What We Never Say by Paulette Stout

Before a magazine publishes a photo from Kyle’s modelling days and forces him to finally tell Rebecca about his tragic history, Rebecca and Kyle appear to be getting along just fine. But dealing with Kyle’s assault and getting him the support he requires aren’t their only concerns; Rebecca also operates a site that teaches women how to engage in joyful sex.

The magazine where Kyle’s abuser works and where her photo was published suddenly pays attention to that blog. Despite Kyle’s advice, Rebecca accepts the company’s request to write for them. Although Rebecca enjoys assisting women, she unwittingly exposed Kyle and herself to the influence of his abuser. As things get increasingly worse, the couple has to decide what they will do. Will Kyle come out with his story? Will Rebecca be exposed and lose her job?

Despite the severe subject matter, I liked “What We Never Say“. Stout was able to write about the sexual assault that males experience in a courteous and powerful manner, in my opinion. We don’t hear stories like these very frequently, but they need to be told because they are significant. I liked how Kyle and Rebecca’s friendship developed. Kyle helped Rebecca with her sexual difficulties, and Rebecca helped him with the abuse he experienced as a young man. They were incredibly supportive of one another.

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Men who have been sexually assaulted rarely make the news, and they are much less common in real life. I am grateful for this story because I know other men who were the victims of sexual assault by women. I believe Kyle’s journey towards finally going clean about what happened, seeking a therapist, and doing so might benefit other survivors. In my opinion, this book will be cathartic for the many survivors who have been unable to receive justice.

Another crucial component of this book’s balance was the representation of healthy friendships and relationships. It’s encouraging to see survivors who can maintain relationships with others and lead fulfilling lives, as the ones in this book did. Readers interested in women’s struggles, sexual assault against men, and related topics should read this book, in my opinion. It is important to be aware of the book’s substantial material before starting to read.

On-page inappropriate sexual content, discussions of orgasms and other sexual content, descriptions of sexual assault, manipulation, blackmail, and consenting sexual encounters are just a few examples of the content that warrants a warning. Before reading this kind of material, please make sure you are ready. I strongly suggest reading this book since I believe it to be vital.

About The Book

No means no, except to the most powerful woman in fashion publishing. Kyle’s been trying to forget her for eleven years. When the famous magazine editor reemerges for round two, Kyle’s forced to confront his painful past—the one he’s kept hidden from his girlfriend, Rebecca.

Complications arise when Rebecca’s blog for women becomes a global sensation in the one magazine Kyle hoped to avoid. With their future at serious risk, the choice is clear.

It’s time to go public with the truth about what happened. But will anyone believe him?