Have you ever thought: “What happens after the happily ever after?”

Well, in Lucy’s case she’s picking up and moving her entire life and her cute pie of a support dog, Rowan, to LA to live with her best friend (who has some serious non best friend qualities). Now if you’re thinking, that doesn’t really sound like the start of a happily ever after - well, it’s because it’s not. She’s 30, just called off her wedding and has found herself on a plane sitting next to her favourite artist, Henry Turner.

I struggled with this book. Lucy seemingly forms a deep bond with the HAAM crew almost instantly, she jokes around with them, gets personal real quick and it makes little sense as to why that’s happened. There is little character building and the writing style makes it seem irrational and nonsensical that a grown adult would agree to move into a strangers home and become best friends with a bunch of other strangers without a second thought or anything really happening in the plot line. Not to mention the first third of this book has Henry missing from the storyline entirely.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book, unfortunately not for me but if you love a book that’s:
- Sickly sweet
- Quirky
- Chance encounter
- Pop culture heavy
- Airport romance
- Fast paced
- Insta love
….then Speechless is for you.

You know a book is good when you read it once (in one day - 100% unputdownable) then you immediately re-read it a second time. And then re-read the good parts a third time. Lucy and Henry completely won over my heart and my mind. Speechless is gripping, emotional, and exquisitely written - every meaningful look and touch breathed into life. You will close the book cover changed!

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It has a “this is so sweet” feeling throughout it. Feels effortless as you read. In Henry we have a kind, gentle soul and in Lucy we have a heartbroken love interest perfectly matched to him. The supporting cast is just as loving and engage with Henry and Lucy enough to have you wondering what a story about them would be. Solid book I’d say!

I’m a movie score junkie. I have a whole playlist called “Let’s go to the movies” for times when I just need to hear nothing but an orchestra of emotions. 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 dictate 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. She’s been hurt and lost so much which makes her story of found family and Love even sweeter in the end.

I adored Henry so so much! I am a sucker for quiet and mysterious types. AND he’s a musician?? hot. 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. Uhhh and his backstory??? Did not see that coming AT ALL. 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.

Adored the New Girl vibes I got from Lucy living with the HAAM boys. They are each so different and served such a purpose in Lucy’s journey to recovery. I especially loved Graham! He’s the perfect best friend for both Lucy and Henry. I really appreciated the inclusion of Adamma in the story as a girlfriend for Lucy to confide in and actually become close with.

This is Lanza’s debut novel and I will definitely be reading anything else she writes! Speechless comes out on January 17, 2023. Definitely pre-order this one!

Thank you to NetGalley, the Author, and the Publisher for an opportunity to read early in exchange for an honest review.

I AM SPEECHLESS. Seriously tho this book was sooooo heartwarming and wonderful! I’m shocked it was a debut, I’m so so impressed. I cannot wait to read more from Lindsey Lanza!

The set up at the airport was so perfect for this story. I freaking loved it. The premise was amazing! I’m a musicphile (is this a real word?) and could hear all of the cute dinner songs that Henry and Luzu sang in my head. Also, like Lucy I love film scores so it was soso perfect to me.

Henry was the definition of a man written by a woman. He was perfection, truly. Definitely connected to the anxiety rep and thought it was really well done! I can’t speak so much to the chronic illness rep with endometriosis but I really enjoyed how the author portrayed this with Lucy. I think I honestly wanted a little bit more of the endometriosis and what that looks like for people with it on a daily basis. I found we got snippets but maybe not the full picture especially with how Rowan supports her.

The whole HAAAM crew was amazing, So so funny! I saw someone compare this to the vibes of New Girl and I totally agree. I loved the friendship Lucy developed with Graham, Preston and Dami! My only criticism is the conversation that happened with Graham and Henry regarding Henry wanting to pursue Lucy. I didn’t love how Graham was trying to dissuade him because Henry isn’t “normal” or can’t do “normal things” such as golf with Lucy due to his anxiety. I thought this was not a great way to portray his anxiety/mental health concerns and I honestly wanted this to be rectified with Graham apologizing to Henry or saying he was wrong? It was kind of weird how Graham didn’t support the relationship when he was talking to Henry but when he was talking to Lucy he was encouraging her to pursue it. It wasn’t a massive part of the story honestly but it bothered me enough to keep me thinking about it after reading. I understand that Henry’s concerns go beyond his anxiety, as the author revealed he also has mutism due to his childhood trauma. I just wish the conversation with Graham went differently! I digress.

Overall, this book was an absolutel joy to read and loved the writing style! I read it so quickly and didn’t want to put it down. I look forward to bookstagram and hopefully beyond to read this book! Can’t wait to read more from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will be posted my review/thoughts on Goodreads and instagram on the pub date.

I was heading into this book thinking it was a lighthearted rom-com. And it mostly is. But it is also so much more. It also portrays chronic illness and anxiety in a very sensible kind of way. As a person who has dealt with a kind of anxiety her whole life, I could immediately understand what Henry is going through and feel the frustration whenever he was overcome by it. The portrayal of chronic illness on Lucy’s part was also very eye opening. And everything is woven in with very lovable characters, the ever so great found family trope and the funniest banter! Overall a big recommendation to everyone who needs a feel good vibe story with a lot of depth!

Bonus point: The MMC is described as a Ben Barnes type of guy. What’s not to like?

4.5 stars

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for providing this e-arc. In return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. This review will be posted to my Goodreads and Storygraph accounts!

I have mixed feelings about this one. I was super into it at first and then it started to lose me. HAAAM was a weird concept and took me out of the book every time I had to read “ham”. It was also just very quick. I do love quick reads but this one could’ve been elaborated on a little more and it may not have felt so implausible at times. Idk. Like I said mixed feelings. I would read more from this author though. Love the writing style.

PS: Rowan is perfect. The ToG reference for his name was amazing.

I really wanted to like this, but couldn't get into the story. The romance didn't spark my interest. I think fans of New Girl will have fun with this book though!

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5 (Rounded to 5⭐️ on GR)
Thoughts: 💭

Lucy is off to California with her pup Rowan to live with her college bestie after a rocky divorce, BUT right before she boards the plane her friend calls to tell her there’s been a slight change in plans and she can’t stay with her anymore… After having a slight freak out on the phone (in an airport), she meets Henry. Hot and British Henry who happens to be her favorite musical artist/ composer… What are the odds. So what is more logical than accepting an offer on the spot to live with a total stranger in an airport? Sounds acceptable to me…

What the heck y’all… Yet another AHHH-MAZING debut book. It had all my faves from strangers to lovers to slow burn to even “celeb” crush. But proceed with caution, you will find yourself a new book boyfriend with Henry. He has that cute awkward vibe to him that made me smile this entire book. I also loved the all male roommate vibe, reminded me of New Girl.

It’s been taking me a while to read books lately (because life) but it’s safe to say I flew through this one! If you take one thing from this post… I beg, I plead…. Just add this to your tbr list.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞…

👥 Dual POV
👩‍❤️‍👨 Strangers to Lovers
👍🏼 Slow Burn
🙎🏼‍♂️ “Celebrity” Crush
✈️ Meet at an Airport (goals 🥹)
📍 Malibu / California
🎶 Musical Vibes
🐕 Cute Service Doggo
👀 Men with British Accents

Thank you @readwithli and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. Make sure to add this one to your preorder list! Publication date is January 17th, 2023.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book to read and review. All of these thoughts are my own.

I don’t know what more to say other than I loved this book so much. This book has romance, charm, protectiveness, a little sadness, and alot of love and not just romantic love, but friendship love.

I truly loved this book. Henry is just precious and adorable in his own little way and I’m so happy he found Lucy. I think they complement each other well and I wish the story was longer because I just want more of them. Especially with that too sweet ending.

This is a really good read for anyone who likes romance, or well just anyone who likes reading in general. I can’t wait to buy an actual copy of this book. It’s a need!

5 stars obviously!

"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."

***

Thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this to give my honest opinion.

AND TO BE HONEST, This is real good. I'm speechless! Like I rarely find any romance book that fit me in. But I like the gloomy, the sadness but also the romance is chef's kiss!

It started from Lucy, just divorced and moving to LA with her college roommate. Until, the roommate couldn't give a room for her anymore and she needed to live in new place. Luckily she found her favorite composer, Henry fucking Turner, that her music helped her to go through dark. And more luck that he is invited her to live with him and his band mates in beach house in Malibu!

By this time, I think all Turners are HOT! Like super duper hot and also softie too. awww. The story discovered pain, trauma and chronic illness with light story. It made me tear up because Lucy went through so much and GLAD when she found a new family.

The trope definitely Found-Family Trope. And despite that my curiousness about this book because some things hasn't explained, I think it was okay that it was never revealed.

OKAY ADDED THING THAT THIS BOOK HAS PERSONALIZED PLAYLIST! I love this book so much. One of my best romance reads of the year!

This book had me hooked from the beginning. The chemistry between Henry and Lucy was so cute and I am a big animal lover so the fact that Rowan the dog was a big part of the story Filled me with joy! What a great first debut book from this author!

When I finished reading Speechless I was... well... speechless. This book was that good. I can't believe this is Lindsey Lanza's debut novel because the pacing was perfect, the characters - both the main characters and everyone else - were multidimensional and real, and the story itself was deeply moving, heartwarming, fun and just lovely. I read the eARC in two days and found it really hard to put it down and focus on anything else. I was completely swept away by the story and just wanted to give everyone a hug and hang out with them - I wish I could've stayed in Malibu forever.

We follow an author called Lucy who decides to turn her life around when she divorces at thirty and moves from Boston to Los Angeles. However, the friend who was supposed to support her big change turns out to be not so supportive, at all, and Lucy finds herself homeless. A brief encounter with a stranger at the airport leads into Lucy finding herself and her service dog Rowan living in a house in Malibu, with quite a cast of roommates.

Five stars.

Speechless caught my attention from the very beginning. I am always a fan of an early meet cute and this book had exactly that!

Lucy and Henry are characters with many layers and it was enjoyable to see them unfold as the story went on. You could see how generous Henry was right from the start as they become roommates, then friends and then more. The supporting characters were great additions to the mix and each played their own unique roles(maybe a future spin off with one of them?!). Overall, the story was a great build up from the run in to the romance and their personality layers and backstories were revealed with the same pacing.

Told from the perspective of each lead character, I found their individual struggles to be interesting and realistic. Just when I thought I knew them, more pieces to their puzzle were shared. I liked that Henry's past wasn't fully explained by him, but a different character and a lot of the details were still surprising- even the ones detailed later in the story. I also found the portrayal of Lucy's chronic illness and how she viewed herself to be eye opening.

I found this book to be a different story than a lot of the romance books that I've previously read. It was creative, humorous, heartfelt and full of likable characters. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to seeing what Lindsey writes next!

Lucy Gold writes romance for a living, but writing happy endings when you don't fully believe in happy endings anymore is the ultimate form of writer's block.

After getting divorced, Lucy is on her way to LA to move in with her best friend and get a fresh start. When's she at the airport waiting to board her flight, Lucy's best friend says that she can't stay with her anymore.

Moving to a new place is a big problem when you know no one there and have nowhere to go...that is, unless you run into a complete stranger that's willing to offer up his Malibu home for you to stay at with his amazing roommates. It's also convenient when that complete stranger happens to be your favorite composer, whose music has become the comfort in your everyday life.

THIS BOOK WAS ADORABLE. I loved the storyline of fan-meets-favorite-composer and I adored the way Lucy and Henry's relationship developed over the course of time. They had me CRYING by the end.

They both harbored deep-rooted secrets within themselves that manifested into their worst insecurities. Reading them break down those walls they each had built and finally trust each other with their baggage was so emotionally satisfying and I was rooting for their happy ending through the entire slow-burn.

The secondary characters were FANTASTICALLY WRITTEN. I was so invested in every bit of banter and the day-to-day roommate antics. Lucy finding that sense of family with the entire group was so comforting and sweet to read.

Special shout-out to the MOST SPECIAL little side character: Rowan, Lucy's service dog. I love books with dogs and I just wanted hang with sweet little Rowan the whole book. ♥️🥹

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Lindsey Lanza for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 🐾🎵

This was such a sweet and wholesome read, I had a smile on my face the whole time. The perfect romance.

Lucy, a YA author of fairly tale inspired books, is just about to fly from Boston to LA to move in with her college roommate and start over after her divorce. Unfortunately her supposed-friend and Sarah calls to say she’s back with her ex and that Lucy can no longer live with her. This leaves Lucy stuck, with no one to turn to apart from her trust service dog, and all-round adorable pup, Rowan. But then a gorgeous man strikes up conversation and she discovers he’s an incredibly talented composer and songwriter, Henry Turner, the creator of all the music on her favourite playlists. He offers her the chance to stay with him in his house in Malibu along with HAAAM, the name for his group of musicians who work and live with him. Lucy finds herself saying yes and soon discovers it was the right decision, she loves all (well almost all) of his housemates and Rowan is delighted to be beside the sea. As her friendships with HAAAM develop, she finds herself becoming accustomed to life in LA. However, she still finds herself thinking about the mysterious Henry who works all hours of the day in his basement studio. When he does emerge they go out together on sort-of dates and she realises she has feelings for him. Feelings she doesn’t want to act on because of her fear that he’ll leave her when he discovers her endometriosis and infertility.

Speechless is told from both Lucy and Henry’s perspectives and I always love that in a book, especially as both of their voices are so clear in Lindsey Lanza’s writing. Henry is incredibly sweet and wonderful and from their first meeting, it’s clear that he cares for Lucy and that something special is going to blossom between them. When people describe this book as ‘swoony,’ they are not wrong!

I also loved the depictions of the other guys who live in the house, they are all unique and wonderful in their own ways and I would happily read a book about each one of them, especially Graham!

If you want a cosy, fluffy read with fairy tale themes, this is definitely the book for you!

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the eARC.

This review is so hard for me to write because I loved this book so much, how do you put into words what sings in your heart? Henry and Lucy will forever be written in my heart on a deep and personal level. I think I had butterflies in my stomach throughout the entire read, and tears in my eyes the last 10% of the book, and I could not put it down.

There are no perfects in this book, each decision our main characters made we're active choices to fight, to overcome, and to choose to be happy. "Don't choose to be unhappy. I want to choose happiness. I know that it's not that simple, I can't predict the future; but right now, I'm feeling hopeful."

Speechless dares to be different in a sea of romcom novels. The setting feels absolutely unrealistic, however, the setting also brings that spark of fantasy needed to truly appreciate the inner battles our MCs are facing. Lindsey wanted to accurately represent what suffering from a chronic illness and mental illness is like, and I feel that she succeeded. I don't want to give spoilers, but this was the first novel I have ever read that portrayed a taboo issue and gave it life and hope. I know it changed how I felt about my own struggle with this topic, giving me a hope I haven't felt in a long time.

I know I'm not explaining the synopsis, but I don't feel I need to, you can read that yourself, but I can tell you is that this book will pull at your heart strings and feel like one giant hug you didn't know you needed. Don't miss this one!

What this book has:
-Found Family
-Anxiety Rep
-Chronic Illness Rep
-Steam
-Sarah J Maas shout out!
-No "third act breakup" (woohoo!)

Thank you Lindsey and Net Galley for the ARC! This book had me hooked on the first page and it was hard to put down as the characters developed. Highly recommend and can’t wait to see more books from this author!

Dual perspective. Endometriosis & social anxiety rep. Found family. Strangers to friends to lovers. Songs about food. This debut book is chef’s kiss perfection!

Seeking a fresh start after a sudden divorce, Lucy decides to pack up her life & her service dog and make a new start in California. Her living arrangements fall through just before boarding the plane & a stranger offers his home as a place to stay.

The stranger? The award-winning composer, Henry, whose music has kept Lucy afloat while her life crumbles.

Henry is at the peak of his career. But his crippling social anxiety is ruining his personal life. The longer Lucy stays in the house & builds friendships with Henry & his roommates, the more Henry opens up.

Lucy can’t deny the attraction, but her past has left a mark on her. Will Lucy be able to hear Henry over her past?

Read if you love…
🎧author created playlist
✨endometriosis / chronic pain rep
🫶🏼dual perspective
✨strangers to friends to lovers
🐶lovable service dog
✨he falls first
✈️cutest meet-cute
✨mutual pining
🌈queer side characters
✨social anxiety rep
👨men’s mental health rep
✨found family
🔥slow burn

It’s been days since I finished this book and I cannot stop thinking about it & already want to re-read it!

I am a total freaking sucker for found family & dual perspective & mental health rep & he falls first & basically let’s be real: everything about this stunning debut novel by Lindsey.

I would like to submit my formal application to be Graham’s best friend because he is just genuinely a phenomenal & wonderful & hilarious human. He’s exactly who Lucy needed as she processed divorce & moving & all of the things.

Henry. Freaking Henry. I adore this man. I loved loved loved that Lindsey SHOWED how his social anxiety affects him and didn’t just tell the reader he has it. I loved watching Henry slowly open up and the way Lucy not only was a big part of that, but had so much empathy and understanding for him.

I loved how silly Henry could be once he opened up. The songs about food were hands down one of the best things I’ve ever read in a book!

Listen, this debut novel by an indie author is phenomenal & you need to pre-order it & put it at the top of your TBR!

Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

‼️Trigger warnings: divorce; endometriosis