Thank you so much for the gifted digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Read this if you:

Love dogs
Are in the mood for a sweet refreshing romance
Would love to date a songwriter

My Thoughts:

I loved the highlights of mental health and disabilities and the way in which these topics were written.

I think the author sends a powerful message that true love also happens because of the things that society sees as flaws and not just in spite of them. And I think that Lucy's and Henry's story can be an inspiration and a comfort for anyone who thinks that they are not enough or not worthy of love. Speechless makes you feel beautiful the way you are and fills you with hope that other people will see you the same way.

Rowan is probably my favorite fictional fog of all time! Could he be any more cute?

The characters were well built and I loved the relationship they all developed in their circle of friends. They are all so different but together they make this strong loyal unbeatable group that anyone would want to be a part of.

My only problem with the book is that, despite enjoying it so much, it took me 2 weeks to finish it but this might also be because I've been in a weird place mentally lately and it might affect my reading focus.

Speechless is an amazing debut novel, definitely worth giving it a go and I can't wait to see what Lindsay writes next.

Speechless by Lindsey Lanza
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub Date: 1/17

“Because you are special, Luce. You are my anomaly.”

When Henry dropped that quote, I was in tears! This book is so good, you guys! I cannot believe this is a debut.

Bestselling author Lucy Gold needs a fresh start after her divorce. She’s about to get on a plane to LA to stay with her best friend when she gets a call that her friend has changed her mind, and Lucy is no longer welcome to stay there. Just when she’s about to arrive in LA with nowhere to go, a handsome stranger in the airport, who happens to be Lucy’s favorite award-winning composer Henry Turner, offers her a place to stay. Lucy is star-struck, as Henry’s music has gotten her through some tough times in her life, and she has no choice but to say yes.

I was really impressed with this story about loss, friendship, love, and the healing power of music. I loved the music, the pop culture references (especially the Throne of Glass mentions), the hilarious HAAM characters, and the tender relationship that develops between Lucy and Henry. I laughed out loud, swooned, and was teary by the end.

The award for sweetest, most endearing MC goes to Henry! He is unassuming, quiet, incredibly talented, and of course, smokin’ hot. He suffers from a condition exacerbated by his anxiety, which causes him to freeze up and renders him speechless (see what she did there?) Most people don’t know how to handle him when he gets like that, but Lucy has a unique way of helping him through it and never judges him for it.

The disability rep in this book is phenomenal, not only for highlighting Henry’s condition but for shining a light on Lucy’s chronic pain, as well. Rowan, Lucy’s adorable pooch and service dog, stole quite a few scenes and had me googling his breed to gush over the cute pups.

This book reminded me a lot of The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez, so if you’re a fan of hers then you’ll want to pick this up! Read if you like: strangers-to-friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, airport meet cute, dual POV, mutual pining, he falls first, found family, and a sloooow burn. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lindsey Lanza for the ARC to read and review!

“Because you remind me of sunshine.”

Speechless was such a sweet book!! Lindsey Lanza wrote a story that incorporated chronic endometriosis and selective mutism caused by severe anxiety representation. It was so great to see these two kind and generous people find their HEA!

However, my favorite part was how Lucy and Henry no longer defined themselves by their diagnosis by the end of the novel. Even though their true friends always saw them as more than endo and anxiety, it was freeing to see them accept themselves and their bright futures. Instead of focusing on all the things they couldn’t have, they were grateful for everything they did have.

I love a couple that dialogues a little bit more. I understand, and respect, that that wasn’t in the cards for this book but I definitely missed it.

Lindsey Lanza also incorporated some phenomenal secondary characters! Graham, Adamma, and Mary! All three were L&H’s fierce champions. They loved and cared for Lucy and Henry long before they could choose to love themselves.

“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.”

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 I asked the authors to share the recipes. The strawberry and Nutella stuffed French toast? I made that a few times 🤤

4.5/5

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 Instagram as a Bookstagrammer 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!

Divorcee Lucy is about to move to California when her 'best' friend lets her down, as she's waiting to board the plane. When handsome musician Henry overhears, he offers her a place to stay at his luxury home, which he shares with his fellow musician friends.

I enjoyed this debut novel. I loved the premise, however outlandish it seemed. Henry was adorable, and the representation of his severe anxiety felt authentic (and often heartbreaking). Lucy is a writer, and I appreciated the representation of chronic illness, which again felt accurate, though she came across as overly secretive and immature to me, which occasionally veered into frustrating. While i empathised with her worries, I just wasn't keen on the forced 'drama' that resulted. Rowan, her service dog, was a cute addition, and I also enjoyed the found family dynamic, particularly Lucy's friendship with Adamma and Graham. But this is a story about two people overcoming difficult pasts and health issues, and I loved Lucy and Henry's development. Their first 'date' was both adorable (pasta songs) and heartbreakingly accurate (anxiety).

I did find the dialogue rather immature at times, especially considering all of the characters are in their thirties. It often read like teenagers, and sometimes it felt like they missed the obvious questions people would ask in real life (possibly because the dialogue sometimes veered into info dumping). That aside, I enjoyed this book, and I absolutely ADORED the musical aspects, particularly Henry's love language. A solid debut.

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5
Heat Rating: 🔥
Emotional Rating: 😕💓🥰😂🙄😍😢🥰

*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review*

REVIEW FOR SPEECHLESS

4 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Lindsey Lanza for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Oh goodness did I love this book! I loved how it tied in music to not just the story, but into the fabric of the book through the chapter titles. I loved the ways it addressed chronic illness and mental health, and that the characters were messy and raw and real and unapologetic. There was definitely miscommunication in this story, but it didn't bother me at all. In fact, this is one of the few books where I welcomed it because it felt necessary and essential to Lucy and Henry's story.

Things I liked-
- GRAHAM. PROTECT HIM AT ALL COSTS
- Henry and Lucy's relationship
- I thought the concept for the story (not in the addressing of chronic illness and mental health, but the concept of the story itself) was interesting and I liked how the author addressed chronic illness and mental health in an intentional way and not in a way that made it seem like an afterthought or "fun fact" about the characters

What I could do without:
- drama with Craig- afterward it seemed a bit pointless
- Sarah made me angry. I know she was necessary for the storyline, but still I wanted to ring her neck, but only because I know people like her.
- While I really liked Lucy and understood that her situation entitled her to have certain discussions on her own terms, I do feel in some instances she was unfair to Henry. HOWEVER, I do also feel this was intentional and part of her storyline to demonstrate her growth. I just didn't like it, especially the scenes in the UK.

Overall I really loved this story. I loved Lucy and Henry and their vulnerabilities. The pace of the story was quick, chapters were short so it was easy to keep attention, and the characters were extremely likeable (um HELLO ADAMMA AND GRAHAM). I hope we hear more from this friend group because I just want to hang out with them all the time!

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!

A really refreshing read that covered also some deeper topics, i loved the main characters, especially Henry and the cover is certainly a bonus!
I also really appreciated the social anxiety rep (which i found to be pretty accurate, as someone who suffers from it) and the endometriosis one.
Would certainly recommend.

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @victoryeditingngc for an early copy of Speechless by @readwithli. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Speechless is a romantic story about Lucy, recently divorced and ready to move to LA to accompany and live with her friend, and Henry, an award-winning composer whose music has held Lucy together while her life has been recently crumbling apart. They meet at the airport while waiting for their flight to Malibu, and just as her living arrangements fall through, Henry offers to let her stay at his house with his crew of musicians. After living in the house for a few weeks, Henry and Lucy’s attraction deepens.

Okay, I have to get this out of the way but one of the absolute best things about this book is Rowan, Lucy’s service dog who’s just the sweetest and most adorable companion ever! And spoiler alert – he’s names after a certain character from the Throne of Glass series by SJM. 😉

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, this book is an absolute heartwarming romance! It’s not actually all romance per se, but I really enjoyed reading on about Lucy’s relationship with HAAM, Henry’s music crew who lives with him at his beach house. In a such a short time, she has bonded with them, and they considered each other family. I loved their friendship and how they helped Lucy come out of her shell and be more confident. I also loved how Lucy brightened up their Malibu beach house since as Henry has always been working, the vibe of the house seems more like a workplace than anything else; with Lucy around, their lives became a bottle full of sunshine despite she having some problems and insecurities of her own.

Lucy and Henry’s relationship build up was so sweet and heartwarming. I loved their chemistry and how their relationship progressed, more so through music. While they did hesitate so much on revealing each other’s deepest, darkest pasts up until the last minute, I couldn’t imagine any other way for them to break the ice, especially during the last few chapters with Lucy and Henry’s mom.

Rating Speechless ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5. Releases January 17th, 2023!

I want to thank Victory Editing for the ARC I’m exchange for an honest review.
From the first paragraph I was in!
“I’ve always loved fairy tales. The fancy castles, handsome princes, snowy-haired horses. I love the magic, even the sinister kind. But most of all, I love the endings, the happily ever afters. There’s something so comforting about knowing everything works out in the end.”
I’m usually not one to fall for the coincidence type of meet cute. Where it just so happens the person you are thinking of or talking about just pops into your life that day *poof* out of thin air, BUT for Henry I will suspend my disbelief. He is perfection.
The story talks about some deep personal issues surrounding endometriosis and severe anxiety. Other deep topics were also a part of this love story that I wouldn’t want to spoil near the end but I absolutely applaud and appreciate the author for diving into these often overlooked illnesses that do completely encompass peoples lives. She weaves all of this into such a wonderful love story.
And the love story… I really just enjoyed the chemistry and development of these characters together. Really swoon worthy hero also as I have mentioned.
I also really loved how the story involved a found family for Lucy. It definitely would have been strange for her to be staying in a huge mansion with just Henry so having Graham and the rest of HAAAM made the story really fun and sweet. Graham being her confidant and emotional support was just a perfect match as a friendship.
I hope every romance lover reads this book! I could put it down and was never bored. It really has everything a reader could want and it made my heart so happy all the way through. HIGHLY recommend for everyone to pick up this book on it’s January 17, 2023 publication date !!!

“𝕊𝕡𝕖𝕖𝕔𝕙𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤” 🎶 by Lindsey Lanza follows the story of Lucy Gold and Henry Turner.

Lucy has have a tough year, so after her divorce and as per her friend request she decides to move from Boston to LA for a fresh start, but after her friend dump her while she is practically boarding the plane, an attractive stranger comes to the rescue, and oh surprise! The stranger is not other than her favorite music composer Henry Turner, who offers her to stay at his house until she is able to find a new one, that’s how she finds herself being roommate with Henry and his very different but funny friends.

During her stay in Henry’s house she discovers that he is not only a prodigy musician but also an amazing friend and human being, who had helped many people when they were struggling, Lucy included, and feelings get involved. She writes modern fairly tales but ironically she is afraid of loving again after her divorce, so she fights her feelings for Henry, until she can’t resist his sweetness and caring nature anymore.

Henry is so lovable, so caring and respectful of Lucy, and even though he has a tough past he is such a strong character full of love.

I loved Lucy’s relationship with Henry’s friends it’s so funny and adorable, and as a dog mom, it made me so happy to read all the love the guys give Rowan, Lucy’s service dog.

This book is about Lucy’s found family and her journey accepting and assimilating her life with a chronic illness, overcoming the loss of a love one and her fear to love again.

This is Lindsey’s debut book, and what amazing debut! I can’t wait to read what else she has in store for us book lovers to read next.

Speechless will be released on January 17th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victoria Editing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this realistic take on a modern fairy tale romance. The main characters are both flawed and broken in their own ways - both struggling with their own traumas that prevent them or interfere with them letting love and joy into their lives.

I liked that one of the main characters was an author and the other one was a music composer and songwriter - reading about each of their work processes was interesting.

I love the setting! The author does a fantastic job of conveying the beauty of Malibu in California and it made me want to jump on the next flight there.

There were also mouth watering descriptions of food.

What the author does best is write with sensitivity about endometriosis, fertility issues, loss of a parent and childhood trauma. The mental health representation is handled with care. I also appreciated the Jewish representation (although it was not a prominent part of the character).

Thank you to Net Galley for the e-ARC of this book.

This book was so cute! I loved the way it shined a light on living with endometriosis and selective mutism. The representation of chronic illness, disabilities and anxiety was done in a thoughtful and meaningful way. Henry was so adorable. He was so awkward but so sweet, protective and thoughtful too. Once he gets comfortable with Lucy he was a big old sweetheart. He was surprisingly funny! Lucy was such a unique FMC. I loved how strong she was despite being dealt a shitty hand in life with her heath, friends and family. There were times when I wanted to just shake her and tell her to communicate and be open/honest with Henry, but overall this was an enjoyable read. Special shout out to the side characters in this book. They were lovable as hell. I love the found family trop in books because it adds another heartwarming level to the story.

If you’re looking for a light, low angst romcom, then this is one for you!!

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

I devoured Lindsey Lanza’s debut romance novel Speechless over the weekend and KNOW others will enjoy it as well!

🎵Medium pacing with just enough detail to make you care for each character

🎵Fun side characters

🎵Dual point of view

🎵Slow burn with some spice

🎵Endometriosis and Anxiety Reps

🎵Taylor Swift and Throne of Glass references

🎵Spotify playlist that matches with the book

Lindsey is a bookstagrammer turned author that moved me with her words and care she brought to each character. Lucy’s journey through finding someone who would love her, future and all, and Henry’s journey had me flipping the pages to find out if there was a happily ever after. I am looking forward to reading whatever she puts out next (hopefully a book with some of the HAAAM group)!

Thank you Lindsey and netgalley for my earc in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lucy Gold is moving to Los Angeles to live with her best friend after a painful divorce she is waiting in the airport for her flight when her friend calls her and tells her she can't live with her anymore. Lucy decides she will make the move anyway, but now she has not where to stay. She is amazed to learn that the handsome stranger in the seat next to her is the famous Henry Turner, Lucy listens to his movie soundtracks to help her through difficult times and stress.

Henry is immediately drawn to her and her service dog Rowan. He ends up sitting next to her on the flight and finds out she has nowhere to stay. He offers her a place with him and the other musicians he works with.

The start of this book seems like the start to a sweet romcom and it is most definitely that, but it is also so much more than that. Lucy suffers from chronic pain and she is also dealing with grief from the loss of her mother and the loss of her marriage. She is mourning the life she dreamed of. Henry suffers from severe anxiety which makes it difficult for him to speak with new people, or go to public places. But he feels more at ease with Lucy for some reason. They develop a really sweet friendship.

Henry also lives with 3 other musicians and all of them are great additions to the book. Graham becomes Lucy's best friend in the house, he helps her overcome her fears and becomes a great confidant for her as well as Henry. Jayce was a big flirt and lots of fun and Preston was so sweet and his girlfriend Adamma became a great friend to Lucy too. I am a sucker for a book with a sweet dog character and Rowan fits that bill.

This book is a sweet slow burn romance that deals with heavy issues is a beautiful way. Such a great read from a debut author!

Read this if you like:
*slow burn
*fun side characters
*sweet service puppies
*strangers to friends to lovers
*second chances

Thank you to Netgalley, Victoria Editing and Lindsey Lanza for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Speechless by Lindsey Lanza is out tomorrow, so here are my thoughts!

This book had great representation of social anxiety and endometriosis, the cutest service dog and beautiful side characters.

I loved the found family trope, the setting and the hero, Henry: he was the sweetest soul ever and he even read the entire Throne of glass series after the heroine mentioned how much she loved it!! That's husband material in my book.

Also, when a novel has domestic moments and cooking scenes, I'm immediately sold.

The fmc (Lucy) has endometriosis, while Henry is affected by social anxiety and selective mutism:
Lindsey portrayed these conditions very well, in my opinion.
I really can't stress enough how much I loved all the representation.

However, I struggled a bit with Lucy.
I connected with her at first, but then she started acting hot and cold toward Henry and she lost me.
I could see where she was coming from and why she would behave in determinate ways, but I still couldn't agree with her decisions and actions.

Having said that, if you enjoy found family, strangers to friends to lovers, cinnamon roll heroes, books with representation and angst, this is the perfect read for you!

Out tomorrow!!

Arc provided by publisher.
Thank you again Lindsey

3.75 ⭐️

i was on such a high while reading Speechless...it's the sort of story that immediately pulls you in and makes it hard to put down.
this is the author's debut novel, and it's spectacular and refreshing :)

Henry is a composer, and Lucy is an author, and they meet at an airport waiting for their plane to board. What's adorable about this is that Henry is actually Lucy's favorite composer, and because of some misfortune, she'll be staying with Henry for a while, and then... pure sweetness ensues

i haven't watched New Girl, but apparently, the book is sort of the same vibe as the show?
i adored just about everything about it. it's such a comfort read, and the type of chemistry where the mc's knew what each other needed without communicating out loud

Henry is a gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous sweetheart of a man! you can basically just picture Henry Cavill because he's British, tall, has sapphire eyes, and such a tender gentleman 😍

what you can expect from Speechless:
• mutual pining
• strangers to friends to lovers
• dual pov
• loveable service dog
• chronic illness rep
• he falls first

*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*

A debut that's worth a read. That's the easiest way to put this book. I did at times find this read like i was reading a fanfiction, but in a good way. The story reminded me of many i'd ready growing up. And it made this read more enjoyable.

I felt like the characters all had something to give to the story. Which is one of the many things Lindsey did well with this story. Also the way she pulled the story together was perfect. Definetly one i feel like people will enjoy and should read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Loved the characters and the story was so sweet! The writing was strong for this being a debute novel! Definitely recommend!