This novel was amazing! I like a romance that continues after the couple gets together and shows what it’s like to be in a relationship and work through the issues that arise. Relationships spend a lot more time in the “existing phase” compared to the “build up phase” after all! The two work well together (except when they don’t) and their relationship was sweet. I loved Max, the son, and how his relationships to everyone drove the novel forward. All of the characters were great and there was a good assortment of side characters.

The deaf representation was great and very interesting to read. It’s always nice when there is a bit of education mixed into a novel, particularly on a topic that most people don’t think enough about (which was also a plot point!). I felt like the issues that they struggled through were very realistic and everything in this novel made sense.

A note about versions; I initially looked up this novel and found there was a “part 2” and found it before I read this one because I didn’t want to be left hanging. Wow was I confused! I figured out that this novel was a re-write of what used to be two novels. I read the old versions too and it is a strange experience to read two novels that are very different but also contain a lot of parts that are the same. I think maybe the author should have changed the title because googling this novel was very confusing!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

What an emotional and angsty read. Vivian Kensington, Windy City Chamber Ensemble, board president. well off financially and happens to be deaf. Vivian has a strong personality and it flows throughout the entire read. Katelyn Flynn and her adorable son Max have moved from place to place hoping to settle down but it is a challenge due to Kate's upbringing and her desire to land a position as a cellist in a wonderful as well as challenging environment. Katelyn also happens to have a strong personality. As the story unfolds, the reader is swept up in the drama and challenge of what happens when the world of silence interacts with the world of sound. What a fantastic as well as informative read. The reader is also treated to some intriguing secondary characters, especially Charlie, Jacqueline and Stephen.

3.5

I've read so many good things about this book, and I'm sad to say this book is not for me. The storytelling didn't appeal to me as there was too much frustrating drama happening, and I couldn't establish any emotional connection with the main characters or the supporting cast.

Kate is an up and coming cellist who moves to Chicago for a ensemble with year long contract in the hopes of a more stable environment for her three year old son, Max. She meets the orchestral board president, Vivian and immediately clashes with her. Vivian is intimidating and beautiful, and deaf.

While currently in a relationship with a man named Ash, Kate and Vivian attempt to push aside their differences and form a tentative friendship which blossoms into something neither of them expected.

This book offers an eloquent understanding of the struggle one might face in life while deaf but also how two very different woman can come to trust one another and develop a beautiful relationship if you communicate and push through problems and try to make it work. I love their dynamic and their made family with Max.

This book is incredibly lovely.
I’m not the biggest fan of the classical music scene, but in this one it is just there. This book is about being deaf, daring a hearing person. A hearing person not understanding that the Deaf community comes with its own customs and behaviours.

It’s a lovely story about love and communication. It’s layered and well-written. I would certainly recommend.

A very sweet romance between a hearing cellist and the president of her orchestra, who happens to be Deaf. It felt a little preachy and other than the instant physical attraction I didn't quite get why Kate and Vivian were together. I love that Vivian went to Galludet.

I don't know what to say about this book. It was fine in some parts and then in others it felt too childish. I appreciate the representation, and I think we need more books with characters with disabilities.

While I was reading this book I started looking for reviews because there were some things that were bothering me a little and I wanted to see if it was a me problem. There I found out this book was a Once upon a time fanfic, I didn't watch the show so I don't know which characters it was about, but I can say at least that the book was pretty solid and easy to read.

The things that bothered me the most are how everything develops so fast, the characters act childish most of the time, and the lack of chemistry I noticed between Vivian and Kate, I needed to see more tension between them.

While talking about the characters I want to say that I really liked how Kate was with her son Max, she seemed to be doing great parenting, but then she would have some attitudes that didn't make sense for a woman her age.

Also I felt like Vivian involved herself too fast in Max's life and she was acting like she was his mother, I don't know how much time had passed in the book, but for me it felt like it was too early for her to do that.

The other thing that bothered me was that Kate never really tried to learn ASL just because Vivian didn't ask her to do so. It's not that complicated, if you have a friend that communicates with sign language the least you could do is try to learn it, even though they can read your lips and more so if you're going out with this person. I don't know, Kate's explanations and behaviors didn't sit well with me.

Finally I didn't enjoyed when Vivian's mother appeared in the book, and I kind of hated all the drama she brought with her, also the ending happened too easy for my liking, we are talking about a person that made her daughter's life impossible that ends up being "redempted" just because now she's trying and learning ASL.
Obviously this book wasn't for me.

I really enjoyed this story and its characters. Kate moves with her almost four year old son to Chicago as a cellist. She gets quickly pursued and becomes involved with Vivian Kensington who is President of the Board for the musical organization. One of the things that I liked was how early on they were together as a couple. But I felt I was missing some moments especially where they switch from a few dates to Kate and son almost living in Vivian’s loft. Looking at reviews it seems this book is a combination of two previous books that have been reworked into one storyline.

One of the big focuses of this book is Vivian being deaf. She is skilled at reading lips and also employees a life long friend as an interpreter when needed. Kate has to learn about being with a deaf person and often falls short of the mark. Vivian is a sympathetic character as a lot of the ice-queen persona is because others do not understand her deaf world. But I felt she failed at times as a romantic partner in not sharing her feelings or talking to Kate about what she needed from her. It often made me feel that Kate was always being shown she was lacking when she could have been given tips or heads up about expectations. And it seemed off that while they were seemingly together Kate was unaware of how many deaf functions Vivian attended. I think some of my confusion is from details lost in merging two books into one.

The writing is engaging and I wanted the couple to be together. The son is precocious and often speaks beyond his years. He is a nice addition to the plot and not annoying. The bio father story line is okay. It gives some insight into Kate’s history and character but I didn’t really need him in the story. The biggest takeaway for me was learning about the deaf world. I use hearing aides and often have a hard time keeping up with cross conversations or understanding quiet speakers or accents. So in a very small way I related to Vivian and her world. Thank you to Ylva Publishing for the digital copy and I am leaving a voluntary review.

The Loudest Silence was originally self published by Janae back in 2017. As an indie publication, Janae had approached Kate and Vivian’s story a bit differently. I read it then, when she first released it, and I loved it. As soon as I finished it, I wanted more of these characters and their story. When I had heard that Ylva Publishing had decided to rerelease The Loudest Silence, I was beyond excited. Janae’s 2017 version was good, but I knew Ylva could help her make it even better.

Under Ylva’s insightful editing, exciting changes occurred. Kate and Vivian’s original journey supported two books, but it was thin in some areas. Ylva recognized this and seized the opportunity to work their editing magic; they changed the two books into one. Condensing the story in this fashion may sound harsh, but the move produced a more streamlined narrative. Ylva was cautious though; they made sure that the essence of Janae’s story was not lost in the editing process. The 2022 second printing flows beautifully, giving readers everything they expect in a heartfelt and compelling romance.

What I originally enjoyed about the story is still true today. The characters are dynamic and beautifully drawn. The story is gripping and intense at times, making it more interesting and investment-worthy. Plus, it ventures into areas that I’ve rarely considered. As a hearing person partnered with another hearing person, I’ve never considered the complexities of navigating a relationship that is impacted by hearing impairments. Viewing a romance through Kate and Vivian’s lens is not only enlightening, it is heartwarming. The emotions are raw and real at times, and the storytelling captures this perfectly.

Final remarks…

I absolutely recommend this book. It is a gorgeously penned romance that will tug on your heartstrings. Kate and Vivian are captivating characters. Furthermore, Janae paints their relationship in such a beautiful light. The supporting characters enhance the story arc tenfold, making it even more dynamic and appealing. The Loudest Silence is a sensually bewitching tale, and a great addition to any romance lover’s book collection.

Strengths…

Emotionally appealing
Eye opening perspective
Fresh, original storyline
Dynamic, engaging characters
Fantastic leading lady chemistry
Interesting supporting characters

Phenomenal storytelling (4.5 stars)
I read the original fanfiction story this book is based on years ago and do not remember all the details but it was a definite favorite at the time and one I reread several times; much of what I do remember is still in the story especially the sparks and fiery chemistry between main characters Kate and Vivian. It was a true pleasure to revisit these characters and their story in this most polished form. Set in Chicago and centering around those in the classical music business, the author has a clear love for the city and possesses deep insights into the lives and mindsets of professional musicians working their way thru auditions, and navigating the politics of ensemble and solo playing. Vivian is deaf and the way Kate describes the music around them when they explore the city is both poetic and accurate, magically putting into words something essentially ineffable. The story as a whole puts the reader thru the emotional wringer; it made me laugh, cry, choke up, and so much more. The characters are richly complex, the kind where there is no clear goodie or baddie, just a collection of people with flaws, blind spots and baggage whose actions and words are well intentioned even though they may result in hurting another person. Kate's son Max is adorable although his dialogue did not always seem consistent with his age and Vivian's best friend and interpreter Charlie is a highlight to read for her humor and no bs approach with others. The ending wrapped up loose ends but still did not feel final to me as if a sequel of sorts has been planned. I'd love to read more of these characters and this universe as well as anything else the author publishes in the future. It's solid writing and storytelling, highly entertaining and engaging. The fanfiction story was phenomenal years ago and this has only been improved upon by leaps and bounds here. I highly recommend this book for all of the above reasons and also for the hot and sexy interplay between Kate and Vivian; you'll root for them to be together and to have time alone as much as possible.

"The Loudest Silence" by Olivia Janae is an ice queen, enemies-to-lovers romance focusing on the unique challenges and connections formed between Kate, a hearing cellist and single mother new to Chicago, and Vivian, the Deaf president of the Windy City Chamber Ensemble. The story explores themes of prejudice, communication beyond sound, and the search for unconditional love, highlighting the intricacies of Deaf culture and the journey toward understanding and acceptance between two contrasting worlds.