I absolutely adored Lucy and Henry: their stories are so poignant and written beautifully. Lucy, who lives with a chronic illness (Endometriosis), believes she is unworthy of love because of her condition and her ex-husband’s response to her treatment. Jack-who suffers with selective mutism caused by severe anxiety due to childhood abuse- finds himself gaining the courage and words to converse with Lucy. The best bit is… unbeknown to her she is currently listening to his music and frequently uses his compositions as a method of dealing with her excruciating pain. When Lucy’s friend leaves her without a place to stay in a new city, Jack convinces her to live with him and his musician friends.

I read this story in one sitting, I couldn’t get enough of Lucy, Henry, Rowan and Graham. I experienced plethora of emotions throughout and, at times, it was truly heart-breaking. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a short, snappy read with a moving message and well-developed characters.



Read if you enjoy:

Dual POV

Strangers to Friends to Lovers

Forced proximity

Chronic Illness Representation

I enjoyed reading this book. I loved how much representation this book has and ultimately this is why I'm giving it so many stars because these books need to be made and they need to be read. My only issue was that I didn't really believe/feel Lucy's feelings for Henry. Henry, yes. Lucy and Graham yes. Lucy and everyone else yes. But maybe I just started to believe her reluctance to the relationship a bit too much. I did not see the reveal coming and I'm quite pleased with that.

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!

Speechless by @readwithli was not what I expected but everything I needed. We meet Lucy and Henry at a Boston airport waiting for delayed flight to LA. Lucy is moving to LA to live with a college friend after her divorce and Henry is flying home after a business meeting. While waiting for the flight Lucy finds out she has no where to live when she gets to LA and Henry offers her a room in his house.

They both had their own ailments they were dealing with. Lucy is in constant physical pain and has her trusty pup, Rowan to assist her with her pain. Henry has severe social anxiety where he truly can’t be in public or talk to strangers without freezing up. They were perfect for each other because they both had people in their pasts that made them feel less than but together they felt valued.

I related to Henry a quite a bit so this book was extra special for me to read. I also loved the supporting characters of HAAAM especially Graham. Everyone should go read this now!

Thank you @netgalley and Lindsey Lanza for the ARC!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lucy writes fairytales with a twist, and her own personal fairytale has crashed and burned. Henry communicates with music because words so often fail him. A chance meeting in an airport turns out to be unexpectedly life-changing for them both.

As debuts go, this is a triumph. At its heart it's a love story, but it also deals sensitively and honestly with chronic illness, anxiety, and the true meaning of family - both genetic and found. All of the characters are fully realised, even the less sympathetic ones, and I particularly liked the portrayals of Graham and Adamma. And through it all are the twin themes of words and music, along with the reality that love is not a fairytale or neat little movie-plot package set to a sweeping score. It's work, and acceptance, and facing deep-seated fears. A wonderful book, and I look forward to reading whatever the author writes next.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

A LOVELY DEBUT ✨

This was such a classic rom-com and a perfect example of one. The characters were all so well-written, and I loved the chronic illness and anxiety representation. The way music was woven throughout was beautiful!

Can’t wait to see what Lindsey has next!

I loved this book! It was such a great debut novel!! I loved the way the sections of the book were set up, like a musical composition. Music was so important to both Henry and Lucy and it was perfect.

Lucy is going to LA to live with her best friend after her divorce until her best friend says her boyfriend doesn’t want her being friends with Lucy anymore? But Lucy meets Henry at the airport, and even though his anxiety makes it difficult to connect with people, he is DRAWN to Lucy, and offers to let her stay with him??? He’s also her favorite composer and she is literally listening to his music when they meet. It’s a little out of this world, but since she seemingly sort of knows him it’s okay right??

The mutual pining was so good! It was a LITTLE frustrating, just because it seemed like that’s ALL they did. They didn’t spend a ton of time together, and it makes sense why! But then it seemed like they were going so fast when they were together? But they were getting to know each other in a slightly unconventional way. Henry didn’t necessarily need to have the usual chit chat, and really Lucy didn’t either.

But they were so good together. Even before all of their troubles were totally aired out, they KNEW. Henry was exactly who Lucy needed; he made her feel truly wanted, needed, and loved. And Lucy made Henry feel so comfortable when he never has before. She got him to finally open up not only to her but also to his closest friends. She was the missing piece in their little family and it was SO SWEET.

I loved all of the secondary characters! They each had such big personalities but they didn’t totally take over Henry and Lucy (even though like I said it seems like Henry and Lucy spent more time apart).

I liked all the mental health and the chronic illness representation! Lucy has endometriosis, and has always felt like she didn’t good enough. It’s the reason she got a divorce. Henry has a form of anxiety that causes him to be unable to speak. He struggles a lot with it, but for whatever reason Lucy gets him to open up and be a little more comfortable.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Lindsey Lanza for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.!!

Lindsey Lanza blew me away with this debut novel! I was fully expecting a fluffy romantic comedy, but was pleasantly surprised by the depth. Lanza incorporates issues such as severe anxiety, chronic illness, and infertility in a relatable and tasteful way. My heart broke for Lucy and Henry, upon reading the root of their struggles. I loved the support from Graham, Jayce, Preston, and Adamma! They definitely stole the show at parts.

I loved everything about this book; the characters, the premise, ROWAN, the cover! All of it. I cannot wait to see what Lanza gives us next—hopefully one of those reimagined fairytales Lucy talked about! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, NetGalley, and Lindsey Lanza for the ARC!

i really tried to give this book a chance but the writing style just wasn’t it for me. i couldnt really feel a connection to it but maybe in the future i will try to read again!

Rate : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Author : Lindsey Lanza

I would like to thank Netgalley and Victory Editing for allowing to me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Where do I even begin? How do I find the words to express how much I physically adored this book? It was funny, relatable, adorable and just downright enjoyable to read. With characters who you fall in love with and a cute little dog who is in the limelight just as much!

From the get go, this novel is relatable. The main character Lucy is every book readers persona, someone who adores books and wishes for fictional men to just be real (we all do, admit it), and you immediately connect with her character. I could sense the author put themselves very much in this novel which was just amazing to see.

Now Henry, I have to give some airtime, he is the new book boyfriend I’ve been looking for! He’s everything! The minute you know he’s fallen for Lucy, you know… and he falls HARD! You can feel the chemistry between them and the love they have for one another. It’s a beautiful mechanism from the writer, I cannot fault them at all for that.

I also want to address the amazing representation of chronic pain. This is something that the author connects with on a personal level and to see it being represented is absolutely amazing. I have only read one other novel with chronic pain addressed but it was a subplot, to read this as a main contender in the plot was refreshing and something I believe everyone should read. The story of Lucy and her journey to accept herself is just tear jerking.

My only little grumble would be the slight miscommunication between the two main characters. There were moments I just wanted them to just communicate and talk! However, I understood where they were coming from so I can’t grumble about it too hard.

I also adored Graham! He was my favourite character out of all of them!

Speechless is begin published on the 19th January 2023! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a cute romance story about an author who adores reading and a musician who is just as crazy about her! From the representation to the plot, this book ticked all the boxes. I would definitely reread this!

CW/TW : Mentions of parents death, divorce, anxiety, mutism, anxiety attacks, slight violence, chronic pain/endometriosis and mentions of infertility and adoption.

I’m not able to finish this read. It’s nothing personal, but this story just isn’t for me. I recognize it is a debut novel and wish the author all the best on their endeavours.
I think it was too far fetched and didn’t relate to the characters. But people who like instalove and romantic fairytales will enjoy it

I literally requested this on NetGalley because I saw someone say they wouldn’t read it because it was self published. Which is ridiculous. And honestly, that person is missing out.
Lindsey Lanza’s Speechless was an easy five stars for me, the anxiety and disability representation was really good.
I felt so bad for Lucy, who had been dealt quite a shitty hand in life and to top it off her husband and best friend were actually terrible people.
Henry with all his struggles with anxiety was able to make me (and Lucy) swoon multiple times.
HAAAM was just a fun group of guys and I loved how they and Adamma truly took Lucy and Rowan in and showed her what real friendships looked like and how worthy she is as a person, despite her disability.
Henry’s mother though, she was a rockstar and way she helped Lucy was nothing short of amazing.
Overall I really, really loved Speechless and look forward to reading more from Lindsey Lanza in the future!

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an advanced digital copy in exchange for review.

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.

This was a fun book that held a lot of promise, however, ultimately fell short in a few places.

Firstly, I LOVED the chronic illness and mental health representation. It's always refreshing to stumble across a book that portrays these things well. Lucy is a fantastic character and I really enjoyed watching her grow throughout the story. The friendships that Lucy creates as the story unfolds were also beautiful, as was her close bond with her service dog.

Unfortunately, the actual romance aspect of the book was a bit of a let down for me. There were times I felt the chemistry between Lucy and Henry beginning to show, however, ultimately it was lacking for me. I also wasn't a fan of the way in which the characters initially met and came to be in each others lives - it all felt a bit forced and very unrealistic.

Given this is a debut I can definitely see potential for Lanza to develop as an author and I look forward to keeping an eye out for future releases.

Thanks to NetGalley for provided me with a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review

I loved Lucy and Henry! They met in the most magical and dreamy way. Henry’s music helped Lucy get through hard times and they met at the airport and fall in love?! Swoon. I love that they communicate and realize that they aren’t so different from each other and that they can heal from their brokenness together.

4.5 stars!

This book!! Chronic pain, mental health & service dog rep starting in the second chapter 👏 An author that writes Disney fairy tale retelling and a wonderful group of guys as housemates. I loved this from the very beginning!

Henry - was beyond amazing. Definitely one of my new favorite book boyfriends.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, the author &Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an advance copy of this debut novel in exchange for an honest review! I already can't wait for Lanza comes out with next.

This was such an amazing debut novel! All of the characters, the setting, the story just jumped off the page! I finished it in less than 24 hours I just could not put it down! It’s so refreshing to read a book with MCs in their 30s, dealing with real life problems like chronic illness and anxiety. Also Henry will definitely be your new book boyfriend! Phew! That man knows how to be so sweet but sooo sexy. I loved seeing the friendship and trust and love develop between him and Lucy.

Read this one if you love men that look like Ian Somerhalder and Ben Barnes, British and Australian accents, found family, semi-slow burn, amazing friendships and an even better love story.

**SPOILERS**

As a woman in her 30s, infertility is a real concern, and I truly appreciate the author not ending the book in a miraculous pregnancy like I’ve seen in other books because for so many women that is not the reality.

3.5 ⭐

Recently divorced with nothing to tie her down to Boston, Lucy Gold sets to fly to Los Angeles to stay with a friend. But when her plans fall apart, she accepts a handsome stranger's offer to stay at his Malibu beach house - where she finds comfort, peace and family.

Ultimately, the premise is sweet, but the build-up is lacking. I found the relationship too contrived and illogical at times - I couldn't get behind them falling for each other. And the lines got a bit too cheesy for my tastes.

I really liked the references to music and it's healing power. Henry was sweet and thoughtful, everything that Lucy needed on her journey to choosing happiness. The found family trope was heart-warming.

However the characters seemed caricature-ish, flat and one-sided, especially the villains.

I appreciate the attempt to raise awareness regarding struggles of people with chronic illness, though and how their thoughts and feelings about their illness are not always logical.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

🔊Song Pairing: Enchanted - Taylor Swift (I could have easily made a whole playlist to this book because it’s so music-centric)

💭What I thought would happen:

LOVED the cover and the simplicity of the title. Knew nothing of it but was weary of the friends to lovers trope.

📖What actually happens:

Lucy is at her bottom. She is a divorced author with nothing tying her to Boston anymore. She’s on a voyage with her support baby sheepie, Rowan, a fav fictional puppy.

En route to LA her best friend decides she can’t stay with her anyone and Lucy is officially homeless. Thank goodness for the cute stranger sitting across from her who swoops in and saves the day by asking her to live in his Malibu home with himself and his musicians.

🗯Thoughts:

I have all the feels! This will be an instant favourite in the Bookstagram world! I cannot wait for all the hype to follow this cutie patootie of a story! Henry is my new favourite book boyfriend and maybe it’s just his name but I obviously pictured Henry Cavill and only someone 6 feet under would not be attracted to that man. Meow.

I never thought I’d know anyone who loves movie scores as much as I did until I read Lindsey’s book. Hello, music soul sister much?! I heard movie scores this whole time while reading and it was glorious! I wrote an entire thesis on Hans Zimmer’s music. Swoon!

There is a point where a character jerk face says fuck Taylor Swift and I very loudly gasped.

I love love loved everything except that the author clearly hates cats…jk 😂

Read if you like:
Music
Friends to lovers (actually even if you don’t)
Found family
Cute puppies
Reading about mental illness/chronic illness

This book is literally perfection. I love SO MUCH how it represents not only chronic illness but anxiety disorders as well. As someone who struggles with social anxiety, I found Henry’s character VERY relatable. The book flowed so beautifully. I was hooked and genuinely could not put this book down. You truly won’t regret giving this book a read. It’ll have you laughing, falling in love, and sobbing. Truly a terrific book with a cute support dog