Archer's Voice

{I ACTUALLY PURCHASED THIS BOOK AND THIS REVIEW IS POSTED ON MY BLOG}

Hero: 4.5/5 Heroine: 4/5 Storyline: 4/5 Emotion: 5/5 Sex: 4/5 Unique: 4.5/5 Other (supporting characters, editing, etc): 4/5

I could not wait to read this book! Virtually no one, from the product reviews on Amazon to the Editor's reviews on Goodreads, gave this a bad review. I should clarify that I don't actually read any reviews. I just look at the star rating and skim for key phrases ("I could not put this down", "Interesting storyline", "Hot, hot, hot", etc.) I find that many book reviews today are basically book reports. Someone feels the need to go chapter by chapter, almost line for line and tell you what has already been written. Spoiler city. And one of my biggest pet peeves.

However, I still managed to build up quite a bit of anticipation based on the little snippets I read about Archer's Voice. Here's why I was excited:

• The hero is NOT an alpha male.
• The hero has a disability.
• The sex scenes would be graphic but not gratuitous.
• It might be a tearjerker.
• It's a classic, beautifully written love story.
• It is a standalone novel.

So, was I disappointed? Not even. I read this book in just a few hours and felt a sense of completion that I find lacking in most books I read today. It used to be that a book had a beginning, a middle, and an end. Maybe a prologue and/or epilogue was thrown in as a bonus but, for the most part, every single thing you could want from a story was contained between the first and last words. Even in a series. Books may have been related but each individual story was complete.

That is not the case these days. More often than not, authors either leave you hanging to manipulate you into buying another book or just have a hard time closing all of the loops. I must congratulate Sheridan because for the first time in a long time, I finished a book, gave a quick nod and wave to the characters, and sent them up to the imaginary world that houses the thousands of stories I've read in my life. I can release them. Sure, I'll think of them fondly from time to time. But they don't need me anymore. That is a great feeling.

All of the things I was anticipating about proved true. I am soooooo tired of naive pathetic young women having to be saved by big strong alpha male. It is very difficult to write about a naive alpha male. But Sheridan did a great job with that. Also, I speak fluent sign language and know from my own feeble attempts that it is very, very difficult to write signed dialogue since the language is not spoken aloud. Not only did Sheridan make this work brilliantly, but she also touched on some real issues people with communication disorders face, namely dealing with the protection of oneself and others. These two things give the novel a fresh, unique perspective.

The relationship between Archer and Bree was one of the best that I've seen unfold (the chips, the jokes, gah!) The characters were fairly well written. Clearly, Sheridan herself had more of a connection with Archer as he was the most defined. I liked Bree a lot, however I had a hard time understanding why she was relating to people the way she did. I couldn't understand what on earth drew her to Archer in the first place (given what she'd just experienced, it doesn't make sense that she'd be so open to scary looking, strange acting men that everyone was scarring her away from). Also, I never fully got what the deal was with her friends from home. They could have been left out of the novel. The other supporting characters were a bit one-denominational and stereotypical but I did like that no one came off like a caricature. Travis wasn't all bad. Archer wasn't all good. There were also random people that didn't need to be in there (the woman stopped Bree to discuss Archer's mother, the man who threw the New Year's Eve party, the sisters, Melanie and Liza could have been one person, as could the old women Anne and Maggie).

One of the aspects I liked the best was because of the inexperience of the hero, the sex scenes were all different. As he learned and changed, the dynamics changed and that was a great departure from the stories about all these sex gods running around. Sheridan built up the perfect amount of anticipation and the progress of their relationship seemed very natural.

Perhaps, too natural? Most of the book seemed very realistic to me. But real-life is boring. Thus, I did find myself skimming about 5% of the book. At times it was a little slow. In fact, I found that when Archer and Bree were't together, I didn't care at all about what they were doing.

Also, I have a little bit of an issue with using flashbacks as a storytelling vehicle. Especially if a character is flashing back to their childhood. Our childhood memories are usually very skewed and certainly do not include verbatim dialogue or reference to things like the time of day. Human brains just don't work that way. It makes more sense to me when a story literally jumps back and forth between different time periods. Not when the characters are actually musing over critical life events with unrealistic clarity.

The climatic scene at the end was a little forced to me. Everything wrapped up a little too neatly, too quickly. But because of the realistic pace of the rest of the novel, it didn't bother me so much (the alternative was to have it drag on and on and... well... no.)

My negative takeaways are really just nitpicky. All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I like that the author challenged herself to write a different kind of hero and even took the time to incorporate the difficulty of the disability. I like the world these guys lived in. And the ultimate message at the end was a poignant as an Aesop fable moral. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance and delights in the underdog story. It may not be your most-absolute-favorite book of all time but you certainly won't be disappointed.

OVERALL RATING: 4.5/5

~Five Amazing Archer Hale & Beautiful Bree Prescott Stars~

Boy what do I say about this book and how do I find the appropriate words? The first word that comes to mind is AMAZING! Amazing because it was beautifully written, emotionally felt, engaging and just flawless. The characters were so beautiful with so much depth to them. I haven't read a book this wonderful in a long time and I highly recommend this to everyone.

The story of Archer's voice begins with him as a little boy and we learn about this little boy who has been a witness to some very unkind behavior from his father. The story goes back and forth a bit between his past and his present. We learn bits and pieces about the terrible tragedies he has been though and what has caused him such pain and agony both physical and emotional.

You see Archer cannot talk and we are taken to a place in his life where he has been alone for far too long, and where most people think he is deaf. The way he survived and the way he was treated. We learn about what happened the day his uncle and mother decided to take him away with them in search of a better life.

There is so much to learn about Archer and your eagerness to learn will hold you captive throughout the story. You will not want to put the book down. Mia Sheridan has an amazing ability to create such a beautiful story and her characters, quite frankly blew me away.

We then meet Bree Prescott. A woman who is running away. Trying to find peace. You see she has suffered some tragedies of her own and so she ends up in Pelion, Maine. A place where she finds her peace and so much more when she bumps into none other than Archer Hale.

Bree also thinks that Archer is def, but she is so drawn to the man who's face you can barely see from his straggly, long hair to his bearded face that she begins to reach out to him and by doing so she uses sign language, something she learns Archer knows how to do as well and that he actually taught himself. Aside from signing, Archer has taught himself to do a whole lot. It was completely amazing.

Anyone can learn to do anything if they have the time. I have the time.

Bree and Archer began spending time together learning about one another so they essentially became friends. It was not easy for Archer though.

I could figure out advanced masonry diagrams but when it came to other people, I was lost.

The two of them became very comfortable with one another and Bree confided in him about her past and the tragedies she endured. Archer on the other hand only shared some, as it was still very difficult for him.

She carried the guilt of not fighting when she should have, and I carried the scar of what happened when you did.

Archer is such a beautiful person inside and out. The things he said (signed) and the stuff he did just melted my heart throughout the story. Bree was also a beautiful, loving and caring young woman. Things would not be easy for the two of them from the outside people as well as their internal struggles.

Needless to say the two of them fell in love but it wouldn't be easy, especially for Archer. His internal struggles were beautiful yet so sad and once Bree understood his struggles, I must say she was amazing but not without questioning what to do.

Archer~ I love you so much it hurts.

I'm afraid to love you. I'm afraid that you'll leave and that I'll go back to being alone again. Only it will be a hundred times worse because I'll know what I'm missing. I can't...He sucked in a shaky breath. I want to be able to love you more than I fear losing you, and I don't know how. Teach me, Bree. Please teach me. Don't let me destroy this.

NOW that right there ^^^sigh

Bree~ How do you teach a man who has lost everything, not to fear it happening again? How do you teach a person to trust in something none of us can guarantee?

So why can't Archer talk? What happened to him? What tragedies have both he and Bree endured and how will they both beat the odds that seem to stand in their way, whether it be physical or emotional. How will Archer manage to deal with his internal struggles. What happened to Bree to make her run away for peace. How will it all end? Will they get their HEA?

Only you, only ever you.

With that said I leave you, no I urge you, GO READ Archer's Voice if you haven't yet. You won't be disappointed!

BEST.BOOK.EVER.

• Written for Craves the Angst Book Reviews *

5+ Huge, Silent, Shattering Stars!

Quote Spotlight... ”I didn’t know enough to dream you, Bree, but somehow you came true anyhow.” - Archer

The Review: From the first page to the absolute last, I was hooked, reading straight through to the end and loving every hour, every minute, every second of this emotional, touching book. The story, the characters, the way its written, were all-consuming as I absorbed each page and eagerly turned to the next.

Story/Characters... Bree Prescott is on the run. She’s leaving a painful, tragic past in the dust as she takes off for parts unknown. When she lands in Pelion, Maine, she’s hoping this charming lakeside reprieve will prove to be the balm that calms her aching heart and soothe the fear that’s raging inside. As she navigates her way around town, she quickly makes friends and gets a job.

And she also runs into the town recluse.

The pull is instant. She recognizes a familiar pain in him even she wasn’t aware of but it called to her and she was helpless to deny it. Archer Hale is a silent entity no one knows. He’s a ghost in his own town and he prefers to stay that way. Hiding from a painful and tragic past of his own, he’s reluctant to trust or make friends with anyone, let alone the beautiful newcomer who seems bent on being his friend.

Quote Spotlight... “Everyone needs friends.” - Bree

Both of these character have secrets and hurts they are trying to recover from.

Bree was a beautiful heroine. She was open minded. Her heart was pure and she found wonder in the simple things in life. She was sweet and kind and brave. She was good! Her vulnerability was endearing instead of frustrating and I loved how she saw the world and its possibilities and the possibility in others.

Archer Hale is forever a hero in my book! I'm used to a certain kind of hero... the alpha male. And though he might not have been dominating and brimming with self awareness, he was one of the absolute best characters I’ve ever read! He is a complicated, layered, unique character who’s really been on his own since age seven. He had no guide, no teacher of life. Living in seclusion with his intelligent but unbalanced uncle left him with book smarts but unprepared for life outside of his fenced in property. He’s been completely sheltered from the world and society and with his silent innocence, his vulnerability and his shy manner, he breaks into your heart and steals a piece of it with each passing page.

Quote Spotlight... You brought the silence, The most beautiful sound I'd ever heard. Because it was where you were...

It seems everything is stacked against Bree and Archer. With certain people opposed to their union and Archers insecurities and his seclusion from the world holding him back and with Bree’s heart on the line, the risks seem high for this couple to make it. Danger lurks behind every corner, whether it be emotional or physical.

I can honestly say, I loved the “not knowing”. I didn’t know if this couple was going to actually make it or not. It seemed everything was working to pull them apart. Watching them connect, become so entwined in each other they practically spoke their own language, was beautiful. With each passing hand gesture, their love grew but Archers asks the perfect question.

Quote Spotlight... Is it enough, Bree?

Is love enough when the cards are stacked in favor of failure? Well, you’ll just have to read this story and see for yourself if it was enough for them.

The Wrap Up: I’ve never seen a story quite like this one. And I enjoyed Every. Amazing. Moment! Besides the unquestionably unique story and the amazing characters, this book was well written with hauntingly beautiful prose and descriptive scenes. It truly is worth your time. Read it!

I have had this book on my kindle for awhile and I am not sure why I waited so long to read it! My heart has still not completely healed. It will be one that stays with me for awhile. It was heartbreaking, breathtaking, and full of learning how to live.

Bree needed a change, there were too many reminders and dangers in her life. Finding a small town that felt safe, she decided to stay. While exploring the town she ran into Archer. He was a man that the town seemed to forget or ignore, but they quickly forged an unusual bond. When thinks got tough, would they find solace in each other or would their secrets tear them apart?

Wow! There were so many layers, twists, and turns. At several points I wanted to throw the book. I wanted to yell... I wanted to scream... but in the end, it was perfect. All the pain from both of their pasts was the driving force of finding their future. It was just beautiful.

Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan is a story of two people, both very different and yet bound by one similarity. They are both broken and have faced great trauma in their lives which has forced them to live in fear. What happens when they cross paths and fall in love with each other is what Mia Sheridan sensitively and with heart wrenching frankness narrates in this novel where she raises the question "Is love enough?".

I had been hearing so much about this book from quite sometime and while this made me really inquisitive, I also got a bit fearful of what would happen if I didn't like it! It's always a shame when I don't like a book that majority of my reader buddies have already swooned over.

However, here in this case, I am so so happy to say that I absolutely, without question adored Archer's Voice. It is one of the best books that I have read in quite sometime. A unique story that made a deep impression on my mind, I know I can re-red this book.

The cover is arresting and intriguing with a fine specimen of a man on the front. LOL

But it was the title and the blurb that really had me picking up this book up after I had already heard so many good things about it. It is both interesting with that balance of mystery and promise of a good heartfelt romance plus it also creates an urgency in the reader to go read the book.

This was the first book by Mia Sheridan that I read but I have already fallen in love with her writing. She has beautifully balanced mystery with romance and made me laugh, sniffle, be so angry that I felt like smacking a few characters in the book, cry my eyes out and then smile and sigh deeply like a love struck teenager, all in the span of one story.

Brutally honest, Mia depicts a scenario that looks all too true. She doesn't try to gloss over the cruelty of mankind and society when they scorn everyone and everything they don't understand, focussing on the fact that people never dare to go against the society and rarely once try to take up that courage to really stand out and try to understand.

The author's writing style is simple, engaging and elicits emotions so beautifully that I felt like everything was happening to me first hand. All through, I felt this urgency to make things right for Archer and Bree and when a few times in the book, I thought something drastic had happened to these beloved characters, it was like my own heart stopped.

The story is mostly told from Bree's POV but a few chapters are dedicated to share Archer's POV too.

The mystery, suspense and a sense of foreboding to danger is beautifully captured by the author in the book. The pace is balanced and this book is so engrossing that you won't be able to leave it once you start reading it. I missed all my work when I sat down to read it, despite the promise I had made myself that I would read only a few chapters.

The characters are people who seem all too normal with their daily routines and not-so-perfect lives. Archer is a true "wounded" hero who instantly endeared himself to me and I seriously wished I could meet and heal him. Taking Bree's place would not be a bad idea here. LOL, just kidding. He is pure hotness with a mysterious and broken feel about him that instantly makes us want to make him happy.

Bree, on the other hand, is independent, bubbly and cute. She is a normal girl but one who has faced hell and is still reliving it due to her trauma. Her protective role in Archer's life and Archer's slowly developed but still soul deep love for her had me wishing for a happily-ever-after for them and hoping I could meet them someday! They make each other better and also make each other vulnerable, which is the beauty of true love.

The other characters are also suitably placed and act beautifully in their roles to take the story forward.

The book is a part of the "Sign of Love" series but still a standalone story based on the sun sign, Sagittarius. It has some adult content and so should be read only by people above the age of eighteen.

A definite winner, Archer's Voice is a must read for all romance lovers. This book is so much more than just romance. It tugs at our heartstrings, makes us re-examine our behaviour towards people and then believe in the magic of true love that can heal all scars and all wounds. 5 super glowing stars to it and strongly recommended to everyone. I loved Mia and will be checking out her other books too.

This review is also available on my blog Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff

This review may contain SPOILERS

“There is nothing to find out. What I know, is that you walked through my gate that day and I lost my heart. But not because it could have been any girl-because it was you. I lost my heart to you. And, Bree, in case you're wondering, I don't ever want it back.”

This is the first book I have read by Mia Sheridan and I am now and forever a fan. This book absolutely blew me away. I am so incredibly happy I finally read it. If you have not read it, stop now, one click and start reading. After reading it you will ask yourself, Christian Grey who?! I know I did. BEST BOOK EVER!

This story is about Bree and Archer who meet under unusual circumstances. They both have a lot of baggage and heartbreak. But the moment Bree meets Archer, she feels a connection with him she can't explain. From that moment on, she can't seem to get her mind off of him. Throughout the book she slowly makes her way into his life and heart. Archer helps Bree heal, while Bree continues to help Archer in return. But his healing takes so much longer. No matter how much he seems to open up his heart and mind to Bree, his past always comes back to haunt him and drag him down. Bree and Archer are absolutely one of my favorite book couples I have ever read. Bree is a very beautiful soul that is incredibly Caring, Sweet, and Smart. She has been through so much hurt and pain that she never thinks her life will get better. Until she comes to the small town of Pelion. Where the Sexy, Funny, Charming and Beautiful Silent Archer Hale lives. From the first moment he walks into her life, I was completely intrigued. His character is so different from anything I have read, that I couldn't put the book down. His character was a breath of fresh air. How could you not fall in love with his character?! I did. Many times over. Throughout the book he is very closed off about his past, even to Bree. He eventually opens his heart to her but doesn't know how to think or act about his feelings. After the tragedy that happens to his parents, he is shunned by the town, and ignored for the mute that they think he is. Nobody has ever treated him like the beautiful person he is, until Bree walks into town. Even his own cousin Travis treats him so horrible. I wanted to like Travis so much throughout this book. Just when I thought I did, he would turn around and do or say something to Archer that made me want to smack him and tell him to open his eyes and quit acting like a complete moron. This book has quite a few scenes that really got to me. One of scenes involves Travis, Archer and a Strip Club that had me so emotional. It literally broke my heart and had me crying like a baby. I was screaming at my Kindle yelling No, walk way Archer, just walk away. At that point I was done feeling anything for Travis. He pushed Archer to far, way to far. The consequences of that night leaves Archer and Bree both heartbroken. I was on the edge of my seat, because I couldn't wait to see how they would proceed as couple. And oh boy that wait was totally worth it. Not only are Bree and Archer Hot and Sexy with each other, they are so incredibly Loving, Sweet and Passionate. It's more than just sex. Its there way of expressing the Love they feel for each other without having to say the words. I think that's a why there relationship stood out to me. It wasn't all about sex. They actually took the time and built a trusting friendship with each other. They connected on such an emotional and personal level, that it was beautiful to read. As their relationship starts getting stronger and more serious, Bree's past comes back to change things. Which leads to Travis, yet again putting doubts and fears into Archer about his relationship with Bree. Once everything is said and done. Archer is so unsure about everything in his life. He is so confused about his past present and future. He doesn't think he deserves Bree. He wants to be the man she deserves. With that being said, Archer is left making a big decision that will change his life forever while leaving Bree heartbroken and alone. Bree has to try and move on with her life knowing that she will never love anyone or want anyone but Archer. Then as the book is coming to a close. We are hit with a beautiful reunion that will leave you crying happy tears and rejoicing. Literally, that was me. Then BAM! What the hell just happened?! I will tell you, tragedy strikes this beautiful couple like you wouldn't believe. At this point I was like, "no way", "oh no", "Archer Nooooooo" Then I had to take a break and walk around. I was a blubbering mess, like HUGE fat ugly tears blubbering mess. I couldn't see or think straight. I was yelling at my Kindle, almost threw it. Then i finally went back and forced myself to finish. Still crying at this point I was yelling at my Kindle "why oh why are you doing this to me Mia", then "why the hell was every body giving this book such high remarks when this crap happens." After all is said and done. I know why they did. Because the ending is Beautiful, Heartbreaking, and AMAZINGLY BRILLIANT! To have an author do that to my heart while reading her book, tells me they have a God given talent for what they do and they should never stop sharing their talent with the world. I am forever thankful to Mia Sheridan for sharing such an Amazing and Awe Inspiring story that will forever change the way I view others. Don't judge others. Just because they are different, doesn't make them any less of a person. Every person is BEAUTIFUL in their own way.

Thank you Mia Sheridan for giving us Archer Hale. He always have a special place in my heart. For those of you that haven't read it, what the heck are you waiting for. One click this Amazing book. You. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed. I will definitely be reading more of her books. What can I say, one book has me hooked for life.

WOW! And all I can say is WOW! I finished reading Archer's Voice today and O-M-G it was absolutely amazing the book!! The whole story, the descriptions, the characters were perfect and so realistic, so down to earth. It was so well written and that author created a heartbreaking, sweet, powerful and so full of love story.

“After a minute, I whispered, “Peace,” before I blew and watched the fluff float out of sight, hoping that somehow one of those seeds arrying my whisper would reach that something or someone who had the power to make wishes come true.”

I don't want to say much about this book, because I definitely think that everyone should read it, everyone should give it a chance and know their story. What I can say is that this book is about Bree Prescott and Archer Hale.

“The strangest feeling of loss washed over me as he crossed and walked out of sight.”

Bree is a woman that is running from a past she can't face, from a past that crushed her heart and left her in pieces. She can't deal with the fact that lost a very close person, and that is making her have a rough hard time, full of nightmares and panic attacks. And most of all, she feels guilty for what happened, she feels she should have done something, but instead she froze and did nothing and now that person is gone.

“I was thinking about how I thank my lucky stars everyday that I ended up here...right here, with you”

Bree decides to move to a new town, find a quiet place to live, where she can finds some peace and where she can gain confidence again. What she didn't expect was to meet a guy like Archer, so mysterious and distant.

“I felt the tears, hot and heavy, leak out of my closed eyes, down my cheeks. I tried not to cry. Strong men shouldn’t cry. Strong men should protect others, like my uncle Connor.”

Archer is a man that suffered a terrible accident when he was a kid. But not only his life changed in that accident, but he also found out a true that would change what he knew about his family. Because of that accident, he grew up with an uncle, isolated for the rest of the world, lonely and with no friends. Is not that he didn’t want to belong to a community, is simple that people didn’t really let him, and pushed him away.

“Loving another person always means opening yourself up for hurt.”

They acted weird, with fear and didn0t understand him and what happened to him. So he decided it was better to live on his own, and not care for what anyone would say or think of him. Pretend he was alone and people didn’t exist around him, and those would behave same way, looking at him like a crazy lonely dangerous man.

“I was a freak. I was out here alone and isolated for a reason—I was to blame for so much tragedy, so much pain. I was worthless.”

It really broke my heart into pieces this book, the story of Bree and Archer. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me think, it made me dream of a better world.

“And I thoght to myself, Archer Hale’s voice was one of the most beautiful things in the whole wide world.

The author really gave us a pure realistic story. They didn’t have a perfect life, they had to fight for what they wanted, they were weak at times, they had to struggle with a lot of emotions, they cried, they suffered, it had everything that a perfect book needs.

“Sometimes an understangind silence was better than a bunch of meaningless words.”

This was the first book I read of Mia, and I have to say that from now on I will definitely buy and read her books!! This story is about learn to accept yourself, realize that not everybody thinks, feels, and fear the same way, and that we all are beautiful even with all the defects we might have physically or psicologically. Is also about learning to trust in people and learning to open up and love. Find love, fight for that love and live it.

“We communicated a thousand words, without a single one being spoken”

I highly recommend this book to those who wants a realistic but yet incredible story.

This is my first book by Mia Sheridan and I’m highly impressed with her gorgeous, captivating writing style. The reason I picked up this book is because I had heard great things about it on some of my favorite blogs. Plus, I really just wanted to meet our wounded, reclusive, virgin hero, Archer. I do love virgin heroes.

Bree Prescott has suffered a horrible tragedy and needed to get away. She impulsively jumped in her car, with her dog, and drove to a random small town in Maine where she rents a small cottage, gets a job at a local diner, and meets some friends. Going to a small town was her way of finding peace and the inner healing she desperately needed. Little did she know a man with spellbinding, whiskey colored eyes would change her life the day she drops her groceries on the ground and he helps her pick them up.

Archer is mute, resulting from an incident that happened when he was just seven years old. Because he doesn’t speak and was raised by his uncle (now deceased), who was slightly crazy and suffering from PTSD, he became a loner and isolated himself from the world, living on his land and rarely coming to town. The town people view him as strange and ignorant, never making any attempt to get to know this beautiful and smart man. Archer is also harboring dark secrets from his childhood that haunt him every day.

"Something about Archer Hale intrigued me - something I couldn’t put my finger on. Something that went beyond the fact that he couldn’t hear or speak and that I was intimately acquainted with that particular disability."

Archer is a mystery to Bree – a mystery she is intrigued by. Every day she goes to the lake to swim she stops by his house to hang out and every day Archer looks forward to her visits. Most of the story is Bree and Archer spending time getting to know one another. Bree knows sign language since someone close to her was deaf. Her ability to sign made it easier for her and Archer to connect and form a deep bond that grows and changes the more time they spend together.

They are both very attracted to one another and the heat between them continues to ratchet up every day. And man, does Sheridan know how to write some fiery sexual tension. I couldn’t wait for these two to jump each other’s bones. But because of Archer’s inexperience with women, he was shy and timid when it came to feelings and sex. Bree is a straight-forward woman and wasn’t afraid to teach him how to be a good lover.

“I know you like my hands in your hair. Show me other ways you like to be touched. Teach me what you like,” he said.

Their sexual chemistry rages hot. I loved reading as Archer reacts to his lust and desire for Bree; discovering what pleases him and what pleases her was all new to him but he caught on quickly. wink What I loved the most is how the intimacy between them was not only hot but also deeply touching.

Archer is one of the most beautifully wounded, complex, and memorable heroes I’ve read in a while. One of the things that stood out to me the most about him is his sensitivity and intense love for Bree. Not to mention he’s smoking hot with an understated alpha side. Archer made me weak in the knees. And Bree is a pretty darn awesome heroine. It was easy to fall in love with her. With her compassion, understanding, and patience she is the perfect heroine for Archer. She helps Archer with his transformation as he finds his voice in a world he thought he didn’t belong in. Archer, in turn, helps Bree liberate herself from the fears that made her afraid to live her life. These two together squeezed my heart.

“I lost my heart to you. And, Bree, in case you're wondering, I don't ever want it back.”

(happy sigh)

The main conflict of the story is driven by the other Hales in the town. One of the characters introduced in the story is Archer’s cousin, Travis Hale. Archer and Travis have never had a close relationship. Travis thinks Archer is a freak and doesn’t understand him. Travis is the gorgeous playboy all the women want a piece of. But Bree didn’t want him. She wanted Archer. And this proved to be a challenge for Travis, so he caused drama through manipulating Archer. You also learn about Archer’s secrets and complicated past that include his mother, uncle, and father. This is a sad tale of jealousy, addiction, love, and abuse.

I will have to admit there are some moments in the book I thought were overly mushy and the characters came across as a bit young and cheesy. However, I truly did love this highly emotional, thought-provoking, sweet and romantic story. It’s nothing like I’ve read before and it’s one of those books that will stay with you. I can’t wait to go back and start this series from the beginning. I highly recommend this one.

Rating: B+ Heat: Hot

-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review

4-4.5 stars

This was a really good story. I really liked Bree and Archer and their story was interesting and had me rooting for them from the beginning. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough I'm likely to try more of her work in the future.

Bree is a sweet young woman who has recently graduated from college. She grew up in Ohio and her dad owned a deli there. He was murdered 6 months before and Bree was traumatized in the attack. The killer wasn't found and Bree still gets daily flashbacks that make her life stressful. With all the reminders at home and some other issues, Bree decides she needs to get away. She finds a lakeside town in Maine (with a vague connection to a happier past) and rents a cottage so she can stay for a while.

Archer is mute due to an incident that took place when he was young. His mother, father and uncle were all killed the same day Archer was hurt and his injuries led to Archer losing his voice. Archer was taken in by another Uncle. The man was paranoid with delusions of all sort so Archer wasn't given much exposure to people and was home schooled by his uncle. Once his uncle died, Archer was left completely alone with no clue how to change that.

Bree has just gotten in to town (with her little dog) and is settling in to her cottage when she realizes she needs a few essentials. He nice neighbor lady tells her where the drug store is in addition to telling Bree about a job opening at the diner for a waitress when Bree asks her. Bree goes to the drug store and when she comes out her bag breaks in the parking lot and she finds herself confronted with a strange man with long hair and a scraggly beard. He's being nice and helping her pick up her items but he doesn't speak to her and walks away when she tries to engage him in a conversation. She is rather disappointed by his actions as she feels a pull to him and wants to know more about him. When Bree goes to the diner the next morning she's easily able to get the job seeing as they're desperate and she has experience. Bree quickly sets about fitting in to the community and making friends and while she's at it she manages to get a bit of info about Archer (at least who he is and such) but not a lot as he's a recluse and people rarely see him outside of his trips in town to the store and such. Bree finds out his house isn't too far from her cottage and she rides her bike past it some days on her way to a beach. One day when the gate is open a bit she's curious but doesn't intend to go in until her dog runs in and wont come back when she calls. She goes in the fence to find her dog and finds Archer chopping wood, with his shirt off...drool! So Bree's trying not to drool and trying to make nice with Archer. Although their start is rather tentative, it helps Archer when he finds out that Bree's father was mute and she can speak in sign language, something he taught himself but no one else in town knows. They start out as friends but there's a strong attraction on both sides.

Speaking of attraction, soon after she got in to town Bree is pegged by the local cop/man-whore in town, Travis. He's actually Archer's cousin and comes across nice to Bree, trying to get her to go out with him. She's not really interested but does end up going out to dinner with him once to be nice but all the while she knew she liked Archer more. Bree and Archer start out as friends but soon things move forward. This is a bit of a stumbling block for Archer as he hasn't even dated a girl and he no clue how to proceed. He and Bree work things out though and she soon makes it clear that she's fine with teaching and he's a hell of a student. Unfortunately. things aren't completely smooth as Travis tries to make trouble and manipulate things and Bree (not realizing Travis was really a slime) accidentally helped things along. The explosion almost breaks Bree and Archer up while their still starting their relationship but fortunately, Travis' plans don't come out the way he planned and Archer and Bree are able to work things out. They spend a lot of time together and Bree starts taking on more at the diner, helping with some of the cooking using the recipes from her dad's deli to help improve the menu. Things go well between Archer and Bree but there are still issues to get past. To take care of one of those issues, Archer makes a decision that I didn't particularly like but it worked out so I was alright with it. The other issues get dealt with as well, some to an unexpected conclusion. In the end, Archer and Bree are together and preparing to start their well deserved HEA.

This was a really enjoyable story. I liked both Archer and Bree very much and love seeing them get together. Actually, I thought all the characters were well done, even the bad guy/girl. The story didn't have much action but the story was still very interesting and engaging. Overall, this was a really good story and I'd recommend it. Thumbs up! :D

I apologize in advance as I am not an Archer's Voice 5 ⭐️ lover like many others... here we go.

"I was a freak. I was out here alone and isolated for a reason - I was to blame for so much tragedy, so much pain. I was worthless."

MMC, Archer Hale, is a deaf lonely boy grown into a deaf, even lonelier man with no family to love him and a tragic upbringing/past. He doesn't speak, only signs, but has no one to sign to.. until Bree.

"Everything in Ohio has reminded me of my dad, my grief, my fear, and my loneliness."

FMC, Bree Prescott, is also a broken human being that has witnessed/experienced something beyond traumatic the night her father was mürdered who runs from her past to Pelion, Maine where she literally bumps into our MMC and the story unfolds from there.

"I wondered how the whole puzzle went together, and where Archer fit in among it all."

Thiiiiiiiis is where it got tough for me.. there's like 7 "main" characters that are all intertwined/connected (mostly family) and introduced pretty quickly in the story - it was a lot to keep up with and although, the focus on Archer and the accident, a lot of things got lost in translation.

P.S. Travis having a redemption story of his own is complete crap to me, I am pretending this book doesn't exist as he doesn't deserve happiness!

"...it's like the most beautiful kind of fate."

Noooooo.. I think it was a set up of too many coincidences.. Bree just happens to know sign, as she's bumping into the one and only Archer, who barley leaves the house, and he has no one to talk to, but now they have each other - both seriously traumatized to bond over their gory history to heal together and fall in love to have a family??? COME ONNNN!!!

"I had learned recently that often, love was all about learning to speak a person's language."

I do admit, the love story was cute..made me feel some feels. BUT I could NEVER get behind a character that throws rocks at dogs. CXLD!

*My favorite part was the Epilogue, naming their twin boys after their fathers. ❤️✨