I love the cover and the title, it this was just too YA for me. Ella’s best friend, Hailey, was killed. Ella blames herself. She thinks Bailey’s boyfriend hates her but really he loves her. Should she trust things Hayley said in the past about him or make her own conclusions.

Ella and Hayley have been inseparable since the day they became friends and have always been in each other’s life. So when Ella has to start her senior year after Hayley’s death nothing seems right. The book goes between Ella and Hayley’s boyfriend Sawyer’s point of and slowing unfolds to show the events that lead up to the night that Hayley died and the secrets she was burdened by. The author did a masterful job of showing the different aspects of domestic abuse and the psychological effects it has. The book had a good amount of twists that kept me intrigued the whole time and did an amazing job tackling a very hard subject.
Thank you Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy.

Well, my husband said he’s never heard me yell so much at a book — and he’s heard me yell at lots of books! It’s always so frustrating when you figure out things before a character and they keep doing dumb stuff, but Harlow spins her tale so skillfully and quickly that a satisfying conclusion didn’t take too long to arrive.

I really enjoyed not just how the mystery played out but also how Harlow didn’t pull punches (maybe not the right phrase here, considering…) when it came to other characters telling her protagonists when they were being hurtful. There’s a lot of good stuff in here besides the thriller of it all.

This was a heartbreaking, heart racing, quick read and I can’t wait to buy it for my niece for her birthday.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

‘Everything We Never Said’ by Sloan Harlow is a dark romantic thriller that follows Ella Graham, a high school senior trying to cope with the recent and tragic death of her best friend Hayley. Having been the person driving when the car they were driving away from a party crashes, Ella is overwhelmed with guilt and shame. Returning to school is hard for her, especially after coming face to face again with Hayley’s former boyfriend, Sawyer. What could make it more complicated? Ella thinks she may be in love with him. Turning to the only person she ever truly trusted with her whole heart, she dives into Hayley’s journal seeking answers to questions she longs for. But what awaits her scribbled on those pages only leads to more questions; questions that have Ella wondering if Sawyer is truly who claims to be.

TW: Domestic abuse and violence

Being a teenager is tough. Being a teenager with a crush on someone that you’re not sure reciprocates those feelings is ever tougher. Being a teenager with a crush on someone that used to date your best friend…ouch. These feelings and situations are beautifully explored in this story through the main character, Ella. My heart raced for her, it cheered and encouraged her, and ultimately broke for her with how much she had gone through by the end.

Before anything, this book is a thriller. I found myself clenching, biting my nails, and turning the pages at a furious rate with the pace and action. The romance plays a good part in the thrill of this, taking nothing away from the mystery and tension that builds throughout. If anything, it adds to it. And by the conclusion, you will feel like you’ve just come down from a serious free fall.

The topic of domestic abuse and violence is prevalent throughout this book, but at no point did I feel like the author was reckless with her writing. There are important messages in the story that were handled with care, and I am happy to say that I would read more works by this author because of it.

My one complaint is that I felt the ending may have been wrapped up a little too “happily” too quickly.

Great writing. Good pacing and character development. Overall, thrilling to read.

4.25/5 stars

2.5/3 ⭐

"Everything We Never Said" is an emotionally heavy read that touches on several potentially triggering topics.

While I think the premise was intriguing unfortunately this book just wasn't a great fit for me. The writing was fine but I personally didn't enjoy several different aspects of story.

It's a fairly quick read so I had no trouble finishing it and I hope it does well with it's intended audience.

Thank you Sloan Harlow, Net Galley and Penguin Group - Young Readers Group for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Everything We Never Said is the story of Ella who is starting her senior year of high school. However, unlike most the excitement of her senior year is gone due to a horrific accident she had at the end of her junior year. She was driving, lost control of the car and her best friend was thrown through the window and killed. Ella has gone from a star student who was making state records for her swimming to a shell of her former self as she deals with her new reality. The book is a emotional roller coaster but soooo good. I loved it! Trigger Warning - it does have a strong undertone of domestic violence in the book so know that before reading. However, Ella's journal is amazing and I would strongly recommend this book to any teen or parent.

While my heart broke right away with this book I still really enjoyed the storytelling. The insight into Ella and Sawyers grief and the unfolding of the story of the aftermath or the crash was well done. So many times people don't give teenagers enough credit and I think Harlow did a great job showing their grief, insecurities, and how they really do have big issues in their lives they are working through.

I also think it is good how Harlow did not take light the BIG issues like abuse, manipulation by adults, and violence.

A fun YA thriller - with a pretty good twist! What more could I ask for? Everything We Never Said is the story of Ella, a high-school girl who got into a car accident that killed her best friend. As Ella navigates her life without her best friend, she starts to fall for her best friends boyfriend - but things are not always as they seem. I did find the diary aspect frustrating, as Ella could have just read ahead more of Haley's diary to get more answers at any time, but the final twist did take me for surprise so props to that.

This novel was absolutely heartbreaking. It was raw and it was real. Ella’s grief tore me into pieces. Her guilt of the accident becomes all consuming. She’s isolated, lonely, and completely broken. The twists and turns I never saw coming. I was floored.
(I don’t read thrillers often so I don’t really look for clues, or notice them)

Being a teenager is hard. Navigating the world, friendships, love. It can be exhilarating at times, seeing all the world has to offer. But, it can also be exhausting. When you’re young it’s so easy to just believe what is being told to you. The gaslighting, the manipulation, it’s confusing. I think this can be a really important and eye opening read for young people navigating the ways of life. Seeing people for who they are, the friends who stick by you, learning about trust and the right people to give it to. Things happen without you ever even realizing it, because you don’t know any differently..This book gives you all of the rawness you experience after loss, after heartbreak, after betrayal.

Harlow portrayed loss, love, manipulation, and grief perfectly. This story for me was unique, it was a lovely read. I read it in one sitting. Definitely a page turner! I would highly recommend!!!

I was in the mood for a thriller and this was everything I dreamed of! I love YA books, and this one had so many twists that made it even better than I expected. I had been in a bit of a book slump, feeling like I’ve been reading the same story over and over again but I didn’t feel that with this book. While reading the ending, I truly appreciated how well written this was. All the little clues were there along the way but were subtle enough to propel the story forward with multiple possible outcomes. I flew through this book, feeling the emotions Ella did (rooting for her and Sawyer while hoping she stayed away from him, feeling her grief and guilt). This book hit on some really meaningful messages and I think anyone who enjoys books with thriller and complicated relationship elements will love this.

Unfortunately this one missed the mark for me.
I want to start by saying trigger warnings are very important and should be listed in the finished product. Trigger warnings should include but not necessarily be limited to- domestic violence, abuse, abortion.
This book is said to be like Colleen Hoovers but the only actual similarity is the theme of domestic violence.
There were many shortcomings for this story and because of that I have chosen to respectfully not review on Amazon or goodreads so that it may still have a chance with other readers.
I just found this to be wholly unbelievable and not something that I felt invested in.

High school best friends Ella and Haley were in a single car accident after leaving a party. Both had been drinking, both were underage. Ella had been driving. Haley was killed in the accident, she was not wearing her seatbelt and flew through the windshield. Weirdly, due of the location of the accident, Haley’s body was never recovered. Ella had some physical injuries, now she must deal with the mental and emotional fallout: guilt, sadness, loneliness and grief among others.

It's fall and a new school year has begun. At school, Ella is at a loss, everywhere she looks she is reminded of her best friend, Haley. Their previous friend group welcome Ella back into the group but she has convinced herself that they don’t really want her. Haley’s boyfriend, Sawyer, is the only person who she believes when he says that he does not blame her.

Through a school support group Sawyer and Ella begin to develop a closer relationship and Ella worries that she is falling for him. Then, while helping Haley’s mother clean out Haley’s things, Ella discovers a hidden diary. Should she read it? She believes that Haley had always told her everything so she starts to read. It seems that there is more to Haley than Ella realized.

The beginning dragged a bit when Ella is reminiscing over seemingly every moment of her life with Haley in it. After 40% in I couldn’t go on, this was a Did Not Finish for me. I generally enjoy the Young Adult genre but this was too much... everything. Too much angst, guilt, trials and tribulations. Of course the characters are teens, of course they'll be immature but it was over the top and very repetitive as the same scene, thoughts, worries, played over and over. Maybe it wouldn't have bored an age appropriate reader; however, I’ve never felt this way about other YA novels. Everything We Never Said is promoted as a Young Adult Thriller, a dark romantic thriller romantic with plenty of plot twists. It should be noted that it also has a lot of triggers, including violence and abuse. ⭐️⭐️

Thank you to #NetGalley and publishers Penguin Young Readers Group and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Publication date: June 4, 2024

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I really loved this book even though I figured it out about halfway through. As soon as the character was introduced, I knew where this was going. Even so, I really enjoyed this book. Ella, going through a lot!! Her need/want to find someone to lean on. She wasn’t expecting that someone to be her dead best friend’s boyfriend. The ending was a little out there but still a good read!!

I really enjoyed this YA book. I liked how the author developed the characters….. it had a nice twist near the end. I will look forward to reading. More by this author

I was a little hesitant to pick up this book because I am firmly an anti-fan of Colleen Hoover. As a side note, I have tried to read several of her books and could never finish them. So, when I saw that this one was "perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover," I want in with a fierce skepticism. But I loved it. I couldn't put it down.

The story centers on teen, Ella, who is still reeling from a summertime accident that claimed her best friend's life. Of course, Ella's the one who somehow slammed a car into a guardrail, sending her friend hurtling into the raging river and never being found again. She was probably driving drunk, or so she's been told, but Ella can't seem to remember more than bits and pieces from that night, none of which make sense with the reality of what has happened to Hayley.

The suspense and mystery itself is SO INTRIGUING. I didn't catch onto the culprit until 3/4 of the way through, which, for me, is a sign of a good mystery thriller. I won't see much more on this aspect so as to not ruin any surprises or give any hints to solving the mystery too early.

I gave it 4.5 stars because I thought the steamy sex scenes were unneeded, but, see, that's my qualm with Colleen Hoover. So, if you're into that, you'll probably enjoy the heck out of this book. But, it's just not for me. Also, audience-wise, this would be best in a high school library or older. It's too mature-content-filled to be in a junior high setting. Aside from these scenes, though, it'd have been perfect for a junior high audience or up.

I am grateful to the publisher, Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers Group and #Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. I look forward to reading more books by this author!

3.75 star. wow. i was not expecting to like this book as much as i did. this book touched on so many different topics like grief, forbidden romance, domestic violence, manipulation/grooming. loved reading Hayley’s diary entries and finding out her secrets along with Ella. the plot twist really got me but felt there were to many plot holes for it to really make sense.

thank you to the Penguin Group for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley.

This is fine.

It’s more sad romance than dark romance. Definitely very tragic. Also very predictable.

It’s compared to Colleen Hoover. I don’t read her, but I’ve heard enough about her to think that may be accurate.

The romance was kind of a mix of sweet and ick, trending slightly more toward the sweet.

Our main character was okay, but her personality never really meshed for me.

I do think the book is fine if you’re in the mood for something sad.

• ARC via Publisher

I thought the book was very well written. It follows Ella a girl who was in a car accident and lost her best friend. It takes place her senior year of high school she finds her best friends journal and begins the quest to find the truth! It has some twist and turns that definitely were unexpected!

A genuinely beautiful and heartbreaking novel. Those first pages introducing us to Ella's and her enormous loss and the way she feels alone. It's so breathtakingly real. My heart ached for this lost, lonely girl.
And then she's given this lifeline in her best friends boyfriend. Who else would it make sense to lean on?

I think this may be a really important read for teens. The gaslighting, abuse and manipulation that goes on...it's so easy to get into these types of relationships and not know it. Especially one that's love bombing and forbidden like told here. When you read Hayley's diary and see how it started and got worrisome rather quick...that's scary and unfortunately real. The isolation she felt being unable to turn to anyone because that puts them in danger too. Maybe this will help someone out there.


Going back to the storyline. There's two major plot reveals. The first I'd long figured out. For one reason only. *spoiler alert* what person in a position of power at school, let alone a school counselor, would let another student say the despicable things Scott said to Ella and just stand there?
The second reveal was huge and I didn't see coming.

I was hooked right from the start! I don’t read a lot of YA books but this one gripped me. I thought I had the “twist” figured out and then got completely blindsided at the end. I feel like the author did a great job of bringing the characters to life and making the reader feel their emotions. I can’t wait to read more from this author!