Say It Out Loud

*DelRay ARC and Libro.FM ALC Review *

Every so often, a story comes along that completely wraps itself around your heart, the kind that makes you sigh, smile, and maybe even tear up a little. Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher was one of those reads for me. From the first chapter, I was drawn into the emotional honesty of the story and the way Schumacher captures connection, both romantic and familial, with so much tenderness and realism.

At its core, Say It Out Loud is a story about vulnerability, learning to communicate, and finding courage in unexpected places. The romance between Julia and James felt so genuine, like something that could happen right down the street, yet it carried that touch of cinematic magic that keeps you glued to the page. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what made it so special for me was the history threaded into their relationship. It wasn’t a love story that appeared out of nowhere; it was built, brick by brick, on shared moments, missteps, and growth. Schumacher makes you believe in their connection because she takes the time to let it unfold naturally.

The pacing of the romance is pitch-perfect, never rushed and never dragging. There’s this lovely slow-burn tension that builds quietly until it finally crests in a way that feels both satisfying and earned. I appreciated that the third-act conflict didn’t rely on clichés or unnecessary drama. Instead, it reflected the emotional maturity of both characters. They reacted like real people, with flaws and grace, and that made the resolution even more heartfelt.

What also stood out to me was the sense of family, both the one you’re born into and the one you find along the way. Schumacher explores this beautifully, showing how the people around us can either hold us back or help us heal. It gave the story so much emotional weight, grounding the romance in a world that felt rich and lived-in.

And then there’s the subtle vampire romance nod, a little wink to the Twilight-era nostalgia, which added such a fun, unexpected layer of charm. It wasn’t overdone or gimmicky; it just gave the story that extra sparkle, especially for readers who grew up on that era of YA romance but now crave something more mature and emotionally resonant. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind spending more time in this universe, maybe even a full-on Meadow series.

Julia and James, or should I say Juniper and James, are a couple I’ll remember for a long time. Juniper feels like someone I’d want as a friend, grounded, compassionate, and quietly brave. James is that perfectly balanced love interest: tender yet strong, protective without ever being possessive. Together, they felt like two people who truly saw each other, and that’s what made their relationship shine.

Ashley Schumacher’s writing is heartfelt and cinematic. She has this wonderful way of describing emotion that feels effortless, not overwrought or flowery, but deeply human. Her dialogue crackles with authenticity, and her character work is top-notch. Every side character, from family members to friends, added something meaningful to the story.

I experienced Say It Out Loud on audiobook, and I can’t recommend it highly enough in that format. The narration brought the characters to life so vividly that it felt like listening to a movie play out in real time. It’s one of those rare audiobooks that enhances the entire reading experience.

If you love contemporary romance with emotional depth, strong character arcs, and just the right sprinkle of nostalgia and fandom flair, Say It Out Loud deserves a spot on your TBR. It’s a story about courage, the courage to speak, to love, and to let yourself be truly seen.

Ashley Schumacher has firmly cemented herself on my must-read list for future releases in the adult romance space. This book was an absolute delight from start to finish, and I can’t wait to see what she gives us next.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️

Blurb:

In this heartfelt, magical romcom, a down-and-out podcaster gets a second chance—at her career and love—when she’s cast in the audio drama adaptation of her favorite paranormal romance series . . . alongside the one who got away.

Juniper Green doesn’t believe in magic anymore. Not since her mom died, her dreams of a publishing career fizzled, and her podcast—the one bright spot in her life—was stolen out from under her. Now, at thirty-two, she’s living in her dad’s spare room and wondering if life peaked when she was a teenager with a stack of vampire books and an unhealthy obsession with enigmatic immortals.

Then comes the email: an invitation to audition for the lead role in the audio drama adaptation of The Meadow, the wildly popular vampire romance series that once defined her teenage years. It’s a dream opportunity—until she learns her co-star is James Neely, the brooding, talented actor who played Romeo to her Juliet in a one-night-only college show before breaking her heart and disappearing from the stage and her life . . . right along with the magic.

To save the project (and her career), Juniper and James must revive their on-stage chemistry, playing The Meadow’s star-crossed lovers for the microphones and social media alike. But as the lines between performance and reality blur, Juniper is left wondering: can you rewrite the ending of a story you thought was over? Because love, like magic, is a fragile thing to lose . . . and to find again.