Everything We Couldn't Say

Castle Hill Academy #2

by Emma Scott

They were supposed to be rivals. They weren't supposed to fall in love.

Harper Bennett has fought for every inch of her life: for her dreams, her brother, and the roof over their heads. The Novus Science Prize is her ticket to a brilliant future, and she won't let anything stand in her way.

Especially not Orion Mercer.

Golden boy. Heir to one of Castle Hill's elite Big Five families. Orion is all effortless charm, endless jokes, and a future already written within a billion-dollar chemical empire.

But Orion isn't what Harper expected.

Behind the polished confidence is a secret battle he's been fighting alone and a musical talent no one saw coming. Harper sees through his mask, while Orion sees her not as charity or competition, but as the only honest thing in a world built on winning.

Late nights in the lab give way to shared music and unspoken truths, and their rivalry softens into something deeper.

Then a party ends in tragedy, a trusted mentor makes a dangerous offer, and when the truth explodes on awards night, Harper and Orion must decide who they are without the prize…and whether love is worth risking everything.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

431 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 28, 2026

About the author

Emma Scott is a USA Today and Wall St. Journal bestselling author and Pushcart Prize nominee, whose books have been translated into eight languages and featured in Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, New York Daily News, and USA Today’s Happy Ever After. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband, daughter, and her dog, who won't stop barking. If she's not at her desk writing her latest ugly cry novel, she's probably playing Baldur's Gate 3. Tell her to stop it and get back to work.

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Reviews

[vxmpslibrary [hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

.4.75 stars.
- publishing date: July 28th, 26.

.‧🫧˚"When is yet? When is later? When is soon? Because there will come a time Orion, where later and soon will become too late."

.my thoughts.
I absolutely really like love this book!! I genuinely had no idea if I would like this book but then it just hooks me in.

Finally an ARC that I actually had a fun time with oh my I cannot believe it xoxo. The writing style was easy to understand as well. I almost cried so many times here, I smiled for a longer time, I had felt heartache because of this book.

This book's draws me in like a moth to a flame, I am captivated, in love with the characters as well. I could find myself relating to them and I didn't even realise when I was almost towards the end because of how quickly i finished it like this is something 356 pages in one day like could you imagine?

──꒰💗꒱ ❞ .characters. ‧₊˚
Harper was such a strong character in general, she takes everything and handles her brother Dash. She's so smart and I genuinely liked her perspective. I could feel her sadness for her mother, and the way she had to be like the eldest daughter she was. It's genuinely so heartbreaking to see her happiness being shredded away due to her life problems. She's strong, being in her position with all the school hierarchy is a mess and her pain was something felt dearly.

Orion , oh my, first of all his nickname love, and also he has a BRITISH ACCENT!!! Yeah I am down bad😝😝. But genuinely I felt his pain, his perspective spoke out to me in ways. He had so many flaws but whenever I read about him, he was just so perfect, he's so strong for whatever he's been going through and he wants everyone to like him like he's a people pleaser as well.

There are so many other characters that I loved A LOTT but ur just gonna have to read about them 😝 (spoiler jk it's not- DASH MY CUTIE)

Their romance was lovely, I loved it, it wasn't that much rivalry like there was NO rivalry, because like they were supposed to be but they just weren't. Also they both were infatuated from the start and I really didn't mind it because this felt like a realistic encounter and Harper thoughts felt like mine if I met a gorgeous Orion lmaoo. But yes this book is a type of cliche, but it focuses more on individual development of main characters.

ADHD rep is not easy, but I could see how author manages to do it along with another rep. I liked the concept because of how Orion was strong and really trying to deflect it making everyone laugh so that he could avoid it. Even in acknowledgements, the way author mentioned she took help to make it accurate makes this book worth it!

I am so sad now that the book has ended, and now without me these characters will live their own life happily, successfully with what they built without their safety net. Life is not easy for us real people too, and you all are doing what you can, I hope you all can achieve your goals as well.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book, it captures so many feelings efficiently and makes you want to fall in love with it. Like I cannot even say.

Please read the Content Warnings as well before reading💗.

🫧 Thank you so much Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this Beautiful Coming Of Age story advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

For Suicide & Crisis Helpline
International Helpline

For Sexual Assault Helpline
Rainn

For Alcohol Abuse Support
International Helpline

You're not alone, reach out to these helplines as also supported by the author's acknowledgements.💗. Some things are not easy, doesn't mean you have burden it all by yourselves and alone. If you have anyone near you suffering, please don't hesitate to help them out with these helplines.

with all love.

also this book is YA & NA, it has themes such as vulgar language and some scenes etc. Young Adults is for 12-18, while I loved this book, I don't think it should be specifically in the category of Teens & YA. I hope the marketing strategy changes. The story is amazing on its own with so many themes explored that I am extremely proud of. But this should be in NA, thank you.

.update.
I think I will be able to finish this tomorrow, I think I have a lot to say about this book😝

he said 'who said this to you' and I folded🤭🤭 I got literal butterflies what the hell

.preread.

'They were supposed to be rivals. They weren't supposed to fall in love.'

someone said rivals and I immediately woke up from my slump and grabbed this book when I had the chance 🤭💅 because CLOCK it and I am definitely gonna download it and read it from tomorrow hehe.

OH THIS IS SECOND IN SERIES? will definitely go back to the first one too

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬 📚 [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Review]

❥ 𝐄V𝐄R𝐘T𝐇I𝐍G W𝐄 𝐂O𝐔L𝐃N'T S𝐀Y ❥ Is the second full length romance book in the (Castle Hill Academy) series by author Emma Scott. This can easily be read as a stand-alone.

As soon as this hit my kindle life adulting that day took a back seat, coffee in hand, comfy seat and I dived right in, I was in my happy place absorbing all the feels, loving the dynamics of these two couples.

They were as different as chalk and cheese, they didn't fit in each others worlds, he came from money, she came from nothing.

He was like a ghost walking the hallways, a boy hiding behind his jokes, hiding a secret even he didn't understand fully what was wrong, a boy struggling.

Until her..

She saw everything he was trying to hide, she helped him in ways no one had ever done before.

In a world where these two didn't make sense, were perfect for each other. She pushed and he pulled until people listened and they soared. He wasn't broken, he was just wired different. And she was the glue that pieced it all together and held them strong.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Everything We Couldn’t Say, Emma Scott’s second book in her ‘Castle Hill Academy’ series, was just as emotional, poignant, and spectacular as the first.

Orion Mercer has been going to Castle Hill for years. He’s wealthy, but more kind than most of the rich kids. Harper Bennett is not only new to the school but new to the area. And she’s a Bender. From the wrong side of town, or at the very least, the not-wealthy side. These two end up as lab partners. And they’re competing for an elusive prize in a science competition that Harper needs to win, and Orion is pressured into entering.

They start as rivals, but end up being so much more. Harper has so much on her plate when it comes to her family and the pressure to do well in school to get into a good college. Orion has much different pressure and family challenges. Just because it seems his life is perfect doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own struggles.

I loved these two together. They had such a fun opposites-attract with their personalities. I also loved Orion’s relationship with Harper’s brother. It was the sweetest. This book had so many parts that kept a huge smile on my face, but other parts that brought me to tears. I can’t believe I had to live through a certain part of this book twice haha!

Overall, this was such a fantastic read. Emma Scott’s writing is powerful, and I’m always addicted to her stories. This was no exception. Most definitely a must-read!

[Mira · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 35%

I have a lot of favorite books by Emma Scott, but this series isn’t for me. I barely managed to finish the first book, and with this one I decided not to waste my time.

This book is full of clichés, and I didn’t feel any connection to the characters. It felt like I’ve read this kind of plot many times before: a poor girl starts studying at an elite school, and the most popular rich boy takes an interest in her. Others bully her because of her status, but of course he protects her—and you can probably guess the rest.

It also has the insta-love trope, which I usually don’t enjoy, and I was really annoyed that the MMC kept calling every (or almost every) girl “love”… why?

This series is YA, and even though I’m no longer in that age group, I still enjoy YA romances from time to time. But this one felt like it was truly written for teenagers, and not in a way that worked for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books (Bloom Books) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper + Orion

Orion was delivered by his billionaire parents to the Castle Hill Academy as a 15 year old with lots of problems and no one to talk to them about. He's built himself a life there that's all ladies man and fun buddy to the other Richies.
Harper arrived three years later in the hopes that such a great school might help her to get into MIT or NYU. Her not-Richie life is so busy with her mom and brother and being the adult and learning and getting bullied ... she has no time to fall for this British hottie, right?

══════════════════




I re-read the first book in this series before starting this one.
Harper and Orion are in there a bit too. But not too much about their story is told - even though both stories take place at the same time.
This second book can totally be read as a standalone. But don't do it, because Emery and Xander's book was SO beautiful & heartbreaking...
And this book was beautiful too. Different. But still so adorable and heartbreaking and you constantly ask yourself why doesn't anyone help them? Why has no one ever sent poor Orion to the right doctors? Ugh. I wanted to slap all the parents!
Orion and Harper are from completely different worlds, but they are so amazing together. They help each other in so many different ways, but they have a lot to fight through on their own before we might see a happily ever after on the horizon.
We get so many funny and adorable moments. Heartbreaking and very sad moments. Charming British accent moments. Music and chemistry moments. Friendship moments. Cute little & big brother moments.
I loved reading this and I wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on TV one day.
Also... I wouldn't mind seeing this one roommate again...for a future Castle Hill book!

EVERYTHING WE COULDN'T SAY was such a sweet + heartbreaking + just beautiful YA/NA love story. Please run to your nearest book dealer for your own Orion- this one is mine!

If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!


💜 💜

[Terra James · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My whole life has been nothing but stress. It runs through me like a current, all the time. I feel like I’m sitting in a sling shot and one day it’s going to snap. I’ll go flying into a bright, brilliant future of my own making, or straight into the ground. So I spend every waking hour on the lookout. Planning, studying, being vigilant. Because if I am going to get smashed to bits, I want to be prepared. As if it won’t hurt as bad if I see it coming. The only thing worse than being smashed to bits is not seeing it coming.” She shook her head. “That feels like death.” Harper

Harper just explained how I and maybe a lot of others feel. This book is great! Healing in the way of showing me, I'm not alone nor are my kids in this neuro-divergence. My daughter has dyslexia. She couldn't get an IEP either and she's autistic too. I had to homeschool both of my kids because they do fall through the cracks. My son has ADHD and the school just wanted to medicate him and he had the same side effects as Orion.

Why is it that people have to bully others who are different to make themselves feel better? Why can't we cheer for each other no matter the financial status? Difference? Whatever the case? We can't take all that money with us when this life is over. Love is better, always, rather than hate.

When Orion told her, "I got you." in the storage closet, I felt that down to my soul because that's what my husband is for me, my anchor. He's got me no matter what. Like Harper, I've spent my whole life taking care of everyone else while I suffered in silence. I also relate to the undiagnosed masking that Orion does. I did that until I was 36 when I was diagnosed with autism. It's exhausting. Utterly exhausting. Finding your person, that's what makes life beautiful. Someone to hold your hand through the ups and downs in life, who encourages you to follow your dreams, and be the best version of yourself.

"Tap, tap, tap. Someone trapped, trying to get out." I wished I'd of had a Professor Wolfe to encourage me to write. My husband did that. I feel this statement too.

(Remember Shawshank Redemption? Andy crawls through that tunnel of shit to his freedom. We just have to keep crawling until we get to the good stuff.”)

Emma just keeps putting to words how I feel. This explains a lot about trauma survivors. Keep moving because if you don't you get stuck and drown. Crawl, then one foot in front of the other. (“I know,” I said. “But I don’t know what to do with the compliments, so I deflect with sarcasm. Classic coping mechanism.”) I feel this Harper. I did the same thing for years.

This is a beautiful book Emma. I love that you respect survivors. As one this touches my heart. I cried, laughed, and read through the night while mom's in the ICU. Thank you Emma for giving me comfort through your words when I needed it.

Recommended 5 stars but I'd give it 10 if I could.

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this one down!! This book 🥹 I just adored this story!! Orion & Harper were everything! She is a strong FMC dealing with impossible situations & Orion is just so lovable. Every aspect of his story broke my heart, but he still showed up again and again. They were two sides of a very different track, but the way they were made for each other. I just loved every second of it.

Both of these characters are carrying their own very heavy struggles, but to see them both find a safe place in each other & help find peace within their love, was just beautiful! This one definitely covers some heavy topics & had me in tears, but it was just such a wonderfully done story about being able to overcome & come out stronger than you ever believed.

Emma Scott always has a way of pulling at my heartstrings and this one didn’t let me down! One I will definitely be recommending!!

Thank you Bloom/ Sourcebooks, NetGalley, and Emma Scott for this early reading opportunity!!

[Victoria Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bloom Books for the Physical ARC!

This book was INCREDIBLE! Emma knows how to write such raw yet powerful stories!

This one stole my heart. Harper took on so much at such a young age. The strength and determination she had… I was in awe.

My heart hurt so much for Orion. His story represented how systems can fail the youth. How all the money in the world can still leave you feeling empty inside.

But Harper & Orion together…. Leaning on each other… healing each other… seeing each other. So powerful!

This is one of those books that had me loosing track of time while being completely consumed with the story. That is how you know a book is amazing.

Tropes:
💜Rival to Lovers
💜First Love
💜Trauma/Healing
💜2 side of the track
💜Neurodivergent Rep
💜Protective MMC
💜who hurt you
💜Secret Relationship

[Deborah Scv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the ARC ☺️

I genuinely enjoyed this book. It was funny, emotional, and completely pulled me in from the start.

We first meet Orion and Harper in Little Pieces of Light, and I already loved them there, so I was really excited to dive deeper into their story.

Harper is such a strong character, and her life felt incredibly real. Stories about children dealing with a parent struggling with addiction always hit me hard, and I thought it was handled beautifully here. I felt anger, sadness, and even sympathy for her mother at different points, which made everything feel so genuine. My heart also broke for Harper having her childhood ripped away as she was forced to take on responsibilities no kid should have to carry.

Orion was such a layered character, and I felt so much for him throughout the book. The ADHD representation was done really well, and his struggles were explored with a lot of care and compassion. He honestly reminded me of Gibsie from BOT in some ways! And on top of all that, he's a piano prodigy with a British accent... what else can I say? I have a weakness for musicians in books…it gets me every time! So if you have any musician romance recommendations, please send them my way!

Orion and Harper were never really rivals, and there was definitely a touch of instalove, which I personally didn't mind at all. If you've already read Little Pieces of Light, you'll know some of the major events that happen here since both stories take place during the same timeline. That did remove a little bit of the emotional impact for me, but not enough to lessen my enjoyment.

Overall, this was a sweet, emotional love story that hit me right in the feels in classic Emma Scott fashion.

I can't wait for the next book in this series !

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love Orion and Harper!

Book 2 in the Castle Hill academy series does not disappoint, it takes you on a rollercoaster of feels before you reach the thankfully happy conclusion.

Orion and Harper are from opposite sides of the wealth divide, each with their own obstacles to conquer.

Orion struggles with dyslexia, trying to cover it with humour and getting away with it. Mostly. I love how cute he is, and how he stands out amongst those with wealth as more understanding and kind hearted.

Harper is battling with fitting in at school, looking after a young brother and monitoring her recovering alcoholic mother's behaviour for signals. She is funny and feisty, well able to stand up for herself.

Already so much on their plates they manage to really see each other, when others miss the signs and they build a beautiful connection despite the odds against them. I cannot wait for more in this series

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the Castle Hill Academy series, I already had a soft spot for Orion Mercer and Harper Bennett, so my expectations were pretty high going into this one. Thankfully, Emma Scott didn’t let me down. Their story gave me everything I was hoping for and more and then proceeded to stomp all over my heart in the process.

First things first, this book tackles some incredibly heavy topics. While this is, of course, fiction, the trauma these characters experience feels very real. Emma Scott handles those situations with care, but if you're someone who has sensitivities to certain subjects, definitely check the content warnings first. If you love emotional reads that make you feel everything, though? Yeah, this is the one.

Castle Hill Academy in Rhode Island once again proved to be such a fascinating backdrop for this story. It’s a place that will chew you up and spit you out no matter who you are, but the divide between the wealthy "Richies" and the struggling, poorer kids from the Bend is impossible to ignore. And honestly, it made me mad more than once because those kinds of socioeconomic disparities don't just exist in fiction. This is a real-world problem, and watching these teenagers navigate a world where privilege opens doors for some while slamming them shut for others really drove this point home.

Orion Mercer completely stole my heart. On the surface he's the charming, witty, wealthy golden boy who can charm anyone and disarm girls with only a smile, but underneath all of that is someone who has spent his entire life being taught to suppress his emotions. As a "twice-exceptional," neurodivergent young man with an incredible gift for music, Orion carried so much weight on his shoulders and was exhausted, and all I wanted to do was wrap him up in a hug. He was just so good, and he tried so hard.

Harper Bennett couldn't have been more different. She was smart, determined, and carrying far more responsibility than any teenager should have to. Life had dealt her a rough hand, but she never lost the fire that made me want to cheer her on toward a bright and beautiful future. My only small complaint about Harper was that she could be a little hot and cold with Orion at times, but it never stopped me from desperately wanting these two together or wanting to give them all the love and support they deserved.

And they really SAW each other.

That was my favorite part of this story. Beneath all the class differences, the expectations, the trauma, and the chaos, Orion and Harper recognized something in one another that no one else seemed to, and the spark was immediate. Watching them slowly build something real together had my heart aching in the best way. The yearning was perfect. Add in the touch of forbidden romance because of their different worlds and all that angsty first love goodness, and I was absolutely all in with this story.

One thing to keep in mind is that even though this is designated as YA and the characters are high schoolers, there are a few steamy moments and some discussion of other such encounters. They were done well and are only a tiny part of Orion and Harper's story, but I know that can be a deal breaker for some readers, so it's worth mentioning.

The supporting cast deserves so much credit, both friend and foe. Ezra Wolfe was such an unexpected source of wisdom and support, and Harper's little brother, Dash, was in a class of his own. He was the cutest little guy. Every side character felt like they belonged and helped shape Orion and Harper's journey in one notable way or another.

Now... if you've read the first Castle Hill Academy book, you already know that tragedy is coming. Let me tell you, experiencing those events again from a different perspective was no easier the second time around. Cue the ugly cry. That entire sequence after the Head of the Bay Regatta absolutely wrecked me all over again. Then watching everything spiral from bad to worse had me beside myself as all they had been working toward started falling apart.

If I had one main critique, it's that this book occasionally leaned a little dramatic. Then again, these are teenagers experiencing first love, unimaginable pressure, and life-changing trauma, so maybe a little extra emotion is warranted.

In the end, this was a story about love, resilience, healing, and finding the people who truly feel like home. I loved the way music became its own love language throughout the story, and I especially loved that Orion and Harper's scars never became the thing that defined them. That epilogue with a long-range look at the future was exactly what my heart needed after everything these two endured, and I happily soaked up every single word of it. I sincerely hope we get more stories from Castle Hill Academy because I'm not quite ready to leave this world behind.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Loving you is music". I'm completely in awe of Emma Scott once more (or should I say still) as she creates lines like these that pull at my heartstrings like no one else. Everything We Couldn't Say is beautiful. Scott takes the rich boy/poor girl trope and gives it a whole new meaning as Orion Mercer and Harper Bennett fall inexplicably in love when perhaps they simply shouldn't. But how could Harper resist the forever charming Orion when all she craved was to be left alone in the richie rich Castle Hill Academy and survive long enough to pull herself and her family out of the depths of despair? The answer she didn't want to admit to herself or even out loud to anyone else, is that she couldn't. And I didn't blame her one bit.

These two. As opposite as two young people could be, yet as Orion managed to thaw the ice around Harper's heart, I came to realize that only his vast wealth really separated them in the end. They are both fighting battles that are never easy. I felt for Harper as she not only had to maintain her 4.0, contend with the elite at Castle Hill deciding she wasn't worthy of being anything but a 'bender', but had to be head of her household when her oft-times pathetic mother couldn't hold it together. She is a remarkable person and the panic she feels almost hourly had my own stomach in knots more than once. Yet she loves her younger brother fiercely and has a gentleness for her fellow benders as they form a support group of sorts as each of their hearts long for one of the elite. In fact, it's those friendships that give her the push to want more than just a great education and know that she's not alone in her thoughts of yearning, especially towards Orion.

Orion is a sweetheart. The one member of the elite crowd who never looks down on the benders and is there to protect them and even fight for them no matter what it might cost him. His own struggles with learning keep him in his own brittle box and I wasn't sure he'd find the strength to push through all the programmed explanations his parents thrust upon him for the past 10 years. But then there was Harper. I do believe the man fell hard for her from the very first time she showed up for her first day of class. She didn't take any bs and although she had a strong desire to stay hidden and out of everyone's way, there was no way to ignore Orion or the feelings she felt whenever he was near.

Scott does a marvelous job in allowing us to experience moments, both touching and raw, that are happening simultaneously in book one, Little Pieces of Light. To get different points of view and a new perspective as to what occurs in this tumultuous senior year blew things wide open for me. I liked that Harper didn't suffer fools and wasn't initially open to befriending any of the elite. But then you could see her wanting to give Emery, Tessa, and most importantly, Orion, the chance to show her that maybe they had just as much anxiety about life as she did. They just wanted to be seen as well.

As I continue to think about this book, the tears again start to form, remembering the gestures of standouts like Dean, Ezra and Xander. What they do for Orion, in particular, is nothing short of remarkable. Orion is truly a piano virtuoso and the need for him to hide behind jokes and the pressure of being a Mercer, was understood all too well by those I just mentioned. Add to that list, the incredible Harper and how she pushed when necessary, allowing Orion to finally grasp what he needed in order to conquer his wayward thoughts when it came to classwork, and the man truly had it all. Even when things were rough and heartbreaking and the world seemed to never be on his side, Orion found his own cadence that saved him in the form of the girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

Everything We Couldn't Say will wreck you in the very best way. But you'll feel every word and your heart and soul will be overflowing with joy. At its core, the book is a love story and yet it's also about finding yourself and knowing that to be seen by at least one important person in your life is everything. Orion and Harper are completely seen by the other and what they experience is a crazy-great journey that leads them to all they deserve and so much more.

I definitely recommend reading Little Pieces of Light as well, so that you can to see how the lives of 4 young people intersect in ways that change them forever. I loved being back with the Castle Hill crew, even knowing that sometimes things don't turn out the way that they should. But when they do, it's beyond glorious.

5++ big stars!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t been as excited to receive an ARC as I was for Everything We Couldn’t Say in awhile. It’s simple, if Emma Scott writes it, I’m reading it. Probably in one sitting. Or two in this case.

Harper is one of the best FMCs I have read in a long time and she is only eighteen. I’m not sure whether I want to be her when I grow up or take care of her.

She is brave and strong and deeply empathetic. She hates her own vulnerability but she still allows it to come through and that is really beautiful and really well illustrated here. Harper is a tough cookie but she also understands how toxic it is that she has always had to be one.

She arrives in town with her recovering alcoholic mother and her little brother. Viewing Castle Hill Academy as her launchpad to the Ivy League. She has survived a traumatic past and taken on the responsibility of preserving her little brother’s childhood because she never got to have one. What she has sacrificed to protect him is heartbreaking.

Harper’s anxiety and hypervigilance are present in everything she does. She does not let herself get too close or want too much because nothing good has ever lasted in her world. Her clear boundaries around her mother’s addiction were painful to read but they only made me love her more. She understands that her mother’s recovery is not her responsibility even if she is still living with the consequences of it.

Orion is the English/Nigerian son of one of Castle Hill Academy’s five founding families. He is a genius and a piano prodigy but he has ADHD and learning disabilities that he has spent years hiding beneath charm and relentless debilitating effort.

His masking was written so well. Everyone sees the gifted athlete, the wealthy golden boy and the charming funny rogue who moves easily between the different social tiers at the school. But no one sees how hard he is working to maintain that image. They don’t see the exhaustion or shame or fear underneath it. His family’s expectations have robbed him of so much of himself.

In completely different ways Orion and Harper have both been forced to surrender pieces of their childhoods. Harper has been shaped by her mother’s addiction and the responsibility of protecting her brother. Orion has been shaped by the pressure of who he is expected to be and the constant need to compensate for the parts of himself his family views as weaknesses.

One grew up believing nothing good lasts. The other grew up believing approval depends on how well he performs.

Harper has learned not to need anyone. Orion has learned to become whatever everyone else needs him to be.

I really liked how this book expands on Castle Hill Academy itself. The pressure and impossible expectations are not only felt by the Benders and Townies. The wealthy legacy students are also being crushed by the same institution just in a different way.

Book one began exploring that divide but this story widens the lens by drawing in more characters from both sides of it. The Benders are judged and underestimated and made to feel disposable. The legacy students are expected to uphold family names and protect appearances and become whatever Castle Hill has already decided they should be.

That parallel was one of my favorite parts of the story. Harper and Orion are carrying very different burdens but both have been robbed of the freedom to simply be young and uncertain and unfinished. They recognize the parts of each other that everyone else misses.

This is about two young people learning that strength does not have to mean hiding every part of yourself that hurts. Harper especially will stay with me for a long time. She is amazing but Orion deserves just as much tenderness. Beneath all of his talent and privilege is someone who has spent far too long believing he has to earn the right to be loved.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 “Loving you is music” stars!

I am addicted to the Castle Hill Academy series. I fell in love with all the characters from the first book, Little Pieces of Light , and now we get even more of them. Harper and Orion are the next couple in the series and I am totally obsessed with them and completely devoured their story.

Harper has had a difficult childhood. Her father was gone before she was born and she’s been picking up the pieces for as long as she can remember, taking care of her alcoholic mother and her sweet little brother. When her mother finally gets sober, they move to Rhode Island so that Harper can attend Castle Hill Academy in hopes it will help her get into MIT or maybe NYC. She’s there to work hard and that is exactly what she does.

Unfortunately, Harper lives in Bend and doesn’t have crazy amounts of money like the majority of the school so she sticks out when she doesn’t want to. The Richies don’t like the Benders and will do everything to make Bender’s lives miserable, including Harper’s.
Orion is one of the Big Five, a group of five families that donate the most money to the school. He is loved by everyone and is the life of the party, but he has his own struggles and life isn’t as easy for him as it looks. He has his life mapped out for him and once he graduates, he’ll go to Cambridge and eventually work for the family business.

Orion meets Harper at school and there is an instant connection. Harper doesn’t know why Orion befriends her and it seems like he doesn’t have a problem with the fact that she is a Bender and he is a Richie. He is constantly standing up for her even when she doesn’t ask for it. Despite their differences, these two understand each other. They realize there is so much more to them than when they first met. Orion is there for Harper and wants to make things easier, and Harper is Orion’s biggest supportor. She believed in him and refuses give up. They are sweet and swoony together especially when they are themselves.

These two share something special but their love story is not an easy one. They go through heartbreaking trials and I was there through it all. My heart broke for the way Harper had to grow up too fast and for the way Orion wasn’t supported the way he should have been. The growth these two go through both as individuals and as a couple is beautiful. They are complex characters that dig deep into your soul and don’t let you go. I felt all the ups and downs right along with them.

I loved the secondary characters, both the new ones as well as the ones I met and love from before. Then the tragedy that we lived through in the first book we have to live through again, and though it wasn’t quite as detailed, it still brought back all the tears and heartache I experienced the first time around.

Overall, I absolutely love the Castle Hill Academy series and it remains a favorite because these books and characters are unforgettable!

*ARC generously provided by the author and Valentine PR and Literary Management*

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was what I was really looking to read. Achingly beautiful and palpable with heavy emotions covered in Humour. Endearing Characters so real, I felt them come alive on pages. This is Book 2 in the Castle Hill Academy Series. we met Orion Mercer in Little Pieces of Light. He's the one that oozes charm, smirking with all the jokes, a wealthy family scion, sent to CHA to train in chemical studies so he can join father's business.
But his heart sings a different Etudé

“ Music made sense in a way that nothing else did. It was air and water. It was light and breath and my own heartbeat. It was as if the piano and I were not two separate things but connected somehow, and I never wanted to be apart…”

This stayed hidden deep within his soul tho. Away from prying eyes, his safe place almost like his prison. The lock is opened by Harper Bennett. A bender to his Richie. Opposite sides of society. They might as well been on different planets, their disparity so vast & insurmountable.

“Some bridges are too far.”

But she has something no one around him possesses. Se SEES him. The scared, struggling boy hiding in his large, loud personality. Their relationship was filed with sweet ache, I manifested their happy ending with every fiber of my body.
Harper can recognize the lost boy in Orion because she is fighting her own demons everyday. Neglectful, alcoholic parent, a young brother, money, bills, academia, societal bullying, school pressure...everything is trying to drown her

“ She was on her guard. Defenses up.
I could relate.
While I had a different set of defenses, I recognized a fellow soldier when I saw one.
Maybe if we shared war stories…”

A warrior in a tiny body, she's inspiring, supportive, loyal to a fault.
Pace is tight, prose engaging, it's a lively read till Emma brings us to the brink, and drops the gavel.
The twist in the end, I'll NEVER FORGIVE her for that!!
This unpredictable love story is still nestled in my heart, long after I closed the book
“5 stars for Bandit the Cupid”
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[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone book 2 of Castle Hill Academy
POV: First person- dual
Rating:
4.25 Stars



Harper Bennett longed to secure a better future, and enrolling at Castle Hill Academy brought her one step closer to her goal. However, things had not been easy when she was treated like an outcast. Orion Mercer became the light she never knew she needed, but he came with his own baggage. Pursuing a relationship could derail both of their futures.



For someone so young, Harper had to endure hardships no teenager should have to face. I loved how determined and responsible she was. Orion might have been the sunshine who brightened everyone's lives, but he was drowning in his silent struggles. I loved him in Book 1 and was glad to see a different side of him here.

I felt for the characters (including the supporting cast) and rooted for them right from the beginning. Though at times I felt the rich vs poor conflict was a bit overplayed, and a certain plot point seemed to come out of nowhere and convenient, I enjoyed the overall story.

Everything We Couldn't Say is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and charting one's own path. It would appeal to readers who enjoy emotional young adult romance.



Books in the series:



🎵🔍🎵. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🎵🔍🎵



For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Scott brings us another deeply emotional story in the Castle Hill Academy series. We first meet Harper and Orion as side characters in the first book, Little Pieces of Light and I must say, I fell in love with both characters then, without knowing their full stories.

Harper is one strong and resilient girl! Already having weathered SO many storms in her young life, she's starting anew at Castle Hill Academy where her mother has moved her and her little brother to start over. Her mother's struggles over the years with alcohol made Harper's childhood one filled with things a young child should never have to go through, and Harper is bound and determined to make sure her little brother never experiences the things she went through.

Orion is quite a complex character. The prodigal son of one of the top five families to contribute to Castle Hill, his life is pretty much mapped out for him by his aloof but overbearing parents. Love and affection are not something he and his two brothers ever experienced growing up, the family motto being more like, "show no emotion and carry on". Even though he is known as a "player", the day he meets Harper knocks him back on his heels a bit and he feels something for a girl for the first time, ever.

Orion and Harper together were chef's kiss. Their banter, their chemistry, it was so good! But of course, these two are teenagers, going to a school that very much believes in a caste system that dictates these two should never be together. He's a "Richie" and she's a "Bender" and never the two shall twine, or whatever that saying is. But they can't seem to stay away from each other.

Emma truly knows how to write a complex and deeply emotional story that encompasses many social issues that kids face every day, particularly ones that seem to plague the prestigious private school system. My heart broke for all of the Benders who were bullied and made fun of daily at Castle Hill. I just wanted to wrap Harper up and keep her protected from all that nonsense, but she has a backbone made of steel and honestly her home problems far outweighed what a bunch of spoiled rich kids could throw at her. I would have folded under the pressure she was under, with school and a huge contest on the line, trying to manage her wayward mother, and take care of her little brother. Thank God she had Orion for periods of solace to get her through.

I really was invested in their story and prayed all the way through that everything would work out for them. For Orion and his family, that he would be able to break free of the oppressive weight on his shoulders with the expectations his parents had for him. And for Harper to finally catch a much-needed break in life.

The last few chapters of the book came fast and furious with several things happening, which I wish was drawn out a little bit more, so it didn't feel rushed, but the ending truly was perfect and left me with happy, watery tears in my eyes. I am excited to see who the next book will be about. I have a few guesses!

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for the arc

Everything We Couldn’t Say • Emma Scott
Castle Hill Academy #2

One phrase: tender, emotional, and quietly devastating 🫧💗

This book completely surprised me in the best way.

I went in expecting a rivals to lovers school romance, but Everything We Couldn’t Say ended up being so much more emotional, layered, and heartfelt than I expected. It pulled me in fast and before I knew it, I had flown through the pages, smiling, aching, and almost crying more than once.

Harper is such a strong FMC. She has fought for everything in her life, her dreams, her brother, her future, and the roof over their heads. She carries so much responsibility, and you can feel how deeply that weight has shaped her. Her love for Dash absolutely broke my heart in the sweetest way.

And Orion?

British accent. Golden boy. Secretly hurting. Musical talent. People pleaser energy. Yeah, I folded.

On the outside, Orion has everything. The name, the money, the charm, the future already planned for him. But underneath that polished surface, he is carrying so much more than people see. I loved getting to see the vulnerable parts of him and watching Harper be one of the first people to truly look past the mask.

Their romance was so sweet. It is not super heavy on the rivalry, but honestly, I did not mind because the emotional connection worked so well. Their late nights in the lab, the music, the quiet honesty, the way they slowly became a safe place for each other… it all felt soft and real.

What I loved most was how much this book focused on individual growth. Harper and Orion are both trying to figure out who they are outside of pressure, expectations, grief, family, and achievement. The romance is lovely, but their personal journeys are what made the story hit harder.

I also really appreciated the mental health and ADHD representation. Orion’s need to hide behind humor and make everyone like him felt painfully real, and I loved that the author took care with those pieces of the story.

Please check content warnings before reading because this does deal with heavier topics.

✨ Tropes and vibes:
🫧 academic rivals energy
💗 emotional romance
🔬 science competition
🎶 music and healing
🧠 ADHD rep
🥹 coming of age
👑 golden boy MMC
💔 grief and pressure
👨‍👧 sibling bond
🫶 soft slow burn
📚 elite school setting
😭 emotional growth

📚 Read this if you like:
Emotional YA or NA romance, academic settings, soft boys with hidden pain, strong FMCs carrying too much, healing love stories, and books that make your chest ache in the best way.

This was heartfelt, tender, emotional, and so easy to fall into.

#EverythingWeCouldntSay #EmmaScott #YARomance #ComingOfAge #BookReview @bloom

[Loni Solomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star read for me!

Some books end when you close the cover. Others stay with you after that last page. Everything We Couldn’t Say was one of those books for me. Not because it emotionally destroyed me, but because when I closed the cover, I found myself simply sitting with it. Sitting with the depth of everything that happened. The weight of what these characters carried. The quiet meaning behind their journeys.

This wasn’t a story that demanded tears from me. It was a story that asked me to think, to feel, and to remember that some of the heaviest burdens are the ones no one else can see.

Orion is brilliant. Diagnosed but untreated, swept under the rug to ensure he does not embarass the family name. He has learned to survive by hiding behind humor, charm, and a smile that convinces everyone he’s ok. But beneath the mask is someone barely keeping his head above waetr – desperately needing somoene to truly see him instead of the version of himself he shares with the world.

Harper is equally brilliant, but the weight she carries is crushing her. A mother consumned by addiction. A younger brother who is the brightest light in her life. Dreams that stretch far beyond where she came from because she believes if she works hard enough, maybe she can save the people she loves.

At its core, this story is about looking beyond someone’s circumstances, their social status, or the labels the world gives them. It’s about recognizing the human being underneath and understanding that everyone is fighting battles we can’t always see.

Whether it’s the wealthy girl smiling while she’s quietly falling apart ... or the boy everyone dismisses because of where he comes from, who somehow manages to find the good in everyone else while never believing he deserves the same grace for himself.

Everyone wears a mask. Everyone carries pain.

And sometimes the people who end up changing your life are the one’s you’d never expect.

Emma Scott has this incredible ability to make every scene feel cinematic. I didn’t just read this story – I watched it unfold in my mind. I lived the loneliness, held onto the hope, was crushed by the heartbreak, and found myself leaning into every ounce of emotional weight these characters carried.

Every single character served a purpose. Every layer peeled back revealed another person simply trying to survive, trying to become who they were always meant to be despite the expectations, trauma, and circumstances surrounding them.

This is a story about being seen. About choosing compassion over judgement. And about discovering that sometimes the peope who seem the strongest are the ones silentyly begging for someone to notice they’re struggling.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first discovered Emma Scott’s writing in 2019 and, according to my kindle, from July to October I proceeded to devour her entire catalog. Picking up Little Pieces of Light after all these years reminded me exactly why I love her stories. Every character is written with so much depth and intent you can’t help but to want to know more about them. So when I learned Harper and Orion’s story was next in this series I could NOT wait to return to Castle Hill Academy.

Harper has spent most of her life carrying responsibilities no one at her age should have to bear. With an unreliable mother and an absent father, she decided long ago that her purpose in life was dedicated to preserving her brother’s childhood for as long as she could. Castle Hill Academy, college, scholarships… none of these things were dreams being fulfilled. It’s survival and how she was going to be able to give Dash the childhood she never had.

Orion, on the other hand, appears to have everything. He’s charming, popular, and comes from one of the academy’s most influential families. But beneath his carefully crafted image is someone who feels alone in a crowded room.

While Harper grew up learning she could only depend on herself, Orion grew up in a family where appearances mattered more than honesty and difficult emotions were quietly swept aside and never actually addressed.

What I loved most about their relationship was that neither character tried to fix the other. Instead, they saw each other.

One of my favorite quotes in the book comes from Professor Wolfe:

“It’s enough that you’re merely there. Present. That they feel seen and heard. Isn’t that what anyone wants? To feel see? Understood? And that doesn’t take any doing. It only takes being.”

That sentiment sits at the heart of Harper and Orion’s story. Harper sees past Orion’s charm and the persona he’s spent years perfecting. And with her, for the first time in his life, Orion feels understood.
“I was exceptionally god at hiding my broken pieces, but no one was looking either. Not my parents anyway. But Harper looked. She saw me.”

Their romance is a reminder that pain doesn’t always look the same. Harper’s struggles are visible while Orion’s are hidden behind privilege, money, and expectations, but both are carrying wounds and both are searching for the same thing… connection.. acceptance.. and a place where they can finally be themselves.

[Joanne Ragona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Castle Hill Academy series continues with Everything We Couldn’t Say and I absolutely adore Orion and Harper’s story. Emma Scott has written another book that will pull at your heart strings and make you fall for characters who are so inexplicably different that they are actually perfect for each other. Rich boy Orion Mercer is constantly trying to make his Father happy. He is expected to work for the family business even though Orion has a fervent passion for piano. Harper Bennett is desperately trying to keep her family together as her house is literally falling down, there is no money to fix it and her mom takes off with the new dentist she works for. All while she takes care of her little brother and studies hard to maintain her excellent grades to get into a great college.

Orion and Harper are both dealing with difficulties in their lives and to add to their misery, they are paired together as lab partners in Chemistry class. From the very beginning it is evident they have an attraction to one another even though they are constantly at odds. The banter and bickering between them slowly builds into a friendship. There is trust, support and understanding…things they don’t get from their own families. Even when pitted against each other for the distinguished NoSci award, Harper and Orion learn to lean on each other and share their struggles.

This book explores many tough subjects: family dynamics, learning disorders, addiction, friendships, grief and sexual abuse. As heavy as some of these subjects may be there is also so much humor, wit, growth, redemption and the sweetest, swooniest romance. Harper and Orion will learn a great deal about themselves and the importance of being seen. No matter your upbringing, your wealth, or who your family is, problems and dysfunction exist. But sharing your burden with others can make it feel like a less lonely existence.

This is another powerful and impactful book from Emma Scott. Her beautiful writing and unforgettable characters will wrap around your heart and make you feel deeply invested in their lives. Everything We Couldn’t Say is a beautiful story of finding your anchor amid obstacles and surviving the storm together.

“We could find each other in the darkest storm or in the bleakest night. We could find each other anywhere.”

[Hannah Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge Emma Scott fan. Her writing always hits so deeply. The characters she creates always have such depth and relatability. With all that said I did find a lot of what I love about Emma's writing in this but unfortunately this will not go down as one of my favorites by her. 


But with that said I wanna say what I did enjoy about this book. The characters both Orion and Harper were very enjoyable. They each had their own unique characteristics and Emma described them so vivdily I could picture what they looked like in my mind perfectly while reading. There struggles were both described with great detail and helped build their character and personality through the story. 


I loved that Harper was such a strong young woman considering everything life had delt her. I also like that no matter what was thrown her way school was always at the forefront and it was never even suggested she would quit school to take care of her family and their struggles. 


Orion was presented so well. I loved that his British swagger and language were really highlighted. Him calling woman love was a fav. It gets me every time. 


But now the things I didn't enjoy... The story itself was very dragged. I feel there were a lot of things that just weren't necessary to the story and only added length. Another thing that got to me was the amount of named side characters. I had a hard time keeping them straight and remembering why or if they were important. 


Now this could be controversial but Harper and Orion's relationship felt rushed even if it did span in the book. The writing and jumps didn't give enough depth. I also felt they had to much back and forth. One minute there we're going to come out to the school and then for some reason that just didn't happened and then months passed. Didn't make much sense to me. 


Also the death of a side character just really felt unnecessary to the plot of the story. It felt like a last ditch effort to tie everything together and  keep us focused till the end because by that point the book was getting dry and a bit boring. 


Now I did finish this book even though there were times I thought I might not. Unfortunately it just wasn't everything I wanted it to be but just because Emma wrote one book I didn't really like doesn't mean I won't continue to support her. I'm still excited to see what she has to come next.

[Jenn Nie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do you know why your Etude is brilliant? Because of her. Because of love”

What. A. Ride.
Did I stay up all night reading this gem? Of course, it’s Emma.

What a special, beautiful, heart wrenching book. It was filled with so much angst, love patience and understanding. The characters had tremendous growth while battling very adult situations. Situations that Kids their age should not have to tackle but in their extreme “opposites” in life they had so much more in common than they could have anticipated and they learned and supported each other together. The musical component just added another layer of beauty to this story. A musical language in a world where words don’t make sense and expression is difficult.

I loved everything about this book. I loved the continuation from book one which intermingled so flawlessly. There’s so much depth to this story and I’m just in awe of the finish. It was a perfect and beautiful finish and I’m so happy to have experienced it.
I can’t recommend this book enough.

BOOK 1- Little Pieces of Light is recommended although this could be read as a standalone but there will be spoilers for book 1.
Enjoy the ride. It was an amazing love story.

BLURB:

They were supposed to be rivals. They weren’t supposed to fall in love.

Harper Bennett has fought for every inch of her life: for her dreams, her brother, and the roof over their heads. The Novus Science Prize is her ticket to a brilliant future, and she won’t let anything stand in her way.

Especially not Orion Mercer.

Golden boy. Heir to one of Castle Hill’s elite Big Five families. Orion is all effortless charm, endless jokes, and a future already written within a billion-dollar chemical empire.

But Orion isn’t what Harper expected.

Behind the polished confidence is a secret battle he’s been fighting alone and a musical talent no one saw coming. Harper sees through his mask, while Orion sees her not as charity or competition, but as the only honest thing in a world built on winning.

Late nights in the lab give way to shared music and unspoken truths, and their rivalry softens into something deeper.

Then must decide who they are without the prize…and whether love is worth risking everything.



Thank you @ NetGalley, Valentine_PR for this EARC. Opinions are that of my own and have no bearing on the gift I was presented.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything We Couldn’t Say by Emma Scott is the second book in the Castle Hill Academy series. Castle Hill Academy, or CHA, is run by the Big 5—five families who donate a lot of money: Delilah Winslow, Tucker Hill, Gideon Foster, Emery Wallace, and Orion Mercer, who we first met in Little Pieces of Light.

Rockwell and Celese Mercer raised their sons—Odin, Octavian, and Orion—in the upper class of British society, surrounded by wealth, success, and high expectations, but not much emotion. Some topics are always off-limits, especially in public. Other wealthy students include Rhett Calloway, Aria Kingston, Elowen Blake, Kia Thornton, Henry Moore, Knox Whitman, Justin Wu, and Brent Reynolds.

On the other side are the benders, families who live in the poorer part of Rhode Island. Harper Bennett moves from Pittsburgh to Rhode Island to attend CHA, hoping it will help her get into MIT or NYU. At home, she takes care of her mother, Maeve, who is recovering from alcoholism, and her younger brother, Dash. Despite these challenges, Harper is determined to do her best and support her family.

Dean Yearwood and Alexander Ford, “Xander,” are the other Benders; they’re on the crew and Math & Physics teams, putting them on her side of the divide between rich and poor at CHA.

“Weeping happens when a soul feels an emotion that is too big for the body to contain.”

“Maybe guilt is a way that we torture ourselves.” “A tragedy is so big and so painful, so we try to take a piece of it and give it a reason or assign blame, because otherwise it feels so meaningless. “

Emma Scott is known for writing emotional stories that grab your heart and don’t let go until she’s made her point. This book is no exception, covering tough topics like child neglect, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide. Be sure to read the full content warning.

“A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.”

To sum up, Everything We Couldn't Say is a powerful and moving novel about privilege, trauma, and resilience. Emma Scott brings her characters’ lives together in a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. If you want a book that will stick with you long after you finish, this one is worth reading.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I'm honestly not sure what I was expecting when I picked up Everything We Couldn't Say, but whatever it was, this book exceeded it.

One thing about me: if a book has anything to do with music, there's a very good chance I'll love it. And if music becomes a refuge for one of the characters? Even better. I absolutely adored that aspect of this story. The way music was woven into Orion's journey felt meaningful, emotional, and authentic.

Speaking of Orion, he was easily my favorite character. On the surface, he seems like the typical golden boy who has everything handed to him, but beneath that polished exterior is someone struggling with far more than anyone realizes. I loved slowly peeling back those layers and discovering who he really was. Despite everything he was dealing with, he remained so kind, thoughtful, and attentive to the people he loved.

Harper was equally compelling. She's fiercely determined, hardworking, and willing to fight for the future she dreams of. What I loved most about both of them was how mature they felt. Yes, they're young, and yes, they make mistakes, but they handled so many difficult situations with a level of emotional intelligence that made them incredibly easy to root for.

The romance was beautiful. There was something so sweet about the way Harper and Orion always seemed to know when the other needed support. Their relationship wasn't just about attraction, it was about understanding, trust, and showing up for each other when things got hard. Watching them grow closer while also growing as individuals was one of my favorite parts of the book.

I also really enjoyed the plot and how every challenge the characters faced ultimately strengthened not only their relationship with each other, but also their relationship with themselves. Emma Scott has a wonderful way of creating emotional stories that feel hopeful even when they're tackling difficult subjects.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, moving read with lovable characters, a beautiful romance, and just enough music to completely win me over.

[Amanda N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, a miscommunication trope done right. The title sets the expectation, but don’t worry: this isn’t one of those frustrating stories where the entire conflict exists because someone refuses to speak, hides a secret for no reason, or simply won’t say what they’re feeling. Despite being teenagers, these characters handle their situations with a level of maturity that’s honestly refreshing. They communicate when it matters, they confront issues instead of letting them fester, and they show emotional intelligence that’s rare in YA. But I’ll get back to that later.
First off, this is a YA romance, though more than once I forgot these characters were in high school. The relationship between Harper and Orion is healthier than many adult relationships I’ve seen. Their tempers and attitudes occasionally remind you they’re young, but the way their bond develops is everything. Their banter, their flirting, their friendship, and eventually their romance—it all feels organic and deeply rooted in mutual respect.
They face real hurdles: living on opposite ends of the social hierarchy, complicated family dynamics, learning disabilities, and the pressure of legacy and expectations. There’s so much depth woven into their personal struggles that I couldn’t stop reading, eager to see how they would tackle the next challenge together.
The side characters add even more richness. Castle Hills feels like a school where everyone has a story worth telling. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want spin‑offs, novellas, or at least a companion book just to explore more of the world.
Now, the one thing I couldn’t quite wrap my head around: these characters are teenagers, but they often speak and behave like adults. Their maturity is admirable, but at times it pulled me out of the story because it didn’t fully align with their age. In some ways, the narrative might have fit more naturally in a college setting. Still, I understand why the author chose high school—it adds stakes, immediacy, and a certain emotional intensity unique to that time of life.
Either way, I still loved it.

[anueliina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. Thank you for the author and Valentine PR for the book to read.

This is for the ones who love to read about emotional struggles and growing pains.

It has been told that the name Orion primarily symbolizes "strength", and the "pursuit of goals". Harper on the other hand is believed to originate of Olde English meaning both "pleasant" and "brave". I don't know if these are the reasons why Emma Scott chose these names for her characters, but they are spot on.

Orion indeed has a huge amount of strength. For years he has been dealing with something by himself. Everyone else just see the jokes and fun-to-be-around persona that he has created to keep his heart and soul safe. For years he has been building walls to keep everyone in arms lenght. But Harper sees right through his walls.

Harper is brave. Maybe braver than she realizes. She has so much on her plate that she begins to break down under all the pressure. Orion sees the cracks that are forming on her shields. What will happen when these two collide?

The book is beautifully written, as every Emma Scott book is. I absolutely adored Orion and Harper 🩷 Their journey with each other isn't the easiest, but there are always some way to keep going. “But if there’s anyone I’d risk a panic attack for, it’s you.” was one of my favorite lines of the book and I truly believe it describes their love for each other, you're willing to sacrifice your health for someone else. It should be like that in real world also. They find each other, but can they stay together? There is so much more to consider than just their love for each other.

I liked the side characters, Ezra was fabulous. I loved Dash (and hope that maybe we get to read his story someday). Even though I knew some of the things that was going to happen I still cried while reading. The events of this book take place at the same time as the events in the Little Pieces of Light. So you should read that before reading this.

I don't know how every book by Emma Scott resonates with me. In this book there are themes that are familiar to me, same kind of struggles I have had. It feels like a hug when I read a book by her.

I hope that someday, in some way, I will have the chance to meet her and thank her for everything, for all the books I’ve been able to read and for all the words that touch the very depths of my soul. Until I can do that, I’ll just say thank you, thank you for writing.

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4★

As Harper Bennett embarks on a new school and with new opportunities, the reality of her home life keeps her keenly focused on the prize. Thanks to his family, Orion Mercer is on a predetermined course, but his natural talents lie elsewhere.

“Protect your happiness, Harper,” he said. “Guard it with your life. It might not be a perfect situation, but we don’t live in a perfect world.”

Narrated in dual POV, Harper is under immense pressure by balancing home and school, and for her age, she is mature. Being from such a privileged family, Orion could easily be a snob, yet he is kind and treats his peers kindly. Together, Harper and Orion have an easy connection that builds into much more.

In this story, I liked how Harper and Orion each had a very different family life and how Orion didn’t make Harper feel lesser. The tension of the relationships definitely created angst throughout. Given the difficulties these characters experience in the story, a certain part felt a bit convenient, but I was still behind Harper and Orion. Lastly, Ezra tremendously added to the story.


*An ARC was provided for a review.*


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*


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[Ptiteaurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lire une romance d Emma Scott est toujours une excellente idée. Elle nous offre ici une romance avec deux héros qui viennent de deux univers différents et qui pourtant partagent les mêmes douleurs. Passez les portes de la Castle Hill Academy pour une immersion pleine d emotions et de rebondissements.
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Orion Mester est notre héros. Issu d'une grande famille chez qui on ne montre pas ses failles mais où les apparences sont primordiales, il semble avoir tout pour lui. Dès le début, on comprend qu'il souffre d un trouble TDAH et que sa famille nie la réalité. Il a appris à cacher ses difficultés derrière une façade bien rodée et pleine d'humour. A l académie, il fait partie des populaires, de l'équipe d'aviron et pourtant n'a pas le choix de son avenir. Notre héroïne verra au delà et elle pourrait l aider à sa manière. Il devra rejoindre Cambridge l'an prochain alors qu il excelle au piano mais ce n'est pas assez distingué pour les Mercer. Il va se plaire une place dans la vie d Harper et j'ai adoré suivre l'évolution de leurs relations.
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Harper Bennett porte un énorme poids sur ses épaules. Elle occupe le rôle de maman pour son frère de 7 ans, Dash. Sa mère, alcoolique, les a souvent mis dans le pétrin. Elle semble remonter la pente mais Harper sait que la rechute n'est jamais loin. Elle doit tout donner pour cette Académie et pour réussir à intégrer la MIT. De plus, un concours pourrait lui permettre de rafler la mise et d'envisager un avenir plus serein. Elle devra gérer son petit frère, les piques de l élite car elle n'appartient pas à leur sphère. Orion l'interpelle mais elle sait qu'ils n'ont rien à voir ensemble. Elle va lutter contre cette attirance mais ce ne sera pas simple. J'ai adoré la détermination, la resilience de cette jeune femme qui mérite de réussir. Elle ne doit pas dévier de ses plans et pourtant avec Ori, elle va vivre quelque chose de fort.
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Bref, même si les thèmes sont déjà vus en romance, j'ai enchaine les chapitres car je voulais savoir ce que ces deux là nous reservaient. Amour, amitié, différences sociales et failles seront au rendez-vous de ce 1er tome. Jai déjà hate de découvrir le tome sur Xander.

[Luisa Rivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt, emotional romance that packs a powerful punch. I actually read it twice in a row, to savor and enjoy all the nuances. It’s not just a love story — it’s about two young people carrying heavy expectations on their shoulders, trying to build a future that feels almost impossible. The writing is warm and emotional, and the journey is full of those quiet, tender moments that make you stop and think.

Harper’s strength moved me. She carries so much, yet she never stops fighting for her future, for her little brother, for the tiny pieces of hope she refuses to let go of. There’s a softness in her that made me ache — that mix of determination and vulnerability that feels so human and so brave.

And Orion… he’s the kind of hero who sneaks up on you. Gentle, gifted, hurting in ways he doesn’t know how to name. He presents to others in such a cocky way, hiding a broken boy inside. And the only one who truly sees him is Harper. There’s something so emotional about watching someone who has spent years believing he’s “less than” slowly realize he’s extraordinary. The way he looks at Harper, the way he listens, the way he tries — it’s the kind of quiet devotion that makes your chest feel warm.

Their connection is magnetic from the start, but what makes it beautiful is how they see each other, how they choose each other. Not in grand gestures, but in small, intimate moments — honesty, comfort, encouragement, the kind of love that says “I see you” when the world feels too heavy. It’s emotional and so swoony!

What stayed with me most was how the story honors resilience. It’s about surviving what should have broken you, about finding your voice, about refusing to let circumstances define your worth.
By the end, I was completely in love with these characters and the world they built together. It’s a romance that doesn’t just entertain — it touches something deep and leaves you glowing. It’s a story about love, yes, but also about courage, healing, and becoming the person you were meant to be. A truly wonderful read.