opened his mouth. And I also loved Rowan, he’s the most precious and funny creature there is in this book.
So, overall this one is such a great book, with great characters and it’s definitely worth the time to read! Don’t forget to check it out when it comes out on January 17th!
Thanks to Lindsey Lanza, NetGalley, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a way to debut. Speechless tells a beautiful story about healing, about overcoming your fears and insecurities and most of all it’s about love—not only the romantic kind.
Through the pages of this novel, we follow the story of Lucy—a kindhearted, best-seller author, who’s always imagining and accompanied by her best-four-paws-best-friend, Rowan—and Henry—an enigmatic and talented musician, whom she’s been obsessed with for years. Their first meeting happens just when she’s about to start a new chapter of her life, fully alone, after divorcing and dealing with personal issues, while Henry doesn’t mean to do the same, but ends up doing the same for him and being part of hers.
Their meeting felt like fate—I swear there wasn't a way that these two, as different as they are, would ever find their ways to each other under any other circumstances—and it was very cute, just like their relationship’s development. As they went from strangers to friends to lovers, it all felt so smooth, natural and beautiful, and their scenes together brought me a lot of joy.
Plus, the found family trope always hits me hard, and it wasn't different this time. I loved to see Lucy’s—and even Henry’s—new relationship with all the HAAAM guys and Addama. And from the guys, I loved Graham the most—he’s so funny and didn't fail to make me laugh pretty much every time he opened his mouth. And I also loved Rowan, he’s the most precious and funny creature there is in this book.
So, overall this one is such a great book, with great characters and it’s definitely worth the time to read! Don’t forget to check it out when it comes out on January 17th!
Thanks to Lindsey Lanza, NetGalley, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
I both liked and didn’t like this book. When the book was dealing with serious matters I think it did an okay job, but that was completely overshadowed by the author's insistence that wild and crazy stuff is also going on at the same time. Based on this book I am very hesitant to read the next one in the series.
I both liked and didn’t like this book. When the book was dealing with serious matters I think it did an okay job, but that was completely overshadowed by the author's insistence that wild and crazy stuff is also going on at the same time. Based on this book I am very hesitant to read the next one in the series.
February 1, 2023
“But you are special, Luce. You are my anomaly.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.25/5
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸:
Follows romance author, Lucy Gold, who's moving across the country to live with her best friend after her divorce, and Henry Turner, an award-winning composer whose music has held Lucy together while her life's been crumbling apart. They meet at the airport while waiting for their flight to LA, and just as her living arrangements fall through, Henry offers to let her stay at his house with his crew of musicians until she can get back on her feet.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
- Realistic and relatable representations of chronic illness and mental health. I appreciated the thoughtful and meaningful conversations around endometriosis, chronic pain, fertility issues, grief, childhood trauma, and mental health.
- Despite the tough subjects, this book maintained a lighthearted tone throughout. It was just perfect.
- Henry and Lucy were made for each other. They had the best chemistry. Henry was the sweetest soul ever, and Lucy was such a bright light despite being dealt a shitty hand in life. I enjoyed watching them grow individually and together over the course of the story.
- Rowan, the service dog, and the side characters were a hoot. I loved all the friendships and feeling of “found family.”
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
- Meet cute
- Found family
- Slow burn
- Forced proximity
- Dual POV
- Mental health rep
- Chronic illness rep
*Thank you to Lindsey for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.25/5
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸:
Follows romance author, Lucy Gold, who's moving across the country to live with her best friend after her divorce, and Henry Turner, an award-winning composer whose music has held Lucy together while her life's been crumbling apart. They meet at the airport while waiting for their flight to LA, and just as her living arrangements fall through, Henry offers to let her stay at his house with his crew of musicians until she can get back on her feet.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
- Realistic and relatable representations of chronic illness and mental health. I appreciated the thoughtful and meaningful conversations around endometriosis, chronic pain, fertility issues, grief, childhood trauma, and mental health.
- Despite the tough subjects, this book maintained a lighthearted tone throughout. It was just perfect.
- Henry and Lucy were made for each other. They had the best chemistry. Henry was the sweetest soul ever, and Lucy was such a bright light despite being dealt a shitty hand in life. I enjoyed watching them grow individually and together over the course of the story.
- Rowan, the service dog, and the side characters were a hoot. I loved all the friendships and feeling of “found family.”
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
- Meet cute
- Found family
- Slow burn
- Forced proximity
- Dual POV
- Mental health rep
- Chronic illness rep
*Thank you to Lindsey for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2023
Speechless by Lindsey Lanza 🎶
This was a super sweet romance. Lucy is a bed selling author who is recently divorced and decides to move across the country to live with her best friend. On her way there that plan falls through and she happens to meet Henry. He's a complete stranger but offers her a place to stay along with her service dog. She quickly learns that he is the Henry who has written some of her favorite music. After getting to know each other a little on the flight, Lucy accepts his offer at least for a few days. It's not well known that Henry has anxiety and he struggles in social situations. As Lucy quickly becomes closer to Henry and his housemates, their attraction grows as well. Both are afraid fro their won reasons though to take the next step.
Since Lucy ends up in a house with a bunch of guys, this definitely gave so New Girl vides. I liked seeing her become friends with most of the guys and others she met through them. Lucy finds comfort in all of them after feeling alone after her divorce, but you can also tell the others really enjoy getting to know her just as much. Her confidence in herself grew throughout the book with help from them and her doing some internal reflection.
Henry is a super soft boy. His anxiety makes it hard for him in social situations, seeing inside his head and how much he cares for everyone is so sweet.
I would have loved to have seen more conversations and moments between Lucy and Henry. There were a couple moments where I felt like things were rushed or there was a jump from one point to the next.
If you are looking for something that is heartwarming and sweet, pick this one up!
Tropes:
🫂 found family
🤍 strangers to friends to lovers
🐶 includes a dog
🤭 mutual pining
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
0.5/5 spice level 🌶️
This was a super sweet romance. Lucy is a bed selling author who is recently divorced and decides to move across the country to live with her best friend. On her way there that plan falls through and she happens to meet Henry. He's a complete stranger but offers her a place to stay along with her service dog. She quickly learns that he is the Henry who has written some of her favorite music. After getting to know each other a little on the flight, Lucy accepts his offer at least for a few days. It's not well known that Henry has anxiety and he struggles in social situations. As Lucy quickly becomes closer to Henry and his housemates, their attraction grows as well. Both are afraid fro their won reasons though to take the next step.
Since Lucy ends up in a house with a bunch of guys, this definitely gave so New Girl vides. I liked seeing her become friends with most of the guys and others she met through them. Lucy finds comfort in all of them after feeling alone after her divorce, but you can also tell the others really enjoy getting to know her just as much. Her confidence in herself grew throughout the book with help from them and her doing some internal reflection.
Henry is a super soft boy. His anxiety makes it hard for him in social situations, seeing inside his head and how much he cares for everyone is so sweet.
I would have loved to have seen more conversations and moments between Lucy and Henry. There were a couple moments where I felt like things were rushed or there was a jump from one point to the next.
If you are looking for something that is heartwarming and sweet, pick this one up!
Tropes:
🫂 found family
🤍 strangers to friends to lovers
🐶 includes a dog
🤭 mutual pining
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
0.5/5 spice level 🌶️
January 17, 2023
This story follows an author named Lucy who decides to move herself and her service dog to Los Angeles for a fresh start. On the brink of potential homelessness, a kind stranger she meets at the airport offers her a place to stay. Who’s the stranger you ask? None other than her favourite composer.
I wasn’t expecting to like this story as much as I truly did. It was the classic romantic comedy that I was looking for when I first began reading this story.
Henry and his friends (HAAAM) were so fun to read about. This book had such a strong found family vibe and I found myself smiling at the silly moments between the characters. I loved all their dynamics and the individuality that they all brought to the story.
Graham and Henry really stood out to me. Graham was such a good friend to not only Henry but to Lucy throughout the entire book, forever being someone that they could rely on. He’s also a fellow Australian so that definitely puts him high on my list. I related to Henry a lot with his social anxiety and awkwardness. The need to rehearse what he needs to say before he says it is something that I do and I felt like it was really special to see it portrayed in a book.
“But you are special, Luce. You are my anomaly.”
This quote actually made me swoon. If anybody said this to me I would get down on one knee and ask for their hand in marriage.
I loved that this book covered real issues such as chronic illnesses and severe anxiety. It covered the guilt and the shame that come along with those real issues too which is why the only criticism would be that the dialogue sometimes felt unrealistic.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would revisit it again in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me this arc!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I wasn’t expecting to like this story as much as I truly did. It was the classic romantic comedy that I was looking for when I first began reading this story.
Henry and his friends (HAAAM) were so fun to read about. This book had such a strong found family vibe and I found myself smiling at the silly moments between the characters. I loved all their dynamics and the individuality that they all brought to the story.
Graham and Henry really stood out to me. Graham was such a good friend to not only Henry but to Lucy throughout the entire book, forever being someone that they could rely on. He’s also a fellow Australian so that definitely puts him high on my list. I related to Henry a lot with his social anxiety and awkwardness. The need to rehearse what he needs to say before he says it is something that I do and I felt like it was really special to see it portrayed in a book.
“But you are special, Luce. You are my anomaly.”
This quote actually made me swoon. If anybody said this to me I would get down on one knee and ask for their hand in marriage.
I loved that this book covered real issues such as chronic illnesses and severe anxiety. It covered the guilt and the shame that come along with those real issues too which is why the only criticism would be that the dialogue sometimes felt unrealistic.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would revisit it again in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me this arc!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2022
Lindsey crafted a beautiful debut filled with characters who care so deeply about one another. I don't just mean our fantastic hero and heroine, but their housemates and friends too. Featuring an adorable service pup, a plethora of music I swear you can hear, and one of my favourite first kisses ever... you can't go wrong picking up this book. Releases January 17th.
June 17, 2024
This book was so cute! I enjoyed Lucy and Henry’s romance. But also how Lucy was expected by all of Henry’s co-worker’s/friends/housemates. The relationships they all built with each other were precious. I like how patient Henry was with Lucy and Lucy was able to take the lead when Henry had his struggles. And Rowan is perfect!! Everyone should have a support dog like him.
January 7, 2023
Given that this is the author's first book, I thought it was incredibly enjoyable to read. I would say the author did a great job. The way everything came together honestly left me flabbergasted! It also touches on delicate concerns with physical and mental health, like endometriosis and selective mutism.
Henry Turner and Lucy Gold's narrative of meeting on a plane initially reads like a contemporary fairy tale or a potential rom-com, but it quickly transforms into something truly unique. There are feelings all over me.
Lucy is coping with a debilitating, chronic illness. Every time Lucy struggled with anguish and heartbreak, I felt for her. There have been times when I've wanted to suffocate Lucy for some of her decisions, but I must keep in mind that she is wary of letting others in for a reason. She had such a true personality. Meanwhile, Henry is a musician and songwriter in the meantime. Due to his anxiousness, Henry finds it challenging to converse with strangers. He and Lucy hit it off right away, and she helps him discover a new side of himself.
The plot that demonstrated how two flawed individuals may come together also made both of these characters feel quite authentic. Everyone and everything is imperfect. This narrative highlighted that we had control over our own destiny.
Regarding of moving, I adored the book's constant, exquisite musical flow. Without ever being overbearing or intrusive, music played a significant role. Everything had a great placement! What more could you ask for if it were set in Malibu?
This story's portrayal as a rom-com made me very happy. There are some little bumps, but nothing major. I can't wait to read the author's next work!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an advance copy of this debut book in exchange for an unbiased review!
Speechless is available on January 17, 2023, for anyone who like romance or, more specifically, for anyone who needs to break out of a reading rut. Pre-order as soon as possible!
Henry Turner and Lucy Gold's narrative of meeting on a plane initially reads like a contemporary fairy tale or a potential rom-com, but it quickly transforms into something truly unique. There are feelings all over me.
Lucy is coping with a debilitating, chronic illness. Every time Lucy struggled with anguish and heartbreak, I felt for her. There have been times when I've wanted to suffocate Lucy for some of her decisions, but I must keep in mind that she is wary of letting others in for a reason. She had such a true personality. Meanwhile, Henry is a musician and songwriter in the meantime. Due to his anxiousness, Henry finds it challenging to converse with strangers. He and Lucy hit it off right away, and she helps him discover a new side of himself.
The plot that demonstrated how two flawed individuals may come together also made both of these characters feel quite authentic. Everyone and everything is imperfect. This narrative highlighted that we had control over our own destiny.
Regarding of moving, I adored the book's constant, exquisite musical flow. Without ever being overbearing or intrusive, music played a significant role. Everything had a great placement! What more could you ask for if it were set in Malibu?
This story's portrayal as a rom-com made me very happy. There are some little bumps, but nothing major. I can't wait to read the author's next work!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an advance copy of this debut book in exchange for an unbiased review!
Speechless is available on January 17, 2023, for anyone who like romance or, more specifically, for anyone who needs to break out of a reading rut. Pre-order as soon as possible!
March 13, 2023
This was so good!! I love when rom coms can hit me in the feels, but also be funny and lighthearted at the same time.
From the first time Lucy and Henry met, I thought this was going to be some fan girl living her dream of dating someone famous, but it was so much more than that. I adored their chemistry together and I loved all of HAAM (minus Craig). Everyone had great character development and I think the infertility in the story was well written.
I'm just glad the Matzo ball soup the guys made for Lucy was worthy. I was getting a little nervous for them LOL
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
From the first time Lucy and Henry met, I thought this was going to be some fan girl living her dream of dating someone famous, but it was so much more than that. I adored their chemistry together and I loved all of HAAM (minus Craig). Everyone had great character development and I think the infertility in the story was well written.
I'm just glad the Matzo ball soup the guys made for Lucy was worthy. I was getting a little nervous for them LOL
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
August 29, 2023
4.5 rounded up!! And dare I say it - my reading slump is broken?! I just flew through the last 50% of this in one sitting!! 😌
This was SO good! From the dedication alone I knew I was going to love it!
✨chronic + mental illness rep
✨FOUND FAMILY 🥹😭
✨friends to lovers
✨forced proximity
✨the sweetest fluffhead AKA dog AKA Rowan (yes, TOG fans, THAT ROWAN)
✨laugh out loud dialogue
✨SWOON WORTHY moments
✨a FMC with a sweet tooth nearly as big as mine 😂
This was a debut by a fellow bookstagrammer + you could feel the love of books and the romance genre throughout. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
This was SO good! From the dedication alone I knew I was going to love it!
✨chronic + mental illness rep
✨FOUND FAMILY 🥹😭
✨friends to lovers
✨forced proximity
✨the sweetest fluffhead AKA dog AKA Rowan (yes, TOG fans, THAT ROWAN)
✨laugh out loud dialogue
✨SWOON WORTHY moments
✨a FMC with a sweet tooth nearly as big as mine 😂
This was a debut by a fellow bookstagrammer + you could feel the love of books and the romance genre throughout. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
September 2, 2022
5🌟 - I loved it!
This was so dang sweet 🥹. It gave me strong New Girls vibes which was so fun! I loved their friend group and the relationships Lucy made with her housemates. Lucy’s friendship with Adamma was absolutely perfect!
Lindsey included so many bookish moments like TOG references and pop culture mentions with TSwift, which I loved!
HENRY 🥹🥹🥹, I absolutely adore him. He is sweet, kind, protective, and so genuine!
The transition between Henry and Lucy’s POV was absolutely perfect. I loved how their imperfections and flaws got them together and they so readily accepted one another.
The chronic illness representation felt so real, and I especially loved @readwithli’s author note at the end 💕
The way everything came together truly left me speechless @readwithli!! What an incredible debut you have created!
Thank you @readwithli for letting me be an early reader! This is one you’re going to want to pre-order (links on Lindsey’s page!) and request on NetGalley next week!!
This was so dang sweet 🥹. It gave me strong New Girls vibes which was so fun! I loved their friend group and the relationships Lucy made with her housemates. Lucy’s friendship with Adamma was absolutely perfect!
Lindsey included so many bookish moments like TOG references and pop culture mentions with TSwift, which I loved!
HENRY 🥹🥹🥹, I absolutely adore him. He is sweet, kind, protective, and so genuine!
The transition between Henry and Lucy’s POV was absolutely perfect. I loved how their imperfections and flaws got them together and they so readily accepted one another.
The chronic illness representation felt so real, and I especially loved @readwithli’s author note at the end 💕
The way everything came together truly left me speechless @readwithli!! What an incredible debut you have created!
Thank you @readwithli for letting me be an early reader! This is one you’re going to want to pre-order (links on Lindsey’s page!) and request on NetGalley next week!!
October 21, 2022
Speechless by Lindsey Lanza
“Speechless is a swoony saga about finding your people, overcoming your deepest insecurities, and choosing happiness no matter what life throws at you.”
And that folks is how a debut novel should be written! So freakin good! That quote summarizes the book better that I can. It was sweet, yet heartbreaking. It dealt with chronic illness and mental health. The characters Lucy and Henry were just so relatable and adorable. I love the cover. Just read it.
Many thanks to Lindsey Lanza, NetGalley, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
“Speechless is a swoony saga about finding your people, overcoming your deepest insecurities, and choosing happiness no matter what life throws at you.”
And that folks is how a debut novel should be written! So freakin good! That quote summarizes the book better that I can. It was sweet, yet heartbreaking. It dealt with chronic illness and mental health. The characters Lucy and Henry were just so relatable and adorable. I love the cover. Just read it.
Many thanks to Lindsey Lanza, NetGalley, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2022
Lindsey's debut is absolutely AMAZING! I laughed out loud, I swooned at the romance, and I completely adored these characters. The style of this rom-com reminded me of Abby Jimenez but so much better! This is certainly one to add to your TBR when it comes out!
A full review to come once I read the finished copy!
A full review to come once I read the finished copy!
February 14, 2023
WONDERFUL DEBUT.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Ohhh my goodness I inhaled this book on the day it released. I could not put it down and now all I want is Lanza’s second book because this was a fantastic debut.
I LOVED all of the rep here and how both characters worked through and handled things. It wasn’t always linear and I love feeling the real and rawness of both of the main characters.
Henry was the sweetest cinnamon roll who was kind, genuine and there. Always there. My absolute favorite nuance. Lucy showed some beautiful character growth and I really appreciated the author’s note at the end that further made Lucy’s decisions clear.
There was a tender found family here too. I loved that Lucy got the chance to make true and lasting connections that she desperately needed (and deserved).
The whole book just kept me wrapped up in all the emotions. And the ending??? THE FEEEEEEELS. It was beautiful and everything and you definitely need to read this too.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: a few vague, fade to black; low explicit
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: bullying, social anxiety and selective mutism, chronic illness (endometriosis), divorce, loss of a parent, grief depiction
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Ohhh my goodness I inhaled this book on the day it released. I could not put it down and now all I want is Lanza’s second book because this was a fantastic debut.
I LOVED all of the rep here and how both characters worked through and handled things. It wasn’t always linear and I love feeling the real and rawness of both of the main characters.
Henry was the sweetest cinnamon roll who was kind, genuine and there. Always there. My absolute favorite nuance. Lucy showed some beautiful character growth and I really appreciated the author’s note at the end that further made Lucy’s decisions clear.
There was a tender found family here too. I loved that Lucy got the chance to make true and lasting connections that she desperately needed (and deserved).
The whole book just kept me wrapped up in all the emotions. And the ending??? THE FEEEEEEELS. It was beautiful and everything and you definitely need to read this too.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: a few vague, fade to black; low explicit
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: bullying, social anxiety and selective mutism, chronic illness (endometriosis), divorce, loss of a parent, grief depiction
January 17, 2023
A stunning and emotional debut with raw and honest endo rep. I loved how the author used music as a coping mechanism and the growth that our two MC’s experienced after trauma. The cast of side characters were a delight and the found family warmed my heart.
November 11, 2022
"Under the rainbow, that's how I feel when i'm with you. Like the storm has just ended and I can finally see the sun. You're my fairytale, luzu."
What a debut 👏👏
This book was so sweet. I really loved how Lindsey wrote about chronic illness and anxiety - the anxiety rep in this was done so well. I fell in love with Lucy and Henry, they were adorable together. But I also LOVED the side characters - Graham was hilarious, I loved Lucy and Adamma's friendship, and oh how can you forget sweet little Rowan (Lucy's service dog) 🥰
This book gave off some Wattpad vibes but in a good way. I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend this as your next summer read when it gets released in January. Congrats Lindsey on your debut - I cannot wait to pick up the paperback when it comes out.
Thank you to Net Galley & Victory Editing for providing me with an e-arc. All opinions are my own.
Read if you like 💫
Chronic illness & anxiety rep
Meet cute at the airport
Malibu setting
Summer vibes
Service dogs
Author x musician
Taylor Swift
Music
Loveable side characters
Dual POV
What a debut 👏👏
This book was so sweet. I really loved how Lindsey wrote about chronic illness and anxiety - the anxiety rep in this was done so well. I fell in love with Lucy and Henry, they were adorable together. But I also LOVED the side characters - Graham was hilarious, I loved Lucy and Adamma's friendship, and oh how can you forget sweet little Rowan (Lucy's service dog) 🥰
This book gave off some Wattpad vibes but in a good way. I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend this as your next summer read when it gets released in January. Congrats Lindsey on your debut - I cannot wait to pick up the paperback when it comes out.
Thank you to Net Galley & Victory Editing for providing me with an e-arc. All opinions are my own.
Read if you like 💫
Chronic illness & anxiety rep
Meet cute at the airport
Malibu setting
Summer vibes
Service dogs
Author x musician
Taylor Swift
Music
Loveable side characters
Dual POV
January 13, 2023
First off, I cannot believe this is a debut! The characters came alive and I feel like I personally know them. I want to spend a week in the Malibu mansion with these strangers turned besties! This book tackled tough topics as well as had a fun, flirty feel to it. After discovering Lindsey on Instgram as a Bookstgrammer a couple of years ago, I could feel and see that her whole heart was in this book.
I very much appreciate Lindsey selecting me as a recipient of this ARC and also NetGalley for providing that opportunity! Excited to see what Lindsey will come out with next!
I very much appreciate Lindsey selecting me as a recipient of this ARC and also NetGalley for providing that opportunity! Excited to see what Lindsey will come out with next!
June 19, 2023
Reading this was really an experience. The heroine was plucky and appealing. The hero was major swoon material, and the exploration of their relationship was really slow and deliberate in a really great way. Henry is also a composer which was a lovely way to play with expression and feelings, and he is an extremely romantic hero.
The surrounding friends are interesting, but other than an exception or two are not fully fleshed other than to support the principals. This is what I found most disappointing, they seemed to be a means to an end for the couple, highly centered on everything having to do with them and not just smaller characters that support the overall story.
So while there is some great stuff here, the bones still felt a little underdeveloped. It's forced proximity with a whole cast, but they aren't really that interesting in their own right. The romance did it's job, for sure, but the rest was filler and a lot of the filler was rough and expositional. This is why I liked when the author wrote from Henry's point of view. He often had to show, because of his anxiety and tendency to freeze with new people and his overall reticence. Other chapters held details but they weren't feeling details always-they were often telling details.
I will say I also enjoyed Lanza's dialogue though. It was a pleasant surprise and why I kept reading after the initial pages-that's where the book seems to hit its stride. It also had good exploration of severe endometriosis, but I hope readers go into this with awareness of the chronic health, mental health and other possible triggers. While it read pretty lighthearted overall, it did get gritty from a few angles.
I recommend this with reservations (and with full content warning awareness), and I'd rate it between a 3&4. It mostly appealed to me for the unique composer spin and a couple of subplot threads that I thought were handled deftly.
The surrounding friends are interesting, but other than an exception or two are not fully fleshed other than to support the principals. This is what I found most disappointing, they seemed to be a means to an end for the couple, highly centered on everything having to do with them and not just smaller characters that support the overall story.
So while there is some great stuff here, the bones still felt a little underdeveloped. It's forced proximity with a whole cast, but they aren't really that interesting in their own right. The romance did it's job, for sure, but the rest was filler and a lot of the filler was rough and expositional. This is why I liked when the author wrote from Henry's point of view. He often had to show, because of his anxiety and tendency to freeze with new people and his overall reticence. Other chapters held details but they weren't feeling details always-they were often telling details.
I will say I also enjoyed Lanza's dialogue though. It was a pleasant surprise and why I kept reading after the initial pages-that's where the book seems to hit its stride. It also had good exploration of severe endometriosis, but I hope readers go into this with awareness of the chronic health, mental health and other possible triggers. While it read pretty lighthearted overall, it did get gritty from a few angles.
I recommend this with reservations (and with full content warning awareness), and I'd rate it between a 3&4. It mostly appealed to me for the unique composer spin and a couple of subplot threads that I thought were handled deftly.
January 18, 2023
WOW. Lindsey Lanza's writing debut truly left me Speechless! (pun intended). A bookstagrammer turned writer, what more is there to love?! For all of my bookstagram friends, you'll love all of the bookish moments mentioned. I related to Lucy so much, and it was so amazing to read about a character like her. Although I was never married, my ex-fiancé did leave me just weeks before my wedding, leaving me devastated. I too, like Lucy, moved across the country. And although it wasn't on my first flight moving, I happened to meet a really cute pilot who cared for me like no one ever has before. (Spoiler alert -- that pilot and I are now married). I loved the characters, the complexity of Lucy and Henry and the layers of everything that they were dealing with individually, and how that would come to impact any idea of a relationship between the two of them.
This book was the perfect slow burn romance, that had me laughing out loud, swooning at the romance, and clutching the book in tears by the end of it. The chronic illness representation blew me away. As someone who deals with an invisible illness (I have narcolepsy), it's a struggle to communicate needs and receive compassion from others. Lindsey did a phenomenal job regarding this aspect of Lucy's character -- especially the juxtaposition of her ex not taking her seriously for it, to then Henry seeing it as another way to care for her and love her. It goes to show readers, especially those with similar struggles, that there are those people out there who will love and care for you, regardless of what illness you may have.
I can't wait to read the final copy once the book is released next January. Everyone must mark their calendars to buy this once it's released! It's bound to be a top romance of 2023!
This book was the perfect slow burn romance, that had me laughing out loud, swooning at the romance, and clutching the book in tears by the end of it. The chronic illness representation blew me away. As someone who deals with an invisible illness (I have narcolepsy), it's a struggle to communicate needs and receive compassion from others. Lindsey did a phenomenal job regarding this aspect of Lucy's character -- especially the juxtaposition of her ex not taking her seriously for it, to then Henry seeing it as another way to care for her and love her. It goes to show readers, especially those with similar struggles, that there are those people out there who will love and care for you, regardless of what illness you may have.
I can't wait to read the final copy once the book is released next January. Everyone must mark their calendars to buy this once it's released! It's bound to be a top romance of 2023!
January 22, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐️
January 19, 2023
Henry and Lucy are adorably awkward 😆😍 they made me giggle so often. I was constantly smiling and taking photos of things to highlight. And all the Throne of Glass references made my heart so happy! Truly, the way to my heart is referencing my favorite series of all time 😍🔥 She even named her pup Rowan!
💛 Debut
💛 Found Family
💛 Chronic Pain/Anxiety
💛 Meant to Be
💛 Life After Loss
Lucy is fresh off a divorce and in constant pain. She’s moving across the country for a fresh start. Henry never speaks to strangers. But he sees a sad woman in the airport, listening to HIS music and he has to know more about her.
Lucy and Henry scream meant to be. In a world where they are both struggling, they fit. She is his anchor and he is her peace.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩.”
The music, the writing, the food, the friendships 😍 and even a little bit of spice. What a wonderful debut. I can’t wait to read whatever Lindsey writes next!
“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙨.”
Fair warning… this book made me so hungry. I made a couple of these things and told Linsdey that she needs to share the recipes. The strawberry and Nutella stuffed French toast? …I made that a few times 😆🤤
4.5
💛 Debut
💛 Found Family
💛 Chronic Pain/Anxiety
💛 Meant to Be
💛 Life After Loss
Lucy is fresh off a divorce and in constant pain. She’s moving across the country for a fresh start. Henry never speaks to strangers. But he sees a sad woman in the airport, listening to HIS music and he has to know more about her.
Lucy and Henry scream meant to be. In a world where they are both struggling, they fit. She is his anchor and he is her peace.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩.”
The music, the writing, the food, the friendships 😍 and even a little bit of spice. What a wonderful debut. I can’t wait to read whatever Lindsey writes next!
“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙨.”
Fair warning… this book made me so hungry. I made a couple of these things and told Linsdey that she needs to share the recipes. The strawberry and Nutella stuffed French toast? …I made that a few times 😆🤤
4.5
April 29, 2025
Speechless Review
Rating: ★★★★★
Read if you like:
・ Forced proximity
・ He falls first
・ Strangers-to-friends-to-lovers
・ Dual POV
・ Lovable service dog
・ Found family
・ Chronic illness rep
“But you are special, Luce. You are my anomaly.”
Let’s cut to the chase: this book is absolutely amazing, and I am strongly encouraging you to buy it right now. I am absolutely flabbergasted that this is a debut novel because it is near perfection. Thank you so much Lindsay Lanza and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic romance early.
Lucy and Henry on their own are enough to make me love this story. A great cook with a very specific musical taste, Lucy is bright, caring, and obsessed with the small things in life; like dessert. She also does a great job navigating a chronic illness and maintaining hope despite her most recent life events. Henry is an introverted songwriter who loves fiercely and always says the right things. He is the perfect cinnamon roll hero despite his battle with social anxiety and selective mutism (both of which are portrayed wonderfully). And last, but not least: Rowan. This pup loves pool floaties, herding Lucy’s friends, and being an all-around adorable edition to this book.
This book is jam-packed with tropes and they are all done so well. Lucy and Henry’s meet-cute had my jaw on the floor and instantly excited me for the duration of the book. I think the pacing of Lucy and Henry’s strangers-to-friends-to-lovers is absolutely perfect and I love how that is developed through the book’s dual POV. Another wonderful addition to this story is the guys and their relationship with Lucy. I love the found family trope, and I think it was very well executed here.
Suffice to say, I am obsessed with this book. It is everything I could have ever wanted and more out of a debut romance. Lindsay Lanza is now an auto-buy author of mine, and I highly recommend you show her some love and support.
—
I usually add a quote or two in my reviews to give readers a feel for the book, but I had a hard time choosing just one to include for this review so, here are some more of my favorites:
❤︎ “Times are tough, but at least you’ve got a beating heart. It’s important to remember that.”
❤︎ “You’re my perfect.”
❤︎ “You look vibrant. Like the sun. Like everyone else is just orbiting around you.”
❤︎ “But under the rainbow, that’s how I feel when I’m with you. Like the storm has just ended and I can finally see the sun. You’re my fairy tale, Luzu.”
Rating: ★★★★★
Read if you like:
・ Forced proximity
・ He falls first
・ Strangers-to-friends-to-lovers
・ Dual POV
・ Lovable service dog
・ Found family
・ Chronic illness rep
“But you are special, Luce. You are my anomaly.”
Let’s cut to the chase: this book is absolutely amazing, and I am strongly encouraging you to buy it right now. I am absolutely flabbergasted that this is a debut novel because it is near perfection. Thank you so much Lindsay Lanza and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic romance early.
Lucy and Henry on their own are enough to make me love this story. A great cook with a very specific musical taste, Lucy is bright, caring, and obsessed with the small things in life; like dessert. She also does a great job navigating a chronic illness and maintaining hope despite her most recent life events. Henry is an introverted songwriter who loves fiercely and always says the right things. He is the perfect cinnamon roll hero despite his battle with social anxiety and selective mutism (both of which are portrayed wonderfully). And last, but not least: Rowan. This pup loves pool floaties, herding Lucy’s friends, and being an all-around adorable edition to this book.
This book is jam-packed with tropes and they are all done so well. Lucy and Henry’s meet-cute had my jaw on the floor and instantly excited me for the duration of the book. I think the pacing of Lucy and Henry’s strangers-to-friends-to-lovers is absolutely perfect and I love how that is developed through the book’s dual POV. Another wonderful addition to this story is the guys and their relationship with Lucy. I love the found family trope, and I think it was very well executed here.
Suffice to say, I am obsessed with this book. It is everything I could have ever wanted and more out of a debut romance. Lindsay Lanza is now an auto-buy author of mine, and I highly recommend you show her some love and support.
—
I usually add a quote or two in my reviews to give readers a feel for the book, but I had a hard time choosing just one to include for this review so, here are some more of my favorites:
❤︎ “Times are tough, but at least you’ve got a beating heart. It’s important to remember that.”
❤︎ “You’re my perfect.”
❤︎ “You look vibrant. Like the sun. Like everyone else is just orbiting around you.”
❤︎ “But under the rainbow, that’s how I feel when I’m with you. Like the storm has just ended and I can finally see the sun. You’re my fairy tale, Luzu.”
February 6, 2023
*2.5 stars
I wanted to love this one more than I did :(((
This is the romance between Lucy and Henry who end up meeting on an airplane. They sit next to each other on the plane, and Lucy is shocked when she learns that Henry is her favorite musician. Henry learns that her living arrangements have fallen through when they get to their destination, so he offers one of his many guest rooms for her to stay in. Henry lives in this huge house with his production team, who just so happens to be his best friends. His friends welcome Lucy with open arms and they all learn how to live together. Henry and Lucy become fast friends and slowly fall in love with each other. But Lucy is keeping Henry at a distance romantically because she is scared of someone leaving her again.
There were a few things I loved about this book. I adored the anxiety representation with Henry. I really related to him, and I loved seeing amazing representation like that on page. I also loved how much music played into this book, I thought it was beautiful.
I personally could have done without so much friend page time. I honestly think I would have preferred his friends to not live with him because I feel like the romance with Lucy and Henry would have been more intriguing. There was just so much page time of Lucy hanging out with Henry's friends instead of him. There was even a point in this book where I was wondering if this was going to be a "why choose" romance 🤣 Since she was spending so much time with these other guys.
I think I selfishly wanted more page time about chronic illness and having a service animal. Those were the two things I was looking forward to reading the most, and I felt let down. I was super confused when Rowan didn't go with Lucy when she went on vacation. Vacation time and traveling are known for being flare times for chronically ill people, so I was super confused why she left her service dog behind.
As someone who is also chronically ill, I really don't like when someone keeps their illness or disability a secret from people on purpose which ends up being the conflict in the story. No one has to disclose their disability, I am not saying that. But I know from personal experience it can be dangerous not to disclose that to the people you are living with. I understand everyone wants to reveal something like that on their own timeline, however, I just did not see the point in her keeping her endo from everyone.
I wanted to love this one more than I did :(((
This is the romance between Lucy and Henry who end up meeting on an airplane. They sit next to each other on the plane, and Lucy is shocked when she learns that Henry is her favorite musician. Henry learns that her living arrangements have fallen through when they get to their destination, so he offers one of his many guest rooms for her to stay in. Henry lives in this huge house with his production team, who just so happens to be his best friends. His friends welcome Lucy with open arms and they all learn how to live together. Henry and Lucy become fast friends and slowly fall in love with each other. But Lucy is keeping Henry at a distance romantically because she is scared of someone leaving her again.
There were a few things I loved about this book. I adored the anxiety representation with Henry. I really related to him, and I loved seeing amazing representation like that on page. I also loved how much music played into this book, I thought it was beautiful.
I personally could have done without so much friend page time. I honestly think I would have preferred his friends to not live with him because I feel like the romance with Lucy and Henry would have been more intriguing. There was just so much page time of Lucy hanging out with Henry's friends instead of him. There was even a point in this book where I was wondering if this was going to be a "why choose" romance 🤣 Since she was spending so much time with these other guys.
I think I selfishly wanted more page time about chronic illness and having a service animal. Those were the two things I was looking forward to reading the most, and I felt let down. I was super confused when Rowan didn't go with Lucy when she went on vacation. Vacation time and traveling are known for being flare times for chronically ill people, so I was super confused why she left her service dog behind.
As someone who is also chronically ill, I really don't like when someone keeps their illness or disability a secret from people on purpose which ends up being the conflict in the story. No one has to disclose their disability, I am not saying that. But I know from personal experience it can be dangerous not to disclose that to the people you are living with. I understand everyone wants to reveal something like that on their own timeline, however, I just did not see the point in her keeping her endo from everyone.
December 2, 2022
Author Lucy is on her to live with her friend in LA after going through a divorce. After her plans fall through while waiting in the airport, a kind stranger offers to let her move in with him and his friends; as it turns out, the kind stranger is Lucy's favourite composer, Henry Turner.
This was a really disappointing read. I would have DNF-ed it before even getting halfway through it but I decided to hate read the rest. The premise is already kind of hard to believe - a typical fanfiction plot - but the things that happen are so nonsensical. The romance just happens out of the blue and there's the cliche of non-communication that complicates it, obviously.
The main characters are childish and their dialogue is immature and cringey. For example, the Taylor Swift situation was out of control. I love Taylor Swift but yelling out the lyrics to White Horse during an argument is too much and even though I'm sure it was meant to be cringey, it was actually uncomfortable to read.
The side characters (the other band members) are barely fleshed out and are basically impossible to distinguish between them. Also the antagonists are unbelievable and are written like evil villains but evil villains that are badly written.
Overall, it was truly disappointing since it has good anxiety and chronic pain representation.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in return for an honest review.
This was a really disappointing read. I would have DNF-ed it before even getting halfway through it but I decided to hate read the rest. The premise is already kind of hard to believe - a typical fanfiction plot - but the things that happen are so nonsensical. The romance just happens out of the blue and there's the cliche of non-communication that complicates it, obviously.
The main characters are childish and their dialogue is immature and cringey. For example, the Taylor Swift situation was out of control. I love Taylor Swift but yelling out the lyrics to White Horse during an argument is too much and even though I'm sure it was meant to be cringey, it was actually uncomfortable to read.
The side characters (the other band members) are barely fleshed out and are basically impossible to distinguish between them. Also the antagonists are unbelievable and are written like evil villains but evil villains that are badly written.
Overall, it was truly disappointing since it has good anxiety and chronic pain representation.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in return for an honest review.
January 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this indie romance debut!! A friends to lovers, forced proximity, roommate romance featuring two MCs with their own disabilities find love where they least expect it. Henry is a talented musician living in Malibu with his friends and he meets Lucy on a shared flight to LA. Together the two bond and Henry offers his house for Lucy to stay when her original roommate plans fall through. Recently divorced and still recovering, Lucy accepts, finding a group of friends she didn't realize she really needed in her life.
I loved the whole cast of characters in this book!! From Rowan the sheepdog, to all the HAAM guys, this book was full of laughs but also tackled some serious issues. Lucy's ex-husband dumped her when she was told she'd never be able to have children because of her severe endometriosis causing her to doubt her self-worth for any other potential romantic partner. Henry has his own crippling social anxiety and selective mutism stemming from childhood trauma but in Lucy he finds someone he can be himself with.
The journey to HEA is a rocky one but so worth the ride and I found the chronic illness/pain rep so well done in this book! Realistic and very relatable, perfect for fans of books like Melissa Grace's Home is where you are or Tori Jean's Finding Gene Kelly (other indie romance books with endo rep). Much thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
🔥Steam level: open door with moderate details
I loved the whole cast of characters in this book!! From Rowan the sheepdog, to all the HAAM guys, this book was full of laughs but also tackled some serious issues. Lucy's ex-husband dumped her when she was told she'd never be able to have children because of her severe endometriosis causing her to doubt her self-worth for any other potential romantic partner. Henry has his own crippling social anxiety and selective mutism stemming from childhood trauma but in Lucy he finds someone he can be himself with.
The journey to HEA is a rocky one but so worth the ride and I found the chronic illness/pain rep so well done in this book! Realistic and very relatable, perfect for fans of books like Melissa Grace's Home is where you are or Tori Jean's Finding Gene Kelly (other indie romance books with endo rep). Much thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
🔥Steam level: open door with moderate details
December 28, 2022
I’m a movie score junkie. I have a whole playlist called “Let’s go to the movies” 😅 How happy was I to read about Lucy, a fellow movie score junkie, and Henry, the creator of those scores?? Ecstatic. Intertwine that music with a beautiful love story and you’ve got a 5 star read for me.
Lucy is a goddamn superhero 💙She’s living with a hidden disability that is a constant reminder of her past. Her guilt and shame that come along with her endometriosis diagnosis dictates her every move until she throws caution to the wind and moves in with perfect strangers that end up becoming her family. There were some times when I wanted to strangle Lucy for some of her choices, but I need to remember that there is a reason she’s so hesitant to let people in. Also, I loved that she treated her service dog like her literal child 🥰
I adored Henry so much 😭 His character is so complex and I loved this his anxieties weren’t just magically gone the second he met Lucy. He had to work to overcome his social anxiety in public even with his soulmate. Including scenes with his sweet mother was the perfect idea! She is such a strong side character and I’m so glad Henry has her as a mother and Lucy has her to lean on as a mother figure.
Lucy is a goddamn superhero 💙She’s living with a hidden disability that is a constant reminder of her past. Her guilt and shame that come along with her endometriosis diagnosis dictates her every move until she throws caution to the wind and moves in with perfect strangers that end up becoming her family. There were some times when I wanted to strangle Lucy for some of her choices, but I need to remember that there is a reason she’s so hesitant to let people in. Also, I loved that she treated her service dog like her literal child 🥰
I adored Henry so much 😭 His character is so complex and I loved this his anxieties weren’t just magically gone the second he met Lucy. He had to work to overcome his social anxiety in public even with his soulmate. Including scenes with his sweet mother was the perfect idea! She is such a strong side character and I’m so glad Henry has her as a mother and Lucy has her to lean on as a mother figure.
September 9, 2022
5 stars
LIKES:
📝 cute, breezy, funny writing
🏖 set in Malibu!
👱🏻♀️ Lucy is relatable, fun, & sweet
✍️ writer vibes
🧔🏻 Henry is shy, reserved, kind, & focused
🎶 classical musician vibes
🐶 + an adorable pup!
🩺 chronic illness representation
👩❤️👨 friends to lovers (steam level 2/5)
🫂 + forced proximity
👨👩👧👦 explores found family
👫 + a New Girl-esque friend group!
🧠 + mental health
🧁 all the delicious food!
🎭 LOTS of drama!
🥹 heartwarming & sweet
•
DISCLAIMERS:
⚠️ DM me for TW!
•
VERDICT: a sweet & heartwarming friends to lovers forced proximity romance w/ a New-Girl-esque friend group, the cutest pup, all the drama & plenty of depth exploring chronic illness & mental health!
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CiApj1_L1...
LIKES:
📝 cute, breezy, funny writing
🏖 set in Malibu!
👱🏻♀️ Lucy is relatable, fun, & sweet
✍️ writer vibes
🧔🏻 Henry is shy, reserved, kind, & focused
🎶 classical musician vibes
🐶 + an adorable pup!
🩺 chronic illness representation
👩❤️👨 friends to lovers (steam level 2/5)
🫂 + forced proximity
👨👩👧👦 explores found family
👫 + a New Girl-esque friend group!
🧠 + mental health
🧁 all the delicious food!
🎭 LOTS of drama!
🥹 heartwarming & sweet
•
DISCLAIMERS:
⚠️ DM me for TW!
•
VERDICT: a sweet & heartwarming friends to lovers forced proximity romance w/ a New-Girl-esque friend group, the cutest pup, all the drama & plenty of depth exploring chronic illness & mental health!
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CiApj1_L1...
January 20, 2023
I absolutely ADORED this debut novel by Lindsey Lanza! I was hooked from the very beginning and finished this book in a day!
Lucy is a wreck. She is a writer who is recently divorced, has some ongoing health issues and she had planned to fly to California to move in with her so-called best friend/college roommate, Sarah. But when she is about to board the plane, she gets the call that she has no place to live after all! Besides Lucy’s therapy dog, Rowan, the only thing that gets her through the pain and hard times is listening to the music by Henry Turner, her favorite musician. After the bad news, she puts her headphones on to let Henry work his magic on her nerves. Little does she know the beautiful guy sitting across from her is her musical idol! Henry ends up being her seatmate on the flight. They start talking and he invites her to stay at his house (mansion) with his writing team (HAAAM) until she can find a place but quickly becomes part of their little family.
This dual POV, strangers to friends to lovers with forced proximity was such a delight to read! I love the story, the characters - I cannot say enough great things about this book! I absolutely loved Henry!!! He has a whole set of issues but Lucy seems to be the one who seems to bring him out of his shell. The HAAAM guys (and Adamma)…such a great handpicked family!
This book does have some sensitive topics. Infertility issues and mental illnesses. It really makes you feel all the feels! I loved the bookish references - Throne of Glass has been on my TBR but now, I definitely have to read the series! It definitely gives a New Girl vibe - I would love to see this made into a movie!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Lindsey Lanza for the Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Lucy is a wreck. She is a writer who is recently divorced, has some ongoing health issues and she had planned to fly to California to move in with her so-called best friend/college roommate, Sarah. But when she is about to board the plane, she gets the call that she has no place to live after all! Besides Lucy’s therapy dog, Rowan, the only thing that gets her through the pain and hard times is listening to the music by Henry Turner, her favorite musician. After the bad news, she puts her headphones on to let Henry work his magic on her nerves. Little does she know the beautiful guy sitting across from her is her musical idol! Henry ends up being her seatmate on the flight. They start talking and he invites her to stay at his house (mansion) with his writing team (HAAAM) until she can find a place but quickly becomes part of their little family.
This dual POV, strangers to friends to lovers with forced proximity was such a delight to read! I love the story, the characters - I cannot say enough great things about this book! I absolutely loved Henry!!! He has a whole set of issues but Lucy seems to be the one who seems to bring him out of his shell. The HAAAM guys (and Adamma)…such a great handpicked family!
This book does have some sensitive topics. Infertility issues and mental illnesses. It really makes you feel all the feels! I loved the bookish references - Throne of Glass has been on my TBR but now, I definitely have to read the series! It definitely gives a New Girl vibe - I would love to see this made into a movie!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Lindsey Lanza for the Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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