What We Never Say: Bold Journeys Book Two Paperback – October 25, 2022

What We Never Say takes on a topic that I have not seen portrayed in fiction— male survivors of unwanted experiences, including how men can be subject to abuse of power and manipulation. The author portrays the topic with sensitivity and has clearly done her research.I felt pulled into the story. Setting it in the fashion and modeling world was smart and credible, and I read this novel in twenty-four hours, I was that engaged.Kyle is settling into his relationship with Rebecca, who he loves, when the abusive ex he used to work for resurfaces, determined to get his attention, and bring him back into her orbit.I liked how Kyle isn’t portrayed as weak or hardened or out of touch with his emotions—which would have been easy cliches. Quite the opposite. In his relationship with Rebecca, Kyle is sensitive and loving.But Kyle struggles with the shame of his past—dealing with unwanted advances from his boss and feeling forced into a relationship with a woman who held all the power.I related to Kyle and Rebecca. I wanted their relationship to work out, despite the challenges they face as a couple. Without spoilers, I can share that the ending is satisfying and uplifting.I appreciated how the author portrayed the role of therapy in Kyle’s recovery and facing his abuser, and I learned about an important topic, to which, honestly, I had given little thought.What We Never Say is a fascinating novel, hitting on an important topic, with a romantic through-line, and a go-get-em style happy ending. I noticed the author says she likes to take on taboo topics, and I found this one an enjoyable and enlightening read.

This is the first book I've read by this author. To me it was a little underwhelming. The topic was good and interesting, but the book just lagged. And too many side stories as well.

What We Never Say is an entertaining and well told story of a sensitive subject with a twist. Though the topic is serious, and one never written about from this angle, the author writes so skillfully that you are immersed in the story and thoroughly invested in the characters. You'll fly through the book wanting to know their fate. There is an additional interesting subplot that adds to the novel.This is the second book of a three book Bold Journeys series. I strongly suggest you read the first, Love, Only Better. It's a fantastic story with a very unique and important plot. Looking forward to the author's third book coming out soon!

Paulette Stout has a gift for pacing, which kept my attention from the beginning to the very end. The characters were well-developed with lots of interesting drama set inside the world of fashion and modeling.The story is about Rebecca, an aspiring magazine writer and her boyfriend Kyle, a photographer and former model who was wounded by a dark secret in his past. Stout takes on a topic we don’t hear as much about, which is men getting sexually harassed by a powerful woman in the workplace. It brought back memories of the movie, Disclosure with Demi Moore and Michael Douglas, which I ended up re-watching while reading the book.It’s a reminder that sexual harassment is more about power and control. I really enjoyed this fast-paced read so much so that I must read Stout’s previous novel.

Paulette Stout’s latest work is a page turner as it follows the life and love of Rebecca Sloane a woman newly empowered by her sexual freedom. But not all share that freedom as we learn her boyfriend is the victim of sexual abuse. Stout doesn’t shy away from hard topics and I hope she never does.

Although this book ended up being something completely different than I expected, it ended up being a very interesting read. It definitely covers a lot of topics and some being very touchy and deeply sensitive. but yet they need to be talked about more. It is fast paced and a quick read. It is also the second book in the series Bold Journeys it did well as a stand-alone.

This work of contemporary women’s fiction handles this not often spoken of issue with tact and care. Men that have suffered sexual harassment or abuse often get forgotten. This tale of a proud survivor reclaiming his life and being a beacon of hope for others was beautifully written.Kyle has hidden his past from the love of his life Rebecca. She has opened up about her struggles with intimacy and it has only made their relationship stronger. When she wants him to open up about his past, he is afraid his secrets will chase her away. When Kyle discloses what happened to him as a 19-year old, Rebecca doesn’t run. She supports Kyle.Rebecca’s life is taking an interesting turn. Her blog that discusses her very personal journey to overcome her intimacy issues is becoming successful. It has even caught the eye of the icon of fashion and women’s magazines, Jane Stuart and MOD Magazine. Neither immediately understands their connection through Kyle. As the connection is revealed, Jane tries to save herself by painting Rebecca as the villain.Kyle and Rebecca face all the problems together. Together is where they realize they should be. The author paints a wonderful portrait of families and partners supporting survivors of sexual abuse.

I was absolutely captivated by this story from the very first page. I did enjoy the first book in this series, Love, Only Better, and I feel it gives more depth to the story. I highly recommend picking the first book up before diving into this one. That being said, the author does try to bridge the gap a little so that you won’t get lost without the first in the series. The story wastes no time with preambles as we plunge into the first chapter where we learn of Kyle’s haunting past. He can no longer run from it, and though his girlfriend is shocked, she wants to help him. Can she aid Kyle with healing his past, or is it too daunting a task for either of them to take on? I believe the author did an amazing job covering a tough subject that isn’t much talked about. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in the next book!

In this new book by Paulette Stout, we reconnect with Rebecca and Kyle, who have moved in together and are navigating a couples’ kind of life, including the wedding of Bridezilla, his sister, work challenges for her, and a place where each of their personal challenges converge.Rebecca’s anonymous blog gets picked up by a major fashion magazine, which is run by a woman who sexually harassed and abused Kyle years ago, when he was a model. When the boss finds out that there’s a connection between Rebecca and Kyle, she sets out to manipulate this situation to her advantage. In the meantime, Kyle’s haunting history makes him pull away, Rebecca throws herself into the new magazine connection, and things are set up for a big fall.Stout keeps the tension high while keeping the characters light. Once again tackling a complex and misunderstood social issue, she addresses the reality of workplace abuse with sensitivity, but lets the story create a momentum toward vindication.