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The Silent Road
Marriage, parenting, and making ends meet is a long road to haul─and I've screwed it all up. My ex thinks I'm a deadbeat. My daughter has lost all faith in me. As a long-haul truck driver, I haven't been there for either of them. Now that I’ve been caught driving my rig without a license it proves them right.
Since I'm on probation, I've been forced to take a co-driver on the road with me and prove to him that I can safely pass my commercial license, even though I've been doing this for a decade.
This is my last shot to continue with my company and prove myself to my broken family. I’ve missed a lot but I’m going to make it up to my daughter. I’m not going to blow it. Not this time. I’m going to get the money my daughter needs. There’s a financial bonus in my future if I can talk Jake, my co-driver and probationary instructor, into hustling his laidback, rule-following ass into finishing the job early.
As Jake and I travel together, the long drive and miles ahead of us bring us closer than I'm comfortable with─or am I? Suddenly, I'm feeling things I never thought possible with another man. Could Jake be the "ride or die" I've been yearning for my entire life?
Is the road less traveled the one I've always needed?
Am I scared?
Hell, yes!
Since I'm on probation, I've been forced to take a co-driver on the road with me and prove to him that I can safely pass my commercial license, even though I've been doing this for a decade.
This is my last shot to continue with my company and prove myself to my broken family. I’ve missed a lot but I’m going to make it up to my daughter. I’m not going to blow it. Not this time. I’m going to get the money my daughter needs. There’s a financial bonus in my future if I can talk Jake, my co-driver and probationary instructor, into hustling his laidback, rule-following ass into finishing the job early.
As Jake and I travel together, the long drive and miles ahead of us bring us closer than I'm comfortable with─or am I? Suddenly, I'm feeling things I never thought possible with another man. Could Jake be the "ride or die" I've been yearning for my entire life?
Is the road less traveled the one I've always needed?
Am I scared?
Hell, yes!
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
226 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2023
1 person is currently reading
1487 people want to read
About the author
S.N. McKibben
15 books178 followersWill Write For Puppy Chow!
Slave to a dog-pack of five and the slowest computer ever that she calls "Dave", Stephanie writes Dirty Stories with Underdog Heroes revolving around Social Taboos. You’ll find her strolling the twenty-seven-acre property in Central Texas she, her main squeeze, and her dog-pack owns when she isn’t writing.
When ever asked, she'll reply her whole life has all the elements of a graphic novel—sometimes twisted, sometimes funny, but always beautiful and its title is adventure. Come play!
Slave to a dog-pack of five and the slowest computer ever that she calls "Dave", Stephanie writes Dirty Stories with Underdog Heroes revolving around Social Taboos. You’ll find her strolling the twenty-seven-acre property in Central Texas she, her main squeeze, and her dog-pack owns when she isn’t writing.
When ever asked, she'll reply her whole life has all the elements of a graphic novel—sometimes twisted, sometimes funny, but always beautiful and its title is adventure. Come play!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 14, 2023
Dnf @30%
I don’t understand the positive reviews on this book , I swear. I think the MC is the most openly homophobic MC I have ever encountered . Not only is he homophobic but he’s also aggressive, unpleasant, irresponsible, a felon (always breaking the laws on the road (he’s a truck driver) : driving without license , speeding , trying to bribe left and right. I wouldn’t even want him as a neighbor, much less as a love interest in a romance book. I feel so bad for the other MC I kept chanting : “Run , dude, run, he’s covered in red flags!! “
Later edit: After reading all the other reviews I went back to it to see if maybe I’ve jumped the gun too fast and wow…Freaking WOW!!
SPOILER (stop here if you intend to read the book)
Apparently the only way the author thought to make the bigot more…..accepting towards “the faggot” is by adding a gay bashing to the mix . And then the homophobe dick goes all “ tz tz tz , see what happens when you’re a homo?” And then we see his musings on the subject where he patronizingly agrees that nobody would choose this miserable life if they had a choice . Go fuck yourself, dude!
I don’t understand the positive reviews on this book , I swear. I think the MC is the most openly homophobic MC I have ever encountered . Not only is he homophobic but he’s also aggressive, unpleasant, irresponsible, a felon (always breaking the laws on the road (he’s a truck driver) : driving without license , speeding , trying to bribe left and right. I wouldn’t even want him as a neighbor, much less as a love interest in a romance book. I feel so bad for the other MC I kept chanting : “Run , dude, run, he’s covered in red flags!! “
Later edit: After reading all the other reviews I went back to it to see if maybe I’ve jumped the gun too fast and wow…Freaking WOW!!
SPOILER (stop here if you intend to read the book)
Apparently the only way the author thought to make the bigot more…..accepting towards “the faggot” is by adding a gay bashing to the mix . And then the homophobe dick goes all “ tz tz tz , see what happens when you’re a homo?” And then we see his musings on the subject where he patronizingly agrees that nobody would choose this miserable life if they had a choice . Go fuck yourself, dude!
Read
March 15, 2023DNF at <5%.
dnf
April 1, 2023No fault DNF. The kid situation isn’t my favorite.
April 7, 2023
Dan is a man who seems to screw up everything he touches. He spent so much time away from home trying to make money to support his wife and daughter that it caused his marriage to collapse. Not only did his marriage fail but his ex-wife thinks he is a deadbeat. He has failed to follow through with past promises to his daughter, so she has lost all faith in him. The only thing Dan has left is his rig and driving on the open road hauling freight. Or it was, up until the day he was pulled over and was caught driving without a license.
Getting caught driving without a license could not have happened at a worse time for Dan. He needs the money to pay for his daughter’s college tuition. If Dan cannot come up with the money, he risks losing his daughter forever. Dan is forced on probation and must have a co-driver with him in order to prove that he is capable of getting his commercial license. The problem is that Dan does not want to have Jake as his co-driver. He knows Jake’s dirty little secret, and he wants no part of it. Unfortunately, Dan’s boss gives him no choice and Dan must make the best of it as he tries to convince Jake to bend the rules a little bit so that he can make good on the promise he made to his daughter.
As Dan and Jake head out on the open road they get to know one another better. Dan finds that he enjoys Jake’s company a little more than he expected. In all honesty, a lot more than he expected, and it scares him as he finds himself questioning his own sexuality. Could Jake be what he has been looking for, what has been missing from his life, all this time?
This was an interesting MM romance with a big rig, hitting the open road, feel to it. As Dan and Jake hit the open road together it becomes a symbol of their freedom from the constraints of society’s beliefs, judgement, and condemnation. On the road they do not fear what others may think and are allowed the freedom to get to know one another in an open and honest manner. The characters of Jake and Dan are clearly more layered than this story allowed as it was more focused on the relationship between the two men. The author asked for feedback at the end of the book on whether readers would like to read more about Dan and Jake. This reader says, yes, I would love to read a book on each one where the story focuses solely on them, their background, past relationships, and so forth.
I personally, would read a book about Dan which goes back to his marriage to his ex-wife. What was their relationship like? In The Silent Road we know his marriage collapsed because he worked away from home so much. Were there other contributing factors that caused his marriage to fail? Was their relationship rocky to begin with? Did Dan display any signs that might explain his interest in Jake? Was he not attracted to his wife? Was there an underlying reason that kept him on the road and away from his family? A reason that he may not have realized at that time. I would love to know more about Jake as well. Was he always attracted to men? In The Silent Road we see signs of society’s disapproval over his lifestyle. Was there ever a time in his life where he felt the need to conform to society’s beliefs about who he is and hide his sexuality? Was he ever married? If so, does he have children? All in all, this was a good book and I enjoyed it. It left me wanting to learn more about the pasts of both Dan and Jake and I want to read more.
Getting caught driving without a license could not have happened at a worse time for Dan. He needs the money to pay for his daughter’s college tuition. If Dan cannot come up with the money, he risks losing his daughter forever. Dan is forced on probation and must have a co-driver with him in order to prove that he is capable of getting his commercial license. The problem is that Dan does not want to have Jake as his co-driver. He knows Jake’s dirty little secret, and he wants no part of it. Unfortunately, Dan’s boss gives him no choice and Dan must make the best of it as he tries to convince Jake to bend the rules a little bit so that he can make good on the promise he made to his daughter.
As Dan and Jake head out on the open road they get to know one another better. Dan finds that he enjoys Jake’s company a little more than he expected. In all honesty, a lot more than he expected, and it scares him as he finds himself questioning his own sexuality. Could Jake be what he has been looking for, what has been missing from his life, all this time?
This was an interesting MM romance with a big rig, hitting the open road, feel to it. As Dan and Jake hit the open road together it becomes a symbol of their freedom from the constraints of society’s beliefs, judgement, and condemnation. On the road they do not fear what others may think and are allowed the freedom to get to know one another in an open and honest manner. The characters of Jake and Dan are clearly more layered than this story allowed as it was more focused on the relationship between the two men. The author asked for feedback at the end of the book on whether readers would like to read more about Dan and Jake. This reader says, yes, I would love to read a book on each one where the story focuses solely on them, their background, past relationships, and so forth.
I personally, would read a book about Dan which goes back to his marriage to his ex-wife. What was their relationship like? In The Silent Road we know his marriage collapsed because he worked away from home so much. Were there other contributing factors that caused his marriage to fail? Was their relationship rocky to begin with? Did Dan display any signs that might explain his interest in Jake? Was he not attracted to his wife? Was there an underlying reason that kept him on the road and away from his family? A reason that he may not have realized at that time. I would love to know more about Jake as well. Was he always attracted to men? In The Silent Road we see signs of society’s disapproval over his lifestyle. Was there ever a time in his life where he felt the need to conform to society’s beliefs about who he is and hide his sexuality? Was he ever married? If so, does he have children? All in all, this was a good book and I enjoyed it. It left me wanting to learn more about the pasts of both Dan and Jake and I want to read more.
March 31, 2023
This book took me down a turn I didn’t even imagine when I started reading it. At the beginning we meet Dan who has an ex-wife that shoulders all the disappointment in him and a daughter who thinks he hangs the moon but may not actually show up for her due to his job. He happens to be a long haul trucker that gets pulled over by a state trooper and detained for driving without a cdl. After his boss bails him out of jail he gives him no other option to drive than with an instructor, namely Jake, the person he definitely does not want to be around. However, Dan has no choice if he wants to raise the money for his daughter's tuition for college.
As we follow Dan and Jake you can feel the sexual tension rise in the air from both of them which Dan is having a hard time with because he has only been with women so why is Jake tearing his insides up this badly? After a short while he cannot take it anymore, he decides to test out the waters with rules just to get it out of his system. Unfortunately, once isn’t enough and Dan is left questioning everything about himself and what he wants in his future. After seeing the trials that Jake goes through can Dan open himself up to that same ridicule? What happens when this one long haul is over after Dan gets his cdl? Can Dan and Jake ever find what they are looking for? Will Dan be able to change his image in his daughter's mind of the man that never shows up to the one that provides her the college experience she deserves?
I have never read a man on man romance novel before, especially one filled with so many erotic scenes. However, I felt myself coming back to this book repeatedly just to see what happened next. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart and if I hadn’t given it a fair shot despite some reservations that I would have definitely missed out on a beautifully written book detailing just how hard it is to be homosexual in certain professions. I am glad I gave this book a shot and if more are forthcoming then I’ll read those as well!
As we follow Dan and Jake you can feel the sexual tension rise in the air from both of them which Dan is having a hard time with because he has only been with women so why is Jake tearing his insides up this badly? After a short while he cannot take it anymore, he decides to test out the waters with rules just to get it out of his system. Unfortunately, once isn’t enough and Dan is left questioning everything about himself and what he wants in his future. After seeing the trials that Jake goes through can Dan open himself up to that same ridicule? What happens when this one long haul is over after Dan gets his cdl? Can Dan and Jake ever find what they are looking for? Will Dan be able to change his image in his daughter's mind of the man that never shows up to the one that provides her the college experience she deserves?
I have never read a man on man romance novel before, especially one filled with so many erotic scenes. However, I felt myself coming back to this book repeatedly just to see what happened next. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart and if I hadn’t given it a fair shot despite some reservations that I would have definitely missed out on a beautifully written book detailing just how hard it is to be homosexual in certain professions. I am glad I gave this book a shot and if more are forthcoming then I’ll read those as well!
April 5, 2023
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben is about a long-haul truck driver with some MM romance. There is plenty of emotion, blended with quite a bit of complicated family dynamics, anger, angst, a sexual discovery of sorts, a quest for redemption, and drama. The book has a "Brokeback Mountain" feel to it, but instead of the characters being cowboys, they're trucker drivers.
The characters are presented with complex personalities and flaws which made it hard for me to connect with them. The one thing that I didn't care for was that the only point of view came from Dan, the story's main character. We ‘hear’ Dan’s point of view throughout the story, but we never really find out how the other characters feel, or what they are thinking, which added to my frustration because I like to have a story with multiple points of view so I can piece things together easier.
I don’t know much about long-haul truck driving, so to have some of the difficulties that the truck drivers face on these trips helped me understand some of the dynamic that the author was trying to put into the storyline. I will say that I thought that was a very interesting part of the story. Another thing that was mentioned in the story was the difficulty that Dan faces being recently divorced and trying to give his daughter the best life that he can. The family dynamic hit close to home in that area due to me being a child of divorced parents. Dan has so much to process in the book between being on the road long days and hours, his family issues and now his feelings that have developed and have left him utterly confused. I hope that this read is a little easier for some of you, I will say that is was definitely not what I was expecting, but overall was a pretty good read.
The characters are presented with complex personalities and flaws which made it hard for me to connect with them. The one thing that I didn't care for was that the only point of view came from Dan, the story's main character. We ‘hear’ Dan’s point of view throughout the story, but we never really find out how the other characters feel, or what they are thinking, which added to my frustration because I like to have a story with multiple points of view so I can piece things together easier.
I don’t know much about long-haul truck driving, so to have some of the difficulties that the truck drivers face on these trips helped me understand some of the dynamic that the author was trying to put into the storyline. I will say that I thought that was a very interesting part of the story. Another thing that was mentioned in the story was the difficulty that Dan faces being recently divorced and trying to give his daughter the best life that he can. The family dynamic hit close to home in that area due to me being a child of divorced parents. Dan has so much to process in the book between being on the road long days and hours, his family issues and now his feelings that have developed and have left him utterly confused. I hope that this read is a little easier for some of you, I will say that is was definitely not what I was expecting, but overall was a pretty good read.
March 13, 2025
S.N. McKibben’s The Silent Road is a raw, emotional, and deeply introspective novel that explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and unexpected love. Set against the gritty and solitary world of long-haul trucking, this story takes readers on a journey that is as much about the road ahead as it is about confronting the past.
The protagonist is a man at his lowest—estranged from his daughter, viewed as a failure by his ex, and now facing the consequences of driving without a license. With his job on the line, he’s forced to take on Jake, a by-the-book co-driver tasked with overseeing his probationary period. What starts as a begrudging partnership soon evolves into something more complex as the long hours on the road force him to confront not only his regrets but also unexpected feelings for Jake.
McKibben does a fantastic job of capturing the isolation and introspection that come with life on the road. The trucking world feels authentic, with well-researched details that ground the story in reality. But what makes The Silent Road truly shine is its emotional depth—the tension between duty and desire, the weight of past mistakes, and the terrifying prospect of embracing something new. The slow-burn romance between the protagonist and Jake is beautifully handled, filled with hesitation, longing, and a deeply satisfying emotional payoff.
More than just a love story, The Silent Road is about finding the courage to change, to seek forgiveness, and to take an unfamiliar path—even when it’s terrifying. It’s a heartfelt, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page.
The protagonist is a man at his lowest—estranged from his daughter, viewed as a failure by his ex, and now facing the consequences of driving without a license. With his job on the line, he’s forced to take on Jake, a by-the-book co-driver tasked with overseeing his probationary period. What starts as a begrudging partnership soon evolves into something more complex as the long hours on the road force him to confront not only his regrets but also unexpected feelings for Jake.
McKibben does a fantastic job of capturing the isolation and introspection that come with life on the road. The trucking world feels authentic, with well-researched details that ground the story in reality. But what makes The Silent Road truly shine is its emotional depth—the tension between duty and desire, the weight of past mistakes, and the terrifying prospect of embracing something new. The slow-burn romance between the protagonist and Jake is beautifully handled, filled with hesitation, longing, and a deeply satisfying emotional payoff.
More than just a love story, The Silent Road is about finding the courage to change, to seek forgiveness, and to take an unfamiliar path—even when it’s terrifying. It’s a heartfelt, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page.
April 7, 2023
The Silent Road is the first book I've read from author S.N. McKibben. This story takes the reader on a journey with Dan, a divorced father and truck driver who cannot seem to catch a break in any aspect of his life. He feels like a failure of a husband because he loved the road as a truck driver more than he enjoyed time with his family. He feels like a failure of a father because of the turmoil of a somewhat absent father. Now he is having to be trained to drive a truck, although he has been doing it since he was a child. He is racing to get to Texas while apprenticing under a gay man named Jake so that he can help his daughter with moving into her dorm and to pay for her first
semester of college. It is evident he feels passionately about being there for his baby girl, and might seek some redemption from the past. Dan has considered himself to be a "bigot" but still respectful enough to not wish harm upon anyone who is different or thinks differently from him. However, this trip with Jake seems to opening his eyes to thoughts and feelings he's never thought or felt before.
This story was very well written and I loved seeing how this story grew and how Dan grew as a person as well. Sometimes it's the things and situations we detest and refuse to accept, that we actually need to open ourselves up to to be okay with or even find our true happiness, whatever that may be. Overall, I do recommend giving this story a try if it sounds interesting to you!
semester of college. It is evident he feels passionately about being there for his baby girl, and might seek some redemption from the past. Dan has considered himself to be a "bigot" but still respectful enough to not wish harm upon anyone who is different or thinks differently from him. However, this trip with Jake seems to opening his eyes to thoughts and feelings he's never thought or felt before.
This story was very well written and I loved seeing how this story grew and how Dan grew as a person as well. Sometimes it's the things and situations we detest and refuse to accept, that we actually need to open ourselves up to to be okay with or even find our true happiness, whatever that may be. Overall, I do recommend giving this story a try if it sounds interesting to you!
April 20, 2023
When Dan Perry gets pulled over for a supposed traffic infringement, it feels as though everything is going wrong for him. Worse still, his sympathetic boss, Troy, gives him an ultimatum to get a licence and stop breaking the law. Until he does that, Troy's going to pair him with another driver so he can keep driving. When he's told who the other lucky driver is, Dan protests. He's going to be driving with Jake Rocco, and on hearing the news, sweat starts dripping down the back of his shirt.
Dan fails yet again to pass the written driving test. It's not that he's dumb, it's just how all the letters look jumbled up to him when he tries to make sense of them. He has no choice but to drive with Jake Rocco as his instructor until he finds a way to pass his written test.
Being sympathetic to the central characters, Dan and Jake, is easy. They have their faults, but there is an electricity between them that can't be denied.
Dan is straight, and Jake is notoriously gay. There's no way that anything is going to change Dan's sexual status, but sharing the truck cab on a long drive might possibly change things around.
I found 'The Silent Road' a couldn't-put-it-down type of novel if you happen to enjoy gay m/m romance. All the characters are engaging, and McKibben's writing and story development left me wanting more.
I'm happy to recommend this book to all readers of his genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dan fails yet again to pass the written driving test. It's not that he's dumb, it's just how all the letters look jumbled up to him when he tries to make sense of them. He has no choice but to drive with Jake Rocco as his instructor until he finds a way to pass his written test.
Being sympathetic to the central characters, Dan and Jake, is easy. They have their faults, but there is an electricity between them that can't be denied.
Dan is straight, and Jake is notoriously gay. There's no way that anything is going to change Dan's sexual status, but sharing the truck cab on a long drive might possibly change things around.
I found 'The Silent Road' a couldn't-put-it-down type of novel if you happen to enjoy gay m/m romance. All the characters are engaging, and McKibben's writing and story development left me wanting more.
I'm happy to recommend this book to all readers of his genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2023
Absolutely wonderful! Thus story of Dan Na Jake is told entirely from Dan's POV. The story about a man who had lived his entire life as a trucker, both parents were truckers and taught him everything they knew, was faced with a legal situation that resulted in him having to drive with a partner. Specifically, a traininer. The problem with that? Well there are a few: Dan does not want to drive with a partner; said partner (Jake) is gay and Dan is NOT; Dan needs to keep a promise to his daughter to pay her tuition, which requires he get to make it to his destination and back ahead of a rival driver; and riding with a partner means Dan will have to do a lot of compromising to his driving habits-lime speeding.
Dan may not be gay, but he certainly fell in love with Jake. Where Dan had a preconceived idea of gay men, his time with Jake shows him that loving someone is universal and the character of a person is far more important than their gender identity.
The passing of this book is perfect, the story is well crafted, the ending is sweet. The author hinted at writing another book for Dan and Jake, and I personally hope she does. I would love to hear more of their antics… maybe thus time the story will be told from Mimi's (Jake's dog) POV😁
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dan may not be gay, but he certainly fell in love with Jake. Where Dan had a preconceived idea of gay men, his time with Jake shows him that loving someone is universal and the character of a person is far more important than their gender identity.
The passing of this book is perfect, the story is well crafted, the ending is sweet. The author hinted at writing another book for Dan and Jake, and I personally hope she does. I would love to hear more of their antics… maybe thus time the story will be told from Mimi's (Jake's dog) POV😁
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2023
The Silent Road is about a guy named Dan who is working through a divorce, trying to manage his daughter, his job, and everything seems to be piling onto him all at once, especially when he is pulled over and for the first time is unable to talk his way out of a ticket, having his truck impounded, and being escorted back to his home base by a police officer. Dan hasn’t gotten a license or his CDL’s due to being dyslexic but nobody has paid enough attention, until now, to him to notice. I originally picked this book up for that reason, I come from a family of truckers, and they meet a big part of our nations needs. If I had carefully read the book blurb and realized that this involved a male to male relationship I probably wouldn’t have picked it up just because that’s usually not my scene but if I hadn’t I would have missed out on a good book. I definitely enjoyed reading about Dans transformation, from an openly aggressive homophobe, to an openly gay man, after some of the things he witnesses Jake go through on the road and how much he had changed toward the end of the book and was willing to admit his faults and do better if Jake would just give him a chance. This was a book that covered some tough subjects from an original, well written point of view.
February 4, 2025
Dan Perry is working through some stuff at the moment, trying to be a good Father and Husband but when he fails to renew his truckers license his world starts to fall apart.
Insteps Jake, his Instructor although he has been working on rigs for decades his employer wants him to have a second to make sure he is fit to drive but this ends into something that Dan was not expecting the feelings that are arising in him about his instructor Jake.
Although Dan has these feelings he needs to concentrate on getting money to pay for his daughter's school and get them financial settled but can he persuaded the rule abiding Jake to get the job done quicker for the early delivery bonus.
As feelings heighten and things are becoming more complicated can Dan and Jake survive?
This is a brilliant book into the relationship between two people who are showing there vulnerability to each other and with Dan discovering everything he thought he did and then not really understanding his romantic feelings toward Jake.
Jake is a brilliantly calm character, who although has had his fair share of "Straight man" challenges is open and it is heart-warming how he tries to give Dan time and room to find himself.
Insteps Jake, his Instructor although he has been working on rigs for decades his employer wants him to have a second to make sure he is fit to drive but this ends into something that Dan was not expecting the feelings that are arising in him about his instructor Jake.
Although Dan has these feelings he needs to concentrate on getting money to pay for his daughter's school and get them financial settled but can he persuaded the rule abiding Jake to get the job done quicker for the early delivery bonus.
As feelings heighten and things are becoming more complicated can Dan and Jake survive?
This is a brilliant book into the relationship between two people who are showing there vulnerability to each other and with Dan discovering everything he thought he did and then not really understanding his romantic feelings toward Jake.
Jake is a brilliantly calm character, who although has had his fair share of "Straight man" challenges is open and it is heart-warming how he tries to give Dan time and room to find himself.
Read
March 1, 2025A MM enemies to lovers romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Dan is a long-haul truck driver with an ex who thinks he’s a deadbeat and a daughter who’s lost faith in him. Having been caught driving his rig without a license he’s now on probation and forced to have a co-driver with him. Dan does not think he needs Jake, his probationary instructor, as he’s been driving a rig for a decade which causes issues between them.
Knowing that there’s a financial bonus if they finish the job early Dan needs to talk rule-follower Jake into his plan. As they continue to travel together the closer they find themselves becoming. This prompts Dan to wonder just how comfortable he is with Jake, and if his future lies with him. I found Dan to be a very difficult character to like and relate to, maybe because he was too realistic. I liked how his character developed throughout the story, especially in his interactions with Jake. I also liked that although both Dan and Jake had preconceived ideas of one another these slowly changed as they got to know one another. I would have liked to have had Jake’s POV as well as Dan’s, which would have helped me feel engaged with both main characters. Overall the storyline has plenty of emotion, drama and angst and kept me hooked throughout.
Knowing that there’s a financial bonus if they finish the job early Dan needs to talk rule-follower Jake into his plan. As they continue to travel together the closer they find themselves becoming. This prompts Dan to wonder just how comfortable he is with Jake, and if his future lies with him. I found Dan to be a very difficult character to like and relate to, maybe because he was too realistic. I liked how his character developed throughout the story, especially in his interactions with Jake. I also liked that although both Dan and Jake had preconceived ideas of one another these slowly changed as they got to know one another. I would have liked to have had Jake’s POV as well as Dan’s, which would have helped me feel engaged with both main characters. Overall the storyline has plenty of emotion, drama and angst and kept me hooked throughout.
March 11, 2023
3 Stars
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben is a long-haul trucker MM romance with plenty of emotion, complicated family dynamics, anger, angst, a sexual awakening/discovery of sorts, a quest for redemption, and drama it had a bit of a Big Rig “Brokeback Mountain” feel to it all.
The characters are complex with their own personalities, quirks, and flaws. I found it hard to connect with them, especially Dan- which made it hard to invest in them or the story. We ‘hear’ the story from Dan’s POV, which I think added to my frustration because I didn’t really ‘like’ him much, and causing more discontent. I think if we got to see the story from another/other perspectives, then that would have given the story an added element interest and added much more depth, balance, and ‘texture’ (for me).
I don’t know a lot about long-haul trucking, so that part of the story was definitely interesting. Also, the difficult family dynamics and the quest for redemption added extra angst and emotion to the story, as well as the complications that came with the sexual awakening/feelings that develop/arise along the way.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, S.N. McKibben
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben is a long-haul trucker MM romance with plenty of emotion, complicated family dynamics, anger, angst, a sexual awakening/discovery of sorts, a quest for redemption, and drama it had a bit of a Big Rig “Brokeback Mountain” feel to it all.
The characters are complex with their own personalities, quirks, and flaws. I found it hard to connect with them, especially Dan- which made it hard to invest in them or the story. We ‘hear’ the story from Dan’s POV, which I think added to my frustration because I didn’t really ‘like’ him much, and causing more discontent. I think if we got to see the story from another/other perspectives, then that would have given the story an added element interest and added much more depth, balance, and ‘texture’ (for me).
I don’t know a lot about long-haul trucking, so that part of the story was definitely interesting. Also, the difficult family dynamics and the quest for redemption added extra angst and emotion to the story, as well as the complications that came with the sexual awakening/feelings that develop/arise along the way.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, S.N. McKibben
April 8, 2023
This story is about a man named Dan who is a divorced truck driver with a complicated relationship with his daughter, due to being absent so often for work. It seems that one thing is going wrong after another and he can’t catch a break as he tries to navigate through the minefield that is his life.
Though he has driven a truck for years, getting caught without a license sets him way back. He has another chance to get his license and work, but he is on probation and has to have an instructor with him so he can re-learn the job he has done for so long. As he drives, his relationship with Jake, his instructor develops and he begins to feel things he never expected to feel for another man. His character grows a lot through this book as he admits his wrongs and discovers himself.
This story is well written. There is good character development and the story is enjoyable, if you are into this sort of book. This is not the type of book that I am normally am interested in, but that is personal preference and nothing to do with the authors writing. If you like this type of story, this book is worth a read.
Though he has driven a truck for years, getting caught without a license sets him way back. He has another chance to get his license and work, but he is on probation and has to have an instructor with him so he can re-learn the job he has done for so long. As he drives, his relationship with Jake, his instructor develops and he begins to feel things he never expected to feel for another man. His character grows a lot through this book as he admits his wrongs and discovers himself.
This story is well written. There is good character development and the story is enjoyable, if you are into this sort of book. This is not the type of book that I am normally am interested in, but that is personal preference and nothing to do with the authors writing. If you like this type of story, this book is worth a read.
October 13, 2023
This was one of the best “On The Road” type of M/M story I had the pleasure of reading! I couldn’t not stop til I got to the end to see whether Dan won the bet or not. What the bet was for…that’s for you to find out!!! For some reason, the way I imagined how Jake would look like would be the Jake from Naked and Afraid XL: Frozen TV show! I wasn’t a fan of Dan in the beginning but came to love him at the end! But my favorite MC would be Jake! 5 stars reading from me!
The story focuses on Dan, a trucker who was “supposedly” caught speeding didn’t have a license so he was forced to tag along another truck driver. He definitely did not want to tag along Jake because Jake was gay and he was “straight”. He didn’t have a choice because he needed the money for his daughter’s college expenses. He was pretty ambivalent about being in the same small area with Jake and his adorable dog. He definitely had a wall up. Well I’ll stop right here and have you pick up the book to read to find out what the bet was, whether the wall stayed upright or crumbled down, and whether the dog liked him or not! Happy reading!!!!
The story focuses on Dan, a trucker who was “supposedly” caught speeding didn’t have a license so he was forced to tag along another truck driver. He definitely did not want to tag along Jake because Jake was gay and he was “straight”. He didn’t have a choice because he needed the money for his daughter’s college expenses. He was pretty ambivalent about being in the same small area with Jake and his adorable dog. He definitely had a wall up. Well I’ll stop right here and have you pick up the book to read to find out what the bet was, whether the wall stayed upright or crumbled down, and whether the dog liked him or not! Happy reading!!!!
March 10, 2023
This story has it all. Romance, family life, fights, self awareness and a MM relationship. I love a good truckers story! This one however took me into a place I had not read too much about. Dan has had his world rocked, when an officer pulls him over. With no license he gets himself on a different road. But he will do whatever it takes to keep his promise to his daughter. Even drive with another driver until he can get his California drivers license. He is short of money for his daughter's college and driving with another driver could get him what he needs. Jake is his probation rider, and a complete rule follower. No speeding, nothing to ruin his perfect driving record. He also is homosexual and Dan is not comfortable driving with him. So with no spoilers you will need to read this story. The author is new to me. Her writing is clear and fast paced. This story kept me reading and the characters are easy to fall for. And the relationship between these two men is quite informative. I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 11, 2023
3.5 stars
The Silent Road is the first book I have read this author's work and I enjoyed her writing style. The story is well written and interesting. It is an MM romance tale that is very emotive with a lot of anger and tension, angst and frustration and more.
I wish that this one was told in multiple POV to get the other perspective besides just Dan’s. It would have had a lot more impact if the story was told in multiple POV. I really liked Jake but Dan left a lot to be desired it took the whole book to redeem himself if only a little.
My brother does long haul driving, the long hours, the isolation and tiredness just to name a few so I can understand the effects it has on people which made it easier to understand the MC’s position a bit better.
It had it all and lost it all. He needs to redeem himself to those he has wronged. An unexpected turn of events is now leading him towards something he never thought he would want. He is unaccustomed to these feelings.
I hope there is more to this story as I felt there is something more for them it felt a bit unfinished for them.
The Silent Road is the first book I have read this author's work and I enjoyed her writing style. The story is well written and interesting. It is an MM romance tale that is very emotive with a lot of anger and tension, angst and frustration and more.
I wish that this one was told in multiple POV to get the other perspective besides just Dan’s. It would have had a lot more impact if the story was told in multiple POV. I really liked Jake but Dan left a lot to be desired it took the whole book to redeem himself if only a little.
My brother does long haul driving, the long hours, the isolation and tiredness just to name a few so I can understand the effects it has on people which made it easier to understand the MC’s position a bit better.
It had it all and lost it all. He needs to redeem himself to those he has wronged. An unexpected turn of events is now leading him towards something he never thought he would want. He is unaccustomed to these feelings.
I hope there is more to this story as I felt there is something more for them it felt a bit unfinished for them.
March 28, 2023
I really liked this story. I’ve never really thought much about the life of a long haul trucker and this opened my eyes a bit. I know they are the life blood of the country, without them we wouldn’t function, but the loneliness of life on the road must be terrible without a partner, even if one is basically a loner.
The growing and changing relationship between Jake and Dan added to a growing understanding of the loneliness and the ostracism gay truckers could be exposed to, with even more challenges than the straight trucker would face.
I liked the development of Dan’s character, indications that there was a bit less “straightness” in some ways, and his increasing curiosity as Jack’s personality drew him in, as well as the realization that his prejudice and characterization of all gays as a sterotype didn’t seem to fit this man. As Dan’s understanding, awareness and compassion toward Jake grew, his understanding and awareness of himself grew also.
I would love to read more about Dan, Jake and Mimi and their life on the road. Great thought-provoking story and characters.
The growing and changing relationship between Jake and Dan added to a growing understanding of the loneliness and the ostracism gay truckers could be exposed to, with even more challenges than the straight trucker would face.
I liked the development of Dan’s character, indications that there was a bit less “straightness” in some ways, and his increasing curiosity as Jack’s personality drew him in, as well as the realization that his prejudice and characterization of all gays as a sterotype didn’t seem to fit this man. As Dan’s understanding, awareness and compassion toward Jake grew, his understanding and awareness of himself grew also.
I would love to read more about Dan, Jake and Mimi and their life on the road. Great thought-provoking story and characters.
April 6, 2023
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben. This is a great m/m romance. Its about Dan who is a truck driver that has made a lot of mistakes in his past. He has a ex wife who has finally given up on him ever coming thru with his promises and a daughter who still believes in her dad but gets disappointed a lot. Dan is a long haul truck driver and he has gotten into so much trouble that his last shot at keeping his job is to drive with a trainer with him. His trainer is Jake and he happens to be gay. As the two spend more and more time together Dan begins to get feelings for Jake, feelings he's never had for another woman and especially not another man. Dan needs to buckle down and get this job done because his daughter is relying on the money he will make for her tuition for school. While Dan may not be gay he has major feelings for Jake and realizes that you can't help who you love. Will he be able to finish this job so that his daughter is not disappointed again. Will he be truthful about his feelings for Jake? Read this great romance to find out!
April 8, 2023
In this story there's a lot to unfold. You have Dan, who is fighting to do what is right by his kid. He failed her and his ex-wife many years ago by always choosing the trucker life over them. The guilt he carries is heavy. He is trying to help her achieve her dreams.
This all comes when he is caught driving without a license. Then the real secret comes out as to why he has struggled passing the written test. Especially when it's been proven and proved again that he is a heck of a trucker.
His boss pairs him up with a fellow driver Jake. Dan has made his own assumptions of Jake. However, this week long cross country trek proves to change minds, not just Dan's but Jake's as well. All while Dan is trying to make good on a promise to his kid.
The ending surprised me.
There is some MM relationship in this book and a lot of banter and "joking" about it from both characters and for some people that might be a bit uncomfortable. But if you look at the situation it's something that if these were real people they'd likely be experiencing this exact thing.
This all comes when he is caught driving without a license. Then the real secret comes out as to why he has struggled passing the written test. Especially when it's been proven and proved again that he is a heck of a trucker.
His boss pairs him up with a fellow driver Jake. Dan has made his own assumptions of Jake. However, this week long cross country trek proves to change minds, not just Dan's but Jake's as well. All while Dan is trying to make good on a promise to his kid.
The ending surprised me.
There is some MM relationship in this book and a lot of banter and "joking" about it from both characters and for some people that might be a bit uncomfortable. But if you look at the situation it's something that if these were real people they'd likely be experiencing this exact thing.
February 24, 2025
"Marriage, parenting, and making ends meet is a long road to haul─and I've screwed it all up. My ex thinks I'm a deadbeat. My daughter has lost all faith in me. As a long-haul truck driver, I haven't been there for either of them. Now that I’ve been caught driving my rig without a license it proves them right. Since I'm on probation, I've been forced to take a co-driver on the road with me and prove to him that I can safely pass my commercial license, even though I've been doing this for a decade. This is my last shot to continue with my company and prove myself to my broken family. I’ve missed a lot but I’m going to make it up to my daughter. I’m not going to blow it. Not this time. I’m going to get the money my daughter needs. There’s a financial bonus in my future if I can talk Jake, my co-driver and probationary instructor, into hustling his laidback, rule-following ass into finishing the job early. As Jake and I travel together, the long drive and miles ahead of us bring us closer than I'm comfortable with, or am I? Suddenly, I'm feeling things I never thought possible with another man. Could Jake be the "ride or die" I've been yearning for my entire life?
Is the road less traveled the one I've always needed? Am I scared? Hell, yes!"
Loved the storyline, great characters, up and downs throughout the storyline, but kept my attention throughout the book. I give this book 4 stars.
Is the road less traveled the one I've always needed? Am I scared? Hell, yes!"
Loved the storyline, great characters, up and downs throughout the storyline, but kept my attention throughout the book. I give this book 4 stars.
March 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting read for me. The author does an amazing job of allowing the reader into Dan's head and you really get to understand all the confusing feelings and emotions he goes through as he discovers his feelings towards Jake are moving to something deeper than just work mates. Dan is a hard character to like at first with his thoughts and feelings towards Jake being very vocal and not in a positive way. Dan is hard work and sometimes hard to like. Jake on the other hand is a caring soul. He embraces his sexuality and isn't ashamed of it.
As they journey together they learn more about each other and circumstances bring them closer together than either of them thought possible. Will Jake turn out to be the missing piece in Dan's life without him even realising he was looking in the wrong place all along?
This book is beautiful to read and see the characters growth through out really made this book a great captivating read
March 10, 2023
First off, I want to say that it was refreshing to read a novel based in the trucking world. I could totally relate to the story. Being a trucker’s wife can suck, but reading about the feelings of everyone on the road was insightful, even being a fiction book. Dan is dealing with a lot. Getting found out for not having a license, having dyslexia; and trying to help his daughter. Toss in Jake and the feelings he develops and the antagonists Troy and Steve…. This book was remarkable. As I sad, the author wrote almost as if they had experienced some of it. Totally realistic story. My emotions were all over the place with this story. Two people trying to deal with hard feelings and baggage. All they want to do is live in peace. You have to read this story, it will touch you. It is M/M, not my usual genre but the story could be anything and it still touches human motion. The ending of the book got me right in the feelers. This is a new author for me. I hope to read more.
March 17, 2023
Although America seems to become more accepting of LGBT rights, there are still some professions where being gay is definitely something you want to keep under your hat. Long-distance trucking, at least according to McKibben, is one of them. So Jake would rather keep his sexuality a secret. Dan, whose family has been driving big trucks for generations, has a bigger secret. He does not have and has never had a driver's license. Primarily because his dyslexia is so severe, Dan can't read. But a deal with his employer means he can drive … with conditions. Now all he has to do is drive cross-country with a man he can't stand, make a stop-over in Texas to help his daughter move, beat a single driver who has more than a day's headstart on them, come up with the missing money for his daughter's tuition, and convince his boss to help him get his commercial driver's license. Piece of cake, right?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2023
"There are two truths in life. One road leaves to where you want to go… Two all roads circle back to oneself, even if that person in the mirror is not recognizable from when the journey began.”
Dan’s life is at the point that he doesn’t know which way is up and he feels like a failure. Dan is a truck driver that just got saddled with a partner, Jake who follows every rule to a “T” when it comes to driving. Can Dan stand the strict rules that Jake insist on following? Will there time on the road bring them closer together or drive them crazy?
This is not typically a book that I would read. I didn’t realize exactly how the story line would unfold in the relationship between Jake and Dan. I will admit that there were scenes that I skimmed more than read. Overall the book was a good read with challenges faced by both Jake and Dan. There was quiet a bit of road blocks and challenges, but together they were able to overcome them.
Dan’s life is at the point that he doesn’t know which way is up and he feels like a failure. Dan is a truck driver that just got saddled with a partner, Jake who follows every rule to a “T” when it comes to driving. Can Dan stand the strict rules that Jake insist on following? Will there time on the road bring them closer together or drive them crazy?
This is not typically a book that I would read. I didn’t realize exactly how the story line would unfold in the relationship between Jake and Dan. I will admit that there were scenes that I skimmed more than read. Overall the book was a good read with challenges faced by both Jake and Dan. There was quiet a bit of road blocks and challenges, but together they were able to overcome them.
February 5, 2025
The Silent Road is a romance that follows Dan, who is desperate to pay his daughter’s tuition fees to show her he’s not a complete failure and help her pursue her dreams. Caught driving without a license, somewhat homophobic Dan has no choice but to pair up with driving instructor Jake who he has been avoiding since he found out Jake is gay.
There’s a lot going on for a short book, as Jake and Dan balance getting the job done with other things going on in their lives such as Dan helping his daughter move, Jake working out why a great driver like Dan can’t pass his test and the pair battling against their feelings for each other.
Jake’s dog, Mimi, is a source of joy and entertainment throughout the story! She is super protective of Jake and ready to help out where it matters.
This book gets four stars from me. If you enjoy romances where a character has to come to terms with learning they’re not as heterosexual as they thought they might be, this is the book for you!
There’s a lot going on for a short book, as Jake and Dan balance getting the job done with other things going on in their lives such as Dan helping his daughter move, Jake working out why a great driver like Dan can’t pass his test and the pair battling against their feelings for each other.
Jake’s dog, Mimi, is a source of joy and entertainment throughout the story! She is super protective of Jake and ready to help out where it matters.
This book gets four stars from me. If you enjoy romances where a character has to come to terms with learning they’re not as heterosexual as they thought they might be, this is the book for you!
February 15, 2025
Dan feels like he has failed so much in his life, from work, his marriage, parenting, to just living within his means. Being a truck driver, Dan is not home as much as he should for his wife and daughter. Dan has done this for years but since being on probation he needs have a codriver, Jake. And he always is by the rule’s kind of guy. There could be a HUGE finical bonus coming Dans way that really could help his daughter by he just needs Jake to maybe break a rule or two. While the miles pass them by, Dan starts to feel things for Jake that never thought he could feel for another man, that that is terrifying for him.
I truly liked this book, the characters, and the depth of the read. I was never bored and grew to really like the idea of Jake and Dan. Each step you could feel the nature between them grow. I also never read a trucker book, and I was not disappointed. Great read and cant wait to read the next one!
I truly liked this book, the characters, and the depth of the read. I was never bored and grew to really like the idea of Jake and Dan. Each step you could feel the nature between them grow. I also never read a trucker book, and I was not disappointed. Great read and cant wait to read the next one!
March 3, 2025
The Silent Road: Enemies to Lovers MM Romance
There was something about this book that drew me in when I first saw it. Not sure if it was the troupe because of the crazy times we're currently living in or it was the cover the drew me in. Whatever the reason I'm so glad I read it.
Dan hasn't lead the most charmed of lives, but he had a decent one. Was married and has a daughter who he loves but he was happiest when he is driving his truck. Then he is stuck working with Jake, much to his dismay.
Jake is very open about who he is with no apologies. It has caused him some problems through the years but he is still who he is and it doesn't matter what others think.
They make the least likely couple once Dan admits to himself his attraction but they work well as a couple. That is until Dan gets stuck in his head.
I love these two and looked forward to reading the second book. Ms. McKibben is a new to me author and my only regret is not finding her sooner.
There was something about this book that drew me in when I first saw it. Not sure if it was the troupe because of the crazy times we're currently living in or it was the cover the drew me in. Whatever the reason I'm so glad I read it.
Dan hasn't lead the most charmed of lives, but he had a decent one. Was married and has a daughter who he loves but he was happiest when he is driving his truck. Then he is stuck working with Jake, much to his dismay.
Jake is very open about who he is with no apologies. It has caused him some problems through the years but he is still who he is and it doesn't matter what others think.
They make the least likely couple once Dan admits to himself his attraction but they work well as a couple. That is until Dan gets stuck in his head.
I love these two and looked forward to reading the second book. Ms. McKibben is a new to me author and my only regret is not finding her sooner.
April 6, 2023
This book is my first one by this author and I'm glad I took a chance on it. I think this story touched on some issues and it was written very well. This book brought out some emotional feelings. It was hard to like Dan very much in the beginning but as I read on we get to see changes and growth in him. Dan has hit a rough patch in his life with his divorce and trying to have a relationship with his daughter even though he's gone a lot over the road and he gets pulled over without his license. He ends up having to ride with Jake because he needs to get his license to be able to ride by himself. Jake is a great guy in many ways. There is also a great dog in this story and she breaks up some of the seriousness in the book. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
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