Unspoken" is a tender, authentic exploration of three young adults finding themselves in a world that demands they have it all figured out. Set against the backdrop of retail work and shared living, this novel captures the millennial experience of extended adolescence, economic uncertainty, and the search for authentic connection. As each character pursues their professional dreams they must navigate the complexities of chosen family, unrequited love, and self-acceptance.
When Tash, a law graduate who feels stuck in her supermarket job, begins to explore feelings for her housemate Kath, a dreamer with fashion ambitions, their friendship transforms into something deeper and more complicated. Meanwhile, their friend Ryan quietly nurses feelings for Tash while pursuing his own dreams in music production.
Unspoken is a beautifully crafted story about three friends learning that growing up doesn't mean having all the answers. Sometimes it just means having the courage to ask the right questions. With its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, relatable themes of career struggle and economic anxiety, and complex characters dealing with real-world issues, this emotionally rich debut offers a fresh voice in contemporary fiction that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven narratives about finding your place in the world.
Perfect for readers of Emily Henry's Beach Read and Casey McQuiston's contemporary works, Unspoken combines workplace dynamics, LGBTQ+ romance, and the universal struggle of discovering who you are when the family you choose becomes more complicated than the one you left behind.
Book Review
Unspoken by Darcy Quintrell is a warm, character-driven LGBTQ+ contemporary romance that leans more into emotional realism than big dramatic twists.
At its core, it’s a story about that very specific phase of life where you’re technically an adult… but still feel like you’re waiting for your “real life” to start. The retail setting, shared living, and career uncertainty give it a grounded millennial vibe, and the themes of economic anxiety and delayed adulthood feel painfully relatable.
The romance between Tash and Kath develops in a way that feels tender and complicated—especially because it grows out of friendship, shared space, and the fear of ruining something safe. Ryan’s quiet feelings add another emotional layer without turning the story into a cheap love triangle; it’s more about longing, timing, and the messy reality of growing up with people you love.
What makes Unspoken work is the focus on chosen family and self-acceptance. It’s not just about who ends up with whom—it’s about learning how to be honest when you don’t fully understand yourself yet.
A good pick if you like slow-burn romance, found-family dynamics, and books that feel emotionally true.
