I read so many new books that every now and again I like to celebrate some of my fav reads from the last few years.
Today I'm remembering Archer!
Archer's Voice (A Sign of Love novel)
by Mia Sheridan
What they say: When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees.
Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.
THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. The first three books in the series need not be read to enjoy this book. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Book & Author Links:
What I say: Archer's Voice is part of Mia Sheridan's Signs of Love series but it's essentially a standalone book. I don't remember ever reading anything similar to it - I found the concept uniquely brilliant.
Main character, Bree, is a brilliant mix of fun and feisty, yet sweet and vulnerable. The book is told from her POV with a few from Archer. Both characters are damaged and vulnerable so it was wonderful watching them try to take charge of their lives and move forward. The past is a dangerous thing!
Archer may be silent but his voice comes across so clearly on every single page, and with his every action, that I found myself more and more drawn into his story and his suffering. I never once felt pity for Archer; he isn't that kind of character. Yes, he may be broken but he's a fighter and has such hidden strength and vulnerability. Archer made me consider how I'd cope without my voice. I'd like to think I'd be perceptive but I'm not sure. Many of us like to disappear inside our own head at times but Mia Sheridan made me really think about how I'd feel if I became invisible and ignored.
Bree is also damaged, but as her friend points out, in a very different way to Archer. As she begins to heal she gives Archer the opportunity to follow suit. She's never patronising or overbearing. Bree feels compassion for Archer, but doesn't ever pity him - I freaking loved them together!
Archer's Voice adds an interesting twist to the contemporary romance genre. It's told with such care and compassion that I was hooked from the start. Their story isn't all doom and gloom, because the romance is super hot and Archer has gotta be the dream boyfriend. I loved his naivety and found his learning curve really endearing.
I abso-freaking-lutely LOVED this book! I laughed, cried, shouted, cried some more, swooned and totally adored every page!! I don't often give 5 Stars because I find reasons to not to. I get picky over the grammar, dialogue or unrealistic plot devises, but with Archer's Voice I really didn't notice anything but the heartbreakingly devastating and really different story! I cannot recommend this book enough and I wish I could read it again for the first time!
5 EPIC Stars in my Sky!
My fav non-spoilery quotes:
- "I was already brilliant. I just needed some world experience. I needed Thor."
- "I want to be able to love you more than I fear losing you, and I don't know how. Teach me, Bree."
- Sometimes an understanding silence was better than a bunch of meaningless words.
- How do you teach a man who has lost everything, not to fear it happening again?
Review originally posted here on 20th Feb 2014!
