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A Whisper in the Dark #2
Don't Breathe a Word
Hunter Thorn's secret is out.
After years of running from his past and himself, Hunter has finally been caught. Forced to acknowledge the hidden wants and desires he's always carried, his only choice now is to make a deal with the devil. But putting his trust in the leader of a mafia family comes with its own risks, and Hunter can't be sure if giving in will help him claw his way back to some semblance of freedom, or shove him deeper into hell.
Odin Snow isn't letting Hunter go.
From the moment he first saw the man again, broken and bleeding, that'd already been decided. Though he hasn't given up on his plans for revenge, he's shifted his animosity to who it really belongs to, Isa Frost. With Hunter's help, Odin knows he can finally beat Isa and avenge both of their families, but he must first convince his Huntsman to take his side. He'd not above using any means to do so, even if he has to resort to manipulations and more nefarious tactics.
Hunter has spent the past ten years trying to escape the Brumal mafia, but now in order to get what he wants, he may have to willingly dive headfirst into the inferno that is Odin Snow.
Trigger Warning: This is a dark romance with themes some readers may not be comfortable with. This includes, but is not limited to, torture, dubious consent, depictions of violence, explicit sexual content not suitable for younger readers, and captivity/forced proximity. Odin Snow is no hero. If any of this isn't to your taste, please do not read this book. I have other books that may be more suitable to you that aren't of the Dark variety. There is also a short story included which the same trigger warnings apply to. Please be aware and read with caution. Thank you.
After years of running from his past and himself, Hunter has finally been caught. Forced to acknowledge the hidden wants and desires he's always carried, his only choice now is to make a deal with the devil. But putting his trust in the leader of a mafia family comes with its own risks, and Hunter can't be sure if giving in will help him claw his way back to some semblance of freedom, or shove him deeper into hell.
Odin Snow isn't letting Hunter go.
From the moment he first saw the man again, broken and bleeding, that'd already been decided. Though he hasn't given up on his plans for revenge, he's shifted his animosity to who it really belongs to, Isa Frost. With Hunter's help, Odin knows he can finally beat Isa and avenge both of their families, but he must first convince his Huntsman to take his side. He'd not above using any means to do so, even if he has to resort to manipulations and more nefarious tactics.
Hunter has spent the past ten years trying to escape the Brumal mafia, but now in order to get what he wants, he may have to willingly dive headfirst into the inferno that is Odin Snow.
Trigger Warning: This is a dark romance with themes some readers may not be comfortable with. This includes, but is not limited to, torture, dubious consent, depictions of violence, explicit sexual content not suitable for younger readers, and captivity/forced proximity. Odin Snow is no hero. If any of this isn't to your taste, please do not read this book. I have other books that may be more suitable to you that aren't of the Dark variety. There is also a short story included which the same trigger warnings apply to. Please be aware and read with caution. Thank you.
310 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2023
165 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Chani Lynn Feener
67 books1,497 followersLibrarians, please don't add books. I stay up to date and add them myself and have ended up with many multiple copies because others add them later. Thank you!
Chani majored in Creative Writing at Johnson State College in Vermont. To pay her bills, she has worked many odd jobs, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, order picking in a warehouse, and filling ink cartridges. When she isn’t writing, she’s binging TV shows, drawing, or frequenting zoos/aquariums. She is the author of the Xenith trilogy, and the teen paranormal series, The Underworld Saga, originally written under the penname Tempest C. Avery. She currently resides in Connecticut.
Have a question? Check her blog! https://chanilynnfeener.wixsite.com/a...
Find her on Instagram @TempestChani
Chani majored in Creative Writing at Johnson State College in Vermont. To pay her bills, she has worked many odd jobs, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, order picking in a warehouse, and filling ink cartridges. When she isn’t writing, she’s binging TV shows, drawing, or frequenting zoos/aquariums. She is the author of the Xenith trilogy, and the teen paranormal series, The Underworld Saga, originally written under the penname Tempest C. Avery. She currently resides in Connecticut.
Have a question? Check her blog! https://chanilynnfeener.wixsite.com/a...
Find her on Instagram @TempestChani
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 23, 2023
✰ 1 star ✰
well...that didn’t go as planned. 🙃
in my review for the first book i said that there was a lot of potential for the romance to eventually win me over. so a lot was riding on this book for me. i didn't think it was possible for the romance to get any worse right? like at this point, after everything they have gone through, the only way is up right? wrong. fucking wrong. i despised whatever this romance was. i wouldn't even call this a romance. everything about their relationship put a bad taste in my mouth. it felt forced and was all tell no show.
this will have spoilers from the ending of book one and this book, plus incoming rant so...beware. 🤣
✦ odin now knows hunter is a Whisper by the end of book one. so jumping into this one, i was quite excited to see what happened. at 6% odin immediately wanted to mate with him and it felt like he only wanted to because he could be more powerful, not because he had any genuine feelings for hunter. he didn’t even take hunter into consideration at all. if odin wanted to mate and hunter didn’t, well, it didn’t matter to odin. i did not like this at all. it wasn't a great start but i was letting this slide because there was still a lot of development that needed to happen between them....
✦ so at 11% when this happened, i was super happy because we were finally getting somewhere.
“Why? For that added bit of power it’ll bring?” He shook his head curtly and straightened. “Because I want all of you, Huntsman. I’ll have all of you.” Hunter snorted. “That sounds like you’re saying you want my heart or something.” He pretended to consider and hummed in agreement. “I’ll take that too.”
finally! we have some feelings coming to the surface. odin even said that he would do anything to make Hunter love him genuinely. but throughout the rest of the book, odin did nothing of this sort. he was an unbearable asshole, treated hunter like shit, gave him the choice to either willingly have sex with him or he would force himself on him. i know this is dub con, and i can read that, but this did not feel like dub con. it boarded on straight up non con imo.
example:
“But,” Odin took a single step closer and Hunter bristled, “if you try to run, Little Whisper, I will find you, lock you in this room, chain you to the bed, and never release you again. Be my mate, or be my sex slave. Those are your options. Either way, you are going to be mine, and mine alone.
like no. this is not cute. be my mate or be my sex slave? so either way Hunter was being forced against his will. the author tried to make it seem like Hunter wanted to be there like that and that he was okay with everything. but it did not feel that way.
another example: when they finally mated, it was basically against his will…. again… hunter even said...
"you want me?" Then take me. And feel shitty about it every step of the way."
yes, odin feel shitty because hunter did not want to do it. there was some bullshit said in the inner monologues about how hunter wanted to pretend he wasn't into it so odin would feel bad. i mean, even if he was into it, he's still saying no here so???? PLUS based on the writing and where hunter was at in his head, to me it felt like he didn't want it. but then they have sex and hunter is all of a sudden screaming for odin's dick. it did not make any sense. i think the author failed at portraying what they actually wanted to make the characters feel. it did the complete opposite for me. maybe if i had something to actually root for in their relationship, i may have felt different about this? but idk i didn't so...
✦ now about this being all tell no show. odin said what isa felt for him was obsession and possession and that isa never truly loved him. but how is that any different for odin and hunter? it's exactly what their relationship is as well. i feel at this point, with it being the second goddamn book, that there should be at least some genuine feelings between them. it's not worth it to me if i have to wait till the last book to actually feel there is something between them.
✦ hunter said he had these all consuming feelings for odin. bitch where? he has not done one good thing for him. he keeps hunter because it benefits him and the author can put in as many times as they want that odin is doing this because he wants hunter to love him, but it will not convince me.
✦ this. fucking this right here. this is at 44% into the book. but btw this is almost the end, because their story ends at 60% and the rest of the book is for wren and sun. which i could care less for because i just wanted to see something actually worthy happen between hunter and odin.
“You want my forgiveness for shooting me?” He considered it. “You’re already my mate. I’ve gotten what I want. Why should I let go of any lingering animosity toward you?"
why is this man still going on about this? what did he expect, it was hunter's goddamn sister??????????? of course, he's going to save her. odin has done just as bad things to hunter. but at least odin actually survived unlike hunter's sister!!!! like truly, i lost all hope here. clearly they were still not getting anywhere. and odin SAID HE WAS GOING TO DO ANYTHING TO MAKE SURE HUNTER FELL IN LOVE WITH HIM EVENTUALLY. but then he says this? PLEASE MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. what is up with all this goddamn back and forth?? it's so annoying and unnecessary.
✦ after the 160 pages of this book, because that's literally all it was. odin said this and it was my final fuck you to him. and this series. i wanted to bang my head against the wall.
“I want your love, Huntsman. I want you to care about me and only me. I want to be your family.”
like please??? care to show what you say for once? no wonder why hunter had to force himself to agree to be with him. to go two books with little to no character or relationship development is baffling to me.
i won't be reading book three.
'A Whisper in the Dark' series
book #1 - You Will Never Know - 4 stars
book #2 - Don't Breathe a Word - 1 star
book #3 - Don't Let Me Go - won't be reading
well...that didn’t go as planned. 🙃
in my review for the first book i said that there was a lot of potential for the romance to eventually win me over. so a lot was riding on this book for me. i didn't think it was possible for the romance to get any worse right? like at this point, after everything they have gone through, the only way is up right? wrong. fucking wrong. i despised whatever this romance was. i wouldn't even call this a romance. everything about their relationship put a bad taste in my mouth. it felt forced and was all tell no show.
this will have spoilers from the ending of book one and this book, plus incoming rant so...beware. 🤣
✦ odin now knows hunter is a Whisper by the end of book one. so jumping into this one, i was quite excited to see what happened. at 6% odin immediately wanted to mate with him and it felt like he only wanted to because he could be more powerful, not because he had any genuine feelings for hunter. he didn’t even take hunter into consideration at all. if odin wanted to mate and hunter didn’t, well, it didn’t matter to odin. i did not like this at all. it wasn't a great start but i was letting this slide because there was still a lot of development that needed to happen between them....
✦ so at 11% when this happened, i was super happy because we were finally getting somewhere.
“Why? For that added bit of power it’ll bring?” He shook his head curtly and straightened. “Because I want all of you, Huntsman. I’ll have all of you.” Hunter snorted. “That sounds like you’re saying you want my heart or something.” He pretended to consider and hummed in agreement. “I’ll take that too.”
finally! we have some feelings coming to the surface. odin even said that he would do anything to make Hunter love him genuinely. but throughout the rest of the book, odin did nothing of this sort. he was an unbearable asshole, treated hunter like shit, gave him the choice to either willingly have sex with him or he would force himself on him. i know this is dub con, and i can read that, but this did not feel like dub con. it boarded on straight up non con imo.
example:
“But,” Odin took a single step closer and Hunter bristled, “if you try to run, Little Whisper, I will find you, lock you in this room, chain you to the bed, and never release you again. Be my mate, or be my sex slave. Those are your options. Either way, you are going to be mine, and mine alone.
like no. this is not cute. be my mate or be my sex slave? so either way Hunter was being forced against his will. the author tried to make it seem like Hunter wanted to be there like that and that he was okay with everything. but it did not feel that way.
another example: when they finally mated, it was basically against his will…. again… hunter even said...
"you want me?" Then take me. And feel shitty about it every step of the way."
yes, odin feel shitty because hunter did not want to do it. there was some bullshit said in the inner monologues about how hunter wanted to pretend he wasn't into it so odin would feel bad. i mean, even if he was into it, he's still saying no here so???? PLUS based on the writing and where hunter was at in his head, to me it felt like he didn't want it. but then they have sex and hunter is all of a sudden screaming for odin's dick. it did not make any sense. i think the author failed at portraying what they actually wanted to make the characters feel. it did the complete opposite for me. maybe if i had something to actually root for in their relationship, i may have felt different about this? but idk i didn't so...
✦ now about this being all tell no show. odin said what isa felt for him was obsession and possession and that isa never truly loved him. but how is that any different for odin and hunter? it's exactly what their relationship is as well. i feel at this point, with it being the second goddamn book, that there should be at least some genuine feelings between them. it's not worth it to me if i have to wait till the last book to actually feel there is something between them.
✦ hunter said he had these all consuming feelings for odin. bitch where? he has not done one good thing for him. he keeps hunter because it benefits him and the author can put in as many times as they want that odin is doing this because he wants hunter to love him, but it will not convince me.
✦ this. fucking this right here. this is at 44% into the book. but btw this is almost the end, because their story ends at 60% and the rest of the book is for wren and sun. which i could care less for because i just wanted to see something actually worthy happen between hunter and odin.
“You want my forgiveness for shooting me?” He considered it. “You’re already my mate. I’ve gotten what I want. Why should I let go of any lingering animosity toward you?"
why is this man still going on about this? what did he expect, it was hunter's goddamn sister??????????? of course, he's going to save her. odin has done just as bad things to hunter. but at least odin actually survived unlike hunter's sister!!!! like truly, i lost all hope here. clearly they were still not getting anywhere. and odin SAID HE WAS GOING TO DO ANYTHING TO MAKE SURE HUNTER FELL IN LOVE WITH HIM EVENTUALLY. but then he says this? PLEASE MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. what is up with all this goddamn back and forth?? it's so annoying and unnecessary.
✦ after the 160 pages of this book, because that's literally all it was. odin said this and it was my final fuck you to him. and this series. i wanted to bang my head against the wall.
“I want your love, Huntsman. I want you to care about me and only me. I want to be your family.”
like please??? care to show what you say for once? no wonder why hunter had to force himself to agree to be with him. to go two books with little to no character or relationship development is baffling to me.
i won't be reading book three.
'A Whisper in the Dark' series
book #1 - You Will Never Know - 4 stars
book #2 - Don't Breathe a Word - 1 star
book #3 - Don't Let Me Go - won't be reading
November 17, 2024
Still not as dark as I was expecting, but I'm enjoying the story anyway. Could this trilogy have been one book? Definitely! There's a lot of repetition about past events, who people are, recapping events etc. and if it had been one book none of that would be there.
I'm not entirely sure I understand how the whole Shout/Whisper bond works, but hopefully that will be revealed in the final book.
I do like how the relationship between Hunter and Odin is progressing, and that they're more open to acknowledging their longstanding feelings towards each other.
Wren is also an interesting side character but I'm so ready for Isa to be destroyed because he's just an overgrown toddler who can turn people into ice cubes.
I'm not a fan of these extended previews at the end of these books either. Another way of bloating the page count - these three books could easily be one because in total they're the same length as a Devils of Vitality book!
I'm not entirely sure I understand how the whole Shout/Whisper bond works, but hopefully that will be revealed in the final book.
I do like how the relationship between Hunter and Odin is progressing, and that they're more open to acknowledging their longstanding feelings towards each other.
Wren is also an interesting side character but I'm so ready for Isa to be destroyed because he's just an overgrown toddler who can turn people into ice cubes.
I'm not a fan of these extended previews at the end of these books either. Another way of bloating the page count - these three books could easily be one because in total they're the same length as a Devils of Vitality book!
May 22, 2023
I've passed the stage of being infuriated that this book ended at 60% (thank God for early reviews: thank u for your sacrifice 🙏) and it's just funny at this point.
Like, make it make sense pls 🤡
This book was good, the cliffhanger made the tips of my fingers tingle and I'll be in anticipatory pain until book 3.
I liked it but I did feel like we repeated some of the same conversations we had in book 1 (which was already repeated there) so I'm like: I don't get the point of this book aside from that last 20% of the ending, which held the most depth and development between our characters.
But I'll take everything we have from Odin and Hunter cus they are exquisite.
Like, make it make sense pls 🤡
This book was good, the cliffhanger made the tips of my fingers tingle and I'll be in anticipatory pain until book 3.
I liked it but I did feel like we repeated some of the same conversations we had in book 1 (which was already repeated there) so I'm like: I don't get the point of this book aside from that last 20% of the ending, which held the most depth and development between our characters.
But I'll take everything we have from Odin and Hunter cus they are exquisite.
October 6, 2023
17% in…The constant interruptions when these characters get intimate is a terrible plot device. This author did it in the last book too. Ugh 😣 so fucking ANNOYING.
25% and internal dialogue is really bogging this book down. Ugh and the rehash of book 1s plot is completely unnecessary. If you are an idiot to start a series reading book 2 first, you get what you get.
I can see why this book had so many mixed reviews. It’s very tedious. Very over wrought. All the fake hate and the questioning of motives. This book needed serious editing.
59% in and the plot changed dramatically and then it ended. Weird that is says I have 1:59 left 🙄🙄🙄🙄 ugh
This was definitely not as good as book 1. Lots of missed opportunities. I’ll read 3 just because I need a conclusion but I care about these characters less and less meh 😑
25% and internal dialogue is really bogging this book down. Ugh and the rehash of book 1s plot is completely unnecessary. If you are an idiot to start a series reading book 2 first, you get what you get.
I can see why this book had so many mixed reviews. It’s very tedious. Very over wrought. All the fake hate and the questioning of motives. This book needed serious editing.
59% in and the plot changed dramatically and then it ended. Weird that is says I have 1:59 left 🙄🙄🙄🙄 ugh
This was definitely not as good as book 1. Lots of missed opportunities. I’ll read 3 just because I need a conclusion but I care about these characters less and less meh 😑
December 28, 2023
panting sobbing screaming
odin is so fucked LMAO mans ups the psycho factor to 10 for no reason at all but do i care? no. this is exactly why i read chani lynn like a rabid dog. i screeched when this ended at 60% though like i know there's a third book but how dare? 😭 i was never meant to sleep before work anyway and i'll have four days off so fuck it, we ball. rabid dog 3.0 commencing.
ps i'm so close to 500 i can feel the power.... or maybe that's my brain and eyeballs syncing up to give me a permanent twitch
odin is so fucked LMAO mans ups the psycho factor to 10 for no reason at all but do i care? no. this is exactly why i read chani lynn like a rabid dog. i screeched when this ended at 60% though like i know there's a third book but how dare? 😭 i was never meant to sleep before work anyway and i'll have four days off so fuck it, we ball. rabid dog 3.0 commencing.
ps i'm so close to 500 i can feel the power.... or maybe that's my brain and eyeballs syncing up to give me a permanent twitch
February 25, 2023
A mafia book set in soaaace. What’s not to love? A CLIFFHANGER. That’s what.
This book cuts off at 60% right in the middle of the action and with no resolution or explanation whatsoever.
In my opinion cliffhangers are cheap. They are annoying and leave a bad aftertaste. Nobody likes cliffhangers except perhaps people who want to make money from them.
Let me make it clear that I have no issue with trilogies in fact I love ‘em. I do however expect the courtesy of at least some kind of resolution and ideally a standalone story.
That doesn't mean you can't leave a hook for a sequel I have no problem with that.
What I don’t expect is the story stopping mid-action.
It is quite simply not good enough to state ‘to be continued’ without even the balm of a future publication date given.
Some readers unlike me do seem tolerant, they may accept the mantra of ‘good things come to those who wait.’ I personally think it is simply thoughtless to shove in a cliffhanger Willy-nilly.
Reading a trilogy I expect the arc of suspence to build over all three volumes, and for the climax and the resolution of the story to happen close to the end of the last volume. That doesn’t excuse ending the first and second novels abruptly there should at lest be some kind of closure.
Even if the cliffhanger was placed in the epilogue it would be a great deal less annoying. At least it wouldn’t come as quite such a shock.
Frankly I am far too cross to read whatever offering the remaining 40% of the book might be. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends on a cliffhanger too.
I’ve already been burned once by this book I don’t intend to fall into the same trap a second time.
Where I may have awarded five stars for originality, I’m removing a star for all the typos that jolted me out of the story. A further star is deducted for leaving me frustrated; and I’m taking a final star from the total for the lack of publication date for the final instalment.
If a dark M/M novel appeals I recommend you wait until each of the three books are published and then binge read them.
This book cuts off at 60% right in the middle of the action and with no resolution or explanation whatsoever.
In my opinion cliffhangers are cheap. They are annoying and leave a bad aftertaste. Nobody likes cliffhangers except perhaps people who want to make money from them.
Let me make it clear that I have no issue with trilogies in fact I love ‘em. I do however expect the courtesy of at least some kind of resolution and ideally a standalone story.
That doesn't mean you can't leave a hook for a sequel I have no problem with that.
What I don’t expect is the story stopping mid-action.
It is quite simply not good enough to state ‘to be continued’ without even the balm of a future publication date given.
Some readers unlike me do seem tolerant, they may accept the mantra of ‘good things come to those who wait.’ I personally think it is simply thoughtless to shove in a cliffhanger Willy-nilly.
Reading a trilogy I expect the arc of suspence to build over all three volumes, and for the climax and the resolution of the story to happen close to the end of the last volume. That doesn’t excuse ending the first and second novels abruptly there should at lest be some kind of closure.
Even if the cliffhanger was placed in the epilogue it would be a great deal less annoying. At least it wouldn’t come as quite such a shock.
Frankly I am far too cross to read whatever offering the remaining 40% of the book might be. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends on a cliffhanger too.
I’ve already been burned once by this book I don’t intend to fall into the same trap a second time.
Where I may have awarded five stars for originality, I’m removing a star for all the typos that jolted me out of the story. A further star is deducted for leaving me frustrated; and I’m taking a final star from the total for the lack of publication date for the final instalment.
If a dark M/M novel appeals I recommend you wait until each of the three books are published and then binge read them.
October 29, 2023
Tropes: secret identity, mafia, enemies to lovers, paranormal
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: rough sex, blood exchange
Angst: low/medium
HEA: no. This is part two of a trilogy. They get their happily ever after in book 3.
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: murder and violence, jealousy over Odin's past sexual relationship with Isa
When it comes to a duet or a trilogy, my review approach is I have to read all of the books in it before I judge. I do judge each book individually but I like to put it in context of the other books that complete the story. I'm not going to mention any spoilers from book 3, but just know I have read the full trilogy.
This is book two of three in Odin and Hunter's story. The last book left off with Hunter accidentally revealing to Odin that he is a whisper. In this book they come to an agreement to be mates. It's mutually advantageous to both of them. Hunter gets protection, and it's not like Odin was going to let him go anyway, he's safer with Odin. And Odin gets Hunter to give in to him and he gets the bonus of the power that Hunter can give to him while also keeping Hunter out of any other shout's hands (i.e. Isa and Wren)
They continue to rub their relationship in Isa's face. They have various confrontations and solidify themselves as a united front, on the path from what they lie to themselves and say is a relationship of convenience to a relationship of feelings. A battle is brewing between the Snow (Odin) and Frost (Isa) mafia families. The book ends on a cliffhanger with Hunter leaving Odin's club.
What do I like about this book? The author is a good storyteller. The world building is great. I like the emotion and tension between the characters. There's complicated feelings and history. I like that Hunter isn't a doormat. He is distrustful and prickly. He negotiates so that he gets something out of this arrangement. I liked that he insisted on exclusivity. I like that they communicated. They were open with each other. They kept things honest and didn't hide stuff. They built real trust between each other even though they had a lot of reasons not to trust each other. I like that Odin, despite being a cold and morally gray character, wants Hunter's love so bad. He saw the love that Hunter had for his sister as a teen, and he craves experiencing it. He enjoyed the warm affection and fascination from back when Hunter had a crush on him, and he wants more. I love seeing Odin's friends and allies' reaction to Hunter's presence in his life. It was funny to see.
What don't I like about this book?
- the typos! This author has a big problem with homonyms. It badly needs a thorough edit. It's really distracting to me as a reader, though I know in part that's because I start hyper fixating after more than five typos. There's a big difference between rapped and raped. In defense of the author though, book one only had a couple typos, book two was riddled with typos, and book three was pretty much typo free. So book two being particularly bad typo-wise was an exception
- this book is weird in that the book is 303 pages but only 178 pages are Odin and Hunter's story. The rest is a preview of another couple's story that is coming out in 2024. I get the concept of doing a sneak peek of what's coming, but this is kind of crazy that only 60% of the pages are the main couple and 40% is previews of other books. I'm all for supporting an author when I'm reading a Kindle unlimited read and making sure I read all the pages so they get paid, but I'm not flipping through 40%, and I'm not reading that much of a book and spoiling myself for reading it in the future. The ratio is off. Also it's surprised me when all of a sudden at 60% this book was over. It wrecked with my mental patient, I was expecting more, it wasn't a pleasant surprise for the book to be over. So I think this was just a poor choice.
I would have given this book four stars for the good storytelling. But I have to ding it for the typos and the 60/40% ratio decision. They impacted my enjoyment of the book. I should say by the way, I am excited for Wren and Sun's book, and I totally will be reading it when it comes out! I just didn't want it shown to me like this and having it take up so much space!
Some notable moments:
Platonic snuggles always get me! "He’d cleaned them both then climbed beneath the sheets and pulled the Huntsman in close, but it’d been Hunter who’d wrapped his arms around his waist and clung to him. Hunter who’d nuzzled his cheek against the curve of Odin’s neck and sighed in sleepy satisfaction."
"“I’ve only fucked you since that night,” Odin cut him off. “I’ve only wanted to fuck you. That won’t change.” “If it does—” “It won’t.” A thought seemed to strike him and his eyes narrowed. “Whether that’s the case for you or not, whether you go through with this right now or not, make no mistake, Huntsman, mine will be the only cock you take for the rest of your days. If you even so much as dream about welcoming another man into your body, I’ll cut his dick off and make you take me in a pool of his blood.”"
"The look in his eye then when he’d stared at his sister had been so filled with love and attention that Odin had felt something shatter within himself seeing it. No one had ever looked at him like that before. People, even those related to him, tended to gaze at him with fear or respect, but never adoration. Never love. Real, true, unencumbered and no strings attached love. He’d wanted it, this thing he hadn’t even been aware he’d been missing. He’d wanted it with a ferocity that had lit him up inside. And he’d wanted it from Hunter."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: rough sex, blood exchange
Angst: low/medium
HEA: no. This is part two of a trilogy. They get their happily ever after in book 3.
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: murder and violence, jealousy over Odin's past sexual relationship with Isa
When it comes to a duet or a trilogy, my review approach is I have to read all of the books in it before I judge. I do judge each book individually but I like to put it in context of the other books that complete the story. I'm not going to mention any spoilers from book 3, but just know I have read the full trilogy.
This is book two of three in Odin and Hunter's story. The last book left off with Hunter accidentally revealing to Odin that he is a whisper. In this book they come to an agreement to be mates. It's mutually advantageous to both of them. Hunter gets protection, and it's not like Odin was going to let him go anyway, he's safer with Odin. And Odin gets Hunter to give in to him and he gets the bonus of the power that Hunter can give to him while also keeping Hunter out of any other shout's hands (i.e. Isa and Wren)
They continue to rub their relationship in Isa's face. They have various confrontations and solidify themselves as a united front, on the path from what they lie to themselves and say is a relationship of convenience to a relationship of feelings. A battle is brewing between the Snow (Odin) and Frost (Isa) mafia families. The book ends on a cliffhanger with Hunter leaving Odin's club.
What do I like about this book? The author is a good storyteller. The world building is great. I like the emotion and tension between the characters. There's complicated feelings and history. I like that Hunter isn't a doormat. He is distrustful and prickly. He negotiates so that he gets something out of this arrangement. I liked that he insisted on exclusivity. I like that they communicated. They were open with each other. They kept things honest and didn't hide stuff. They built real trust between each other even though they had a lot of reasons not to trust each other. I like that Odin, despite being a cold and morally gray character, wants Hunter's love so bad. He saw the love that Hunter had for his sister as a teen, and he craves experiencing it. He enjoyed the warm affection and fascination from back when Hunter had a crush on him, and he wants more. I love seeing Odin's friends and allies' reaction to Hunter's presence in his life. It was funny to see.
What don't I like about this book?
- the typos! This author has a big problem with homonyms. It badly needs a thorough edit. It's really distracting to me as a reader, though I know in part that's because I start hyper fixating after more than five typos. There's a big difference between rapped and raped. In defense of the author though, book one only had a couple typos, book two was riddled with typos, and book three was pretty much typo free. So book two being particularly bad typo-wise was an exception
- this book is weird in that the book is 303 pages but only 178 pages are Odin and Hunter's story. The rest is a preview of another couple's story that is coming out in 2024. I get the concept of doing a sneak peek of what's coming, but this is kind of crazy that only 60% of the pages are the main couple and 40% is previews of other books. I'm all for supporting an author when I'm reading a Kindle unlimited read and making sure I read all the pages so they get paid, but I'm not flipping through 40%, and I'm not reading that much of a book and spoiling myself for reading it in the future. The ratio is off. Also it's surprised me when all of a sudden at 60% this book was over. It wrecked with my mental patient, I was expecting more, it wasn't a pleasant surprise for the book to be over. So I think this was just a poor choice.
I would have given this book four stars for the good storytelling. But I have to ding it for the typos and the 60/40% ratio decision. They impacted my enjoyment of the book. I should say by the way, I am excited for Wren and Sun's book, and I totally will be reading it when it comes out! I just didn't want it shown to me like this and having it take up so much space!
Some notable moments:
Platonic snuggles always get me! "He’d cleaned them both then climbed beneath the sheets and pulled the Huntsman in close, but it’d been Hunter who’d wrapped his arms around his waist and clung to him. Hunter who’d nuzzled his cheek against the curve of Odin’s neck and sighed in sleepy satisfaction."
"“I’ve only fucked you since that night,” Odin cut him off. “I’ve only wanted to fuck you. That won’t change.” “If it does—” “It won’t.” A thought seemed to strike him and his eyes narrowed. “Whether that’s the case for you or not, whether you go through with this right now or not, make no mistake, Huntsman, mine will be the only cock you take for the rest of your days. If you even so much as dream about welcoming another man into your body, I’ll cut his dick off and make you take me in a pool of his blood.”"
"The look in his eye then when he’d stared at his sister had been so filled with love and attention that Odin had felt something shatter within himself seeing it. No one had ever looked at him like that before. People, even those related to him, tended to gaze at him with fear or respect, but never adoration. Never love. Real, true, unencumbered and no strings attached love. He’d wanted it, this thing he hadn’t even been aware he’d been missing. He’d wanted it with a ferocity that had lit him up inside. And he’d wanted it from Hunter."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2023
welp I deserved that
It was my fault for not reading the reviews to see that book 2 literally ends at 60%, like what the heck??? I get you want to include wrens story but at least do that in another book and not this one about Odin and hunter. I was so excited kept thinking oh my hid hunter finally gets to see this person and there still like 40% left then all of a sudden it ends. I was sadly disappointed and book 2 was super short not really a novel worthy. Could’ve been longer.
It was my fault for not reading the reviews to see that book 2 literally ends at 60%, like what the heck??? I get you want to include wrens story but at least do that in another book and not this one about Odin and hunter. I was so excited kept thinking oh my hid hunter finally gets to see this person and there still like 40% left then all of a sudden it ends. I was sadly disappointed and book 2 was super short not really a novel worthy. Could’ve been longer.
February 24, 2023
I really like this new installment. Read it quickly, got to know the characters better, was getting engaged in the storyline and invested in the romance. I think this series is just getting better and I’m glad to have found this author.
But. It ends at 60%!!! All the content after that is part 1 of a story about a supporting character. A good story? Who knows, I didn’t read it. Thankfully I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited. I can only imagine how enraged I would be if I’d paid for a book that is not only 100 pages shorter, but not what I signed up for to read. I reread the blurb and there’s nothing there about this.
Oh, but what if the story is just a continuation of the main plot from different POVs and is necessary to know for the last book in the trilogy? Then I’ll go back I guess. Anyways I bumped off a star for this.
Also, I wished the book had picked up immediately after the end of the last one, because that’s why I was so eager to read this, so I could see Odin’s immediate reaction to the big revelation the last book was leading to. Just felt let down by that cliffhanger.
But. It ends at 60%!!! All the content after that is part 1 of a story about a supporting character. A good story? Who knows, I didn’t read it. Thankfully I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited. I can only imagine how enraged I would be if I’d paid for a book that is not only 100 pages shorter, but not what I signed up for to read. I reread the blurb and there’s nothing there about this.
Oh, but what if the story is just a continuation of the main plot from different POVs and is necessary to know for the last book in the trilogy? Then I’ll go back I guess. Anyways I bumped off a star for this.
Also, I wished the book had picked up immediately after the end of the last one, because that’s why I was so eager to read this, so I could see Odin’s immediate reaction to the big revelation the last book was leading to. Just felt let down by that cliffhanger.
March 4, 2023
My obsession for the A Whisper In The Dark trilogy is getting out of hand! I just can't get enough of Hunter and Odin. I've been desperately awaiting Don't Breathe A Word ever since I read the impressive first installment You Will Never Know last year and It fast become one of my top reads of 2022!
I wasn't entirely sure how Chani Lynn Feener would top YWNK but I needn't have worried because Don't Breathe A Word far exceeded my expectations. Chani hit us with a glorious display of possessiveness. bringing forth Odin Snow, the Snow Dominus of the Brumal mafia, in all his masculine, alpha, authority over the Liiand Norra red light district and Hunter Thorne, his unwilling "captive" or so he'd have you believe. Odin's in his element when it comes to his Huntsman. The on page chemistry between these two is magnetic and every ounce of tension comes off in waves, it's palpable. I was literally floored by the cliffhanger. If Chani can throw down an ending like that, I can only imagine what the third and final one will bring...
You Will Never Know & Don't Breathe A Word are just the tip of the iceberg and I have feeling we'll be plunged into murky waters for the climatic finale. I can only hope Odin and Hunter come out on top in this feud against Odin's stepbrother Isa. The other half to the Snow family fortune.
I loved getting a glimpse into Wren's story. This man has been such an enigma to me from the beginning. I've been fascinated by his elusive presence. I'm hoping and praying that we will get more from him in the future, somehow. Because honestly I just want more...
More Hunter & Odin, more Wren and Sun (Wren's love interest) And considerably less Isa ( he's a good villain though) Chani, sufficiently made me hate him even more which is no easy feat.
Highly recommend this trilogy. IT'S SO GOOD. Somebody get a bucket of water on Odin & Hunter before they start a blaze, because the heat is unreal.
I wasn't entirely sure how Chani Lynn Feener would top YWNK but I needn't have worried because Don't Breathe A Word far exceeded my expectations. Chani hit us with a glorious display of possessiveness. bringing forth Odin Snow, the Snow Dominus of the Brumal mafia, in all his masculine, alpha, authority over the Liiand Norra red light district and Hunter Thorne, his unwilling "captive" or so he'd have you believe. Odin's in his element when it comes to his Huntsman. The on page chemistry between these two is magnetic and every ounce of tension comes off in waves, it's palpable. I was literally floored by the cliffhanger. If Chani can throw down an ending like that, I can only imagine what the third and final one will bring...
You Will Never Know & Don't Breathe A Word are just the tip of the iceberg and I have feeling we'll be plunged into murky waters for the climatic finale. I can only hope Odin and Hunter come out on top in this feud against Odin's stepbrother Isa. The other half to the Snow family fortune.
I loved getting a glimpse into Wren's story. This man has been such an enigma to me from the beginning. I've been fascinated by his elusive presence. I'm hoping and praying that we will get more from him in the future, somehow. Because honestly I just want more...
More Hunter & Odin, more Wren and Sun (Wren's love interest) And considerably less Isa ( he's a good villain though) Chani, sufficiently made me hate him even more which is no easy feat.
Highly recommend this trilogy. IT'S SO GOOD. Somebody get a bucket of water on Odin & Hunter before they start a blaze, because the heat is unreal.
June 21, 2023
Honestly, I'm giving this rating because of book 1 and my expectations for the final book... I'm trying to see the big picture, and the plot is really good, but this book was just confusing... And not because it ended at 60% and then we got a Wren short (which was great, BTW) ... And again, the plot is TOP SHELF! Chani, you and your dark soul own me!
I loved it, but honestly, the change in their behaviour from the end of book 2 was troubling... We end book 1 with an understanding between them, final revelations... and instead of going forward, they went back? And the whole book of that? They go from building their attraction to love to simply being an attraction. I felt that this book was the inner dialogue of doubts, I want him, but it's not love, but could it be? I will force you; no, you won't; ok, force it... Nonsensical. I also wasn't a fan of the constant recap of events from book one. CONS-TAN-T!
There's equal amounts of rough sex and lovemaking, pushing and cuddling... LOVED IT! And their possessiveness is what makes me breathe. You're mine say it... Yours... It gets to me big time, and Odin and Little Hunter just take it to town!!!
Despite all this, I'm very invested in this story and totally want to see Isa burn, Wren get his own story, and Hunter and Odin leave the Cherry Club for some kickass adventures and solidify their love (yes, because guys, It's FUCKING LOVE, OK? and also Lust, yes!)
I loved it, but honestly, the change in their behaviour from the end of book 2 was troubling... We end book 1 with an understanding between them, final revelations... and instead of going forward, they went back? And the whole book of that? They go from building their attraction to love to simply being an attraction. I felt that this book was the inner dialogue of doubts, I want him, but it's not love, but could it be? I will force you; no, you won't; ok, force it... Nonsensical. I also wasn't a fan of the constant recap of events from book one. CONS-TAN-T!
There's equal amounts of rough sex and lovemaking, pushing and cuddling... LOVED IT! And their possessiveness is what makes me breathe. You're mine say it... Yours... It gets to me big time, and Odin and Little Hunter just take it to town!!!
Despite all this, I'm very invested in this story and totally want to see Isa burn, Wren get his own story, and Hunter and Odin leave the Cherry Club for some kickass adventures and solidify their love (yes, because guys, It's FUCKING LOVE, OK? and also Lust, yes!)
February 24, 2023
Why? Why? Why?
I'm so angry right now. My Kindle, tell me I'm 60% into the book. I turned the page, and I see. Thank you for reading my book. The last book is coming soon.
WTF!?!? When is soon!?!?
I'm so angry right now. My Kindle, tell me I'm 60% into the book. I turned the page, and I see. Thank you for reading my book. The last book is coming soon.
WTF!?!? When is soon!?!?
December 28, 2023
Look, the story deserves no doubt 4★, Odin and Hunter's relationship developed beautifully 😘 The first chapters were again a joy to read. This second part doesn't focus on the world (which I admit I would've liked to discover more about), but on the characters. We see them considering their present situation, their feelings, their options. We see them learn, grow and try to start anew. It was lovely ♥︎
Although it became a little repetitive, especially Hunter's chapters, since we were reminded of what happened in the previous book and in the past a lot. And can you damn explain to me that plot twist?! Despite this, what really made me lower my rating was that only 60% of the book was the actual 2nd book, and the rest were stories that focused on other characters.
And honestly I shouldn't have read Wren's short, cause he turned out to be a shitty person, and not even the shitty but sexy, charming character I actually kinda love, no, he was just plainly awful. It completely changed my perspective of him, I wish I could erase that story from my mind 😖
Although it became a little repetitive, especially Hunter's chapters, since we were reminded of what happened in the previous book and in the past a lot. And can you damn explain to me that plot twist?! Despite this, what really made me lower my rating was that only 60% of the book was the actual 2nd book, and the rest were stories that focused on other characters.
And honestly I shouldn't have read Wren's short, cause he turned out to be a shitty person, and not even the shitty but sexy, charming character I actually kinda love, no, he was just plainly awful. It completely changed my perspective of him, I wish I could erase that story from my mind 😖
July 31, 2023
Excellent!!!!
I love this series! I love the author, Chani Lynn Feener. I love this book, Don't Breathe A Word. I love Hunter
! And I love Odin. And I love them together.
I love this series! I love the author, Chani Lynn Feener. I love this book, Don't Breathe A Word. I love Hunter
! And I love Odin. And I love them together.
September 11, 2023
(DEUTSCH WEITER UNTEN)
Info: I have not read the short story about Wren and Sun, as there is a separate book to come and these were the first chapters of it. So my Kindle copy had 178 pages.
I still have no idea why I read the second (and now the third) part. Volume one didn’t really knock my socks off and it was the same with book two. 178 pages are really „not much“ for a novel and I think it would have been better to put all three parts in one book or to publish only two. As a reader, it just feels very strange when, after 60 percent of the book, a short story about a side character suddenly starts, but you didn’t buy the book because of him. Hach.
But okay, the price is still completely justified; after all, the author has put time and effort into the work.
I found the plot a little disappointing, as not much really happened. The „relationship“ between Odin and Hunter takes on more than just strange traits in an extremely short time and it is all quite illogical and incomprehensible.
In between, I had to laugh again and again because I just couldn’t figure out what was going on in the characters‘ minds and how their thoughts and feelings had developed in such a short time.
One particularly amusing part was when it was said (I hope this was in volume two xD) that Hunter needs food and drink most of the time after the blood exchange because his circulation is just a little weak. Is Odin suddenly a vampire?! How much blood does a Shout need to drink from the Whisper to get strong? It sounds as if he would drink him completely empty.
The whole theme is simply not described well enough, because I really found it a bit ... forced and overdramatised.
It’s just all a bit clichéd.
The ending, in my opinion, was far too unrealistic and conjured out of thin air and Hunter’s reaction was more like a teenager had designed the scene. It just feels like not enough time is given to the plot and character development.
(DEUTSCH)
Info: Ich habe die Kurzgeschichte rund um Wren und Sun nicht gelesen, da dazu noch ein separates Buch kommen soll und dies die ersten Kapitel davon waren. Mein Kindle Exemplar hatte also 178 Seiten.
Ich habe noch immer keine Ahnung, warum ich den zweiten (und nun den dritten) Teil noch gelesen habe. Band eins hat mich schon nicht so vom Hocker gehauen und genauso ging es in Band zwei weiter. 178 Seiten sind wirklich „wenig“ für einen Roman und ich denke, es wäre besser gewesen, alle drei Teile in ein Buch zu packen oder nur zwei Bände zu veröffentlichen. Es fühlt sich als Leser*in einfach sehr komisch an, wenn nach 60 Prozent des Buches plötzlich eine Kurzgeschichte von einem Nebencharakter losgeht, wegen dem man das Buch ja aber nicht gekauft hat. Hach.
Aber okay, der Preis ist jedoch noch immer völlig gerechtfertigt; immerhin hat die Autorin Zeit und Mühe in das Werk gesteckt.
Den Inhalt fand ich ein wenig enttäuschend, ist doch an sich gar nicht wirklich viel passiert. Die „Beziehung“ zwischen Odin und Hunter nimmt mehr als nur seltsame Züge in extrem kurzer Zeit an und es ist alles recht unlogisch und nicht nachvollziehbar.
Zwischendrin musste ich einfach immer wieder lachen, weil ich einfach nicht darauf klargekommen bin, was in den Charakteren abgegangen ist und wohin sich ihre Gedanken und Gefühle in so kurzer Zeit entwickelt haben.
Eine besonders amüsante Stelle fand ich jene, wo gesagt wurde, (hoffe, das war in Band zwei xD) das Hunter nach dem Blutaustausch meistens Essen und Trinken braucht, da sein Kreislauf einfach ein wenig schwach ist. Ist Odin plötzlich ein Vampir?! Wie viel Blut muss ein Shout denn vom Whisper trinken, um stark zu werden? Klingt ja so, als würde der den komplett leer trinken.
Die ganze Thematik ist einfach nicht gut genug beschrieben, denn ich fand es wirklich ein wenig ... aufgesetzt und überdramatisiert.
Es ist einfach alles ein wenig klischeehaft.
Das Ende war meiner Meinung nach viel zu unrealistisch und aus dem Nichts gezaubert und Hunters Reaktion war eher so, als hätte ein Teenager die Szene entworfen. Es fühlt sich einfach so an, als würde sich nicht ausreichend Zeit für den Plot und die Charakterentwicklung gelassen.
Info: I have not read the short story about Wren and Sun, as there is a separate book to come and these were the first chapters of it. So my Kindle copy had 178 pages.
I still have no idea why I read the second (and now the third) part. Volume one didn’t really knock my socks off and it was the same with book two. 178 pages are really „not much“ for a novel and I think it would have been better to put all three parts in one book or to publish only two. As a reader, it just feels very strange when, after 60 percent of the book, a short story about a side character suddenly starts, but you didn’t buy the book because of him. Hach.
But okay, the price is still completely justified; after all, the author has put time and effort into the work.
I found the plot a little disappointing, as not much really happened. The „relationship“ between Odin and Hunter takes on more than just strange traits in an extremely short time and it is all quite illogical and incomprehensible.
In between, I had to laugh again and again because I just couldn’t figure out what was going on in the characters‘ minds and how their thoughts and feelings had developed in such a short time.
One particularly amusing part was when it was said (I hope this was in volume two xD) that Hunter needs food and drink most of the time after the blood exchange because his circulation is just a little weak. Is Odin suddenly a vampire?! How much blood does a Shout need to drink from the Whisper to get strong? It sounds as if he would drink him completely empty.
The whole theme is simply not described well enough, because I really found it a bit ... forced and overdramatised.
It’s just all a bit clichéd.
The ending, in my opinion, was far too unrealistic and conjured out of thin air and Hunter’s reaction was more like a teenager had designed the scene. It just feels like not enough time is given to the plot and character development.
(DEUTSCH)
Info: Ich habe die Kurzgeschichte rund um Wren und Sun nicht gelesen, da dazu noch ein separates Buch kommen soll und dies die ersten Kapitel davon waren. Mein Kindle Exemplar hatte also 178 Seiten.
Ich habe noch immer keine Ahnung, warum ich den zweiten (und nun den dritten) Teil noch gelesen habe. Band eins hat mich schon nicht so vom Hocker gehauen und genauso ging es in Band zwei weiter. 178 Seiten sind wirklich „wenig“ für einen Roman und ich denke, es wäre besser gewesen, alle drei Teile in ein Buch zu packen oder nur zwei Bände zu veröffentlichen. Es fühlt sich als Leser*in einfach sehr komisch an, wenn nach 60 Prozent des Buches plötzlich eine Kurzgeschichte von einem Nebencharakter losgeht, wegen dem man das Buch ja aber nicht gekauft hat. Hach.
Aber okay, der Preis ist jedoch noch immer völlig gerechtfertigt; immerhin hat die Autorin Zeit und Mühe in das Werk gesteckt.
Den Inhalt fand ich ein wenig enttäuschend, ist doch an sich gar nicht wirklich viel passiert. Die „Beziehung“ zwischen Odin und Hunter nimmt mehr als nur seltsame Züge in extrem kurzer Zeit an und es ist alles recht unlogisch und nicht nachvollziehbar.
Zwischendrin musste ich einfach immer wieder lachen, weil ich einfach nicht darauf klargekommen bin, was in den Charakteren abgegangen ist und wohin sich ihre Gedanken und Gefühle in so kurzer Zeit entwickelt haben.
Eine besonders amüsante Stelle fand ich jene, wo gesagt wurde, (hoffe, das war in Band zwei xD) das Hunter nach dem Blutaustausch meistens Essen und Trinken braucht, da sein Kreislauf einfach ein wenig schwach ist. Ist Odin plötzlich ein Vampir?! Wie viel Blut muss ein Shout denn vom Whisper trinken, um stark zu werden? Klingt ja so, als würde der den komplett leer trinken.
Die ganze Thematik ist einfach nicht gut genug beschrieben, denn ich fand es wirklich ein wenig ... aufgesetzt und überdramatisiert.
Es ist einfach alles ein wenig klischeehaft.
Das Ende war meiner Meinung nach viel zu unrealistisch und aus dem Nichts gezaubert und Hunters Reaktion war eher so, als hätte ein Teenager die Szene entworfen. Es fühlt sich einfach so an, als würde sich nicht ausreichend Zeit für den Plot und die Charakterentwicklung gelassen.
November 8, 2023
Let me start with, I love Hunt. He was the best MC I could ask for. He wasn't a doormat, a toy to be manipulated easily or anything of the sort. He always stood his ground with a strong sense of "I matter" and I loved him for it.
Now I get why the reviews was so mixed regard the development of the characters, their relationship and the internal -and I quote- 'repetitive' monologues. I'm all in for an emotional ride, we got to see them as they took mini tiny little steps in their relationship, and that may put some people off but not me. I actually saw this coming from the very beginning as the author focused on their relationship and past. The issues of doubt and distrust were bound to come as well as the vicissitudes of psychological changes. When I said tiny little steps, I didn't specify which direction they may take, forward or backward.
The cliffhanger at the end was fabulous, while not unexpected it managed to get me on the edge of the my chair. I'm so glad the third book is already out. I wouldn't have survived the anticipation.
Well it's more of a thought that plagued my mind and wouldn't leave it-what a wild imagination-, an assumption about book 3.
Now I get why the reviews was so mixed regard the development of the characters, their relationship and the internal -and I quote- 'repetitive' monologues. I'm all in for an emotional ride, we got to see them as they took mini tiny little steps in their relationship, and that may put some people off but not me. I actually saw this coming from the very beginning as the author focused on their relationship and past. The issues of doubt and distrust were bound to come as well as the vicissitudes of psychological changes. When I said tiny little steps, I didn't specify which direction they may take, forward or backward.
The cliffhanger at the end was fabulous, while not unexpected it managed to get me on the edge of the my chair. I'm so glad the third book is already out. I wouldn't have survived the anticipation.
Well it's more of a thought that plagued my mind and wouldn't leave it
February 24, 2023
Don’t Breathe a Word is the direct sequel to Chani Lynn Feener’s dark MM scifi mafia romance You Will Never Know and the second installment in the A Whisper in the Dark trilogy. Hunter has now been Odin’s captive for months, the man he betrayed all those years ago that cost both of them everything. And after a moment of weakness, Odin now knows a secret about Hunter that means he will never let him go.
Nothing much actually happens in this second installment so it definitely suffers from middle book syndrome. There’s just a whole lot of graphic sex and and some maneuverings. But what is present is definitely just as sexy and nearly as dark (although lines of consent have forever been blurred in Odin and Hunter’s relationship). They must navigate their feelings for each other and how their shared history of in requited desire and ultimate betrayal has shaped them into the men they are today. And looming in the background is Isa Frost, Odin’s step brother and the architect of both their downfalls.
Don’t Breathe a Word is a short gay mafia romance with some scifi and fantasy elements that is both dark and easy to read. I’d recommend waiting for the final installment then just binging the whole thing.
Nothing much actually happens in this second installment so it definitely suffers from middle book syndrome. There’s just a whole lot of graphic sex and and some maneuverings. But what is present is definitely just as sexy and nearly as dark (although lines of consent have forever been blurred in Odin and Hunter’s relationship). They must navigate their feelings for each other and how their shared history of in requited desire and ultimate betrayal has shaped them into the men they are today. And looming in the background is Isa Frost, Odin’s step brother and the architect of both their downfalls.
Don’t Breathe a Word is a short gay mafia romance with some scifi and fantasy elements that is both dark and easy to read. I’d recommend waiting for the final installment then just binging the whole thing.
February 20, 2023
Oh my god, I don’t know how long I can hold out for the next book. This is so good.
Odin has upped his possessiveness of Hunter in this and I loved it. The hate/love relationship these 2 have is brilliant. I just adore this series so far. It’s just too good and I need the last book NOW!
Steamy, suspenseful, cheeky and just great. Love both these guys. Can’t wait for more.
Odin has upped his possessiveness of Hunter in this and I loved it. The hate/love relationship these 2 have is brilliant. I just adore this series so far. It’s just too good and I need the last book NOW!
Steamy, suspenseful, cheeky and just great. Love both these guys. Can’t wait for more.
March 4, 2023
I wish I had read the other reviews and realized that the book ends at 60%. I already hate it in general, when the last 10% are cut off, but 40%?? And there isnt really something big happening in the first half.
June 18, 2023
And the storey continues
Short and quick read, loving the adventure and danger.... And the heat! Two great main characters that deserve their HEA!
Short and quick read, loving the adventure and danger.... And the heat! Two great main characters that deserve their HEA!
February 24, 2023
Again, NO LUBE EVER, with rough sex.
Short serial with abrupt ending.
Ceasefire on the endless back and forth, love hate.
Contrived surprise plot twists to keep plot going.
Short serial with abrupt ending.
Ceasefire on the endless back and forth, love hate.
Contrived surprise plot twists to keep plot going.
April 3, 2025
4.5 stars
Overall this was a super fun second book! I enjoyed the relationship progression and I’m always happy when both MCs are completely unhinged and suit one another. When one is a normal person it’s just creepy to me. No issue with that here.
This was very much a middle book, but I had fun with the focus being on the relationship between the MCs, with the implication that book 3 will resume the heavier plot. I liked seeing both of the unhinged MCs come to terms with some things.
Hunter is a 30 year old cis man. He might be assumed to be gay since he only mentions past male lovers or attraction to men, but his sexuality isn’t specified. Last book he was kidnapped and imprisoned by Odin. This book he struggles with coming to terms with the fact that he kind of likes that sort of thing from Odin.
Odin is a 28 year old cis man. He’s bisexual and has been openly into men and women. His serious relationships tend to be with men (all both of them). Last book he buried and denied his feelings for Hunter now and in the past. This book he’s coming to terms with it and realizes he wants to be Hunter’s family.
Once again, many wrong words used, and several other typos and grammatical errors. Sometimes people changed positions without warning so it was baffling how someone was reaching or moving a certain way. It didn’t make it unreadable though.
>>“A punctured lung and ruptured ople,” the doctor said. That was part of the body that helped break down toxins and was found on the right side.<<
…… a ruptured what now?
Contains:
—dubious consent
—“you’re saying no but your body says yes”
—“I hate you but I want you”
—character conflicted about wanting and not wanting sex with other MC
—anal sex without lube
—apparently queernorm world (yay!)
—apparent lack or reduced amount of misogyny and racism in this universe (yay!)
—bloodletting and blood drinking for magical purposes (but often during sex)
——ends on a cliffhanger
Other:
—third person dual POV
—romantic rival: yes, Odin’s step-brother and ex-boyfriend Isa is determined to have Odin back. Odin still had some complicated feelings toward Isa but never wants to get back together.
—cheating: no
—breakup: no
—kids: no
—sex: strict roles. Odin tops and Hunter bottoms
—HEA: no, ends on a cliffhanger
He may have managed to keep this secret all these years, but even the small chance that another Shout could discover what Hunter was before Odin had mated him…A low growl slipped past his lips.
“I told you, Huntsman,” Odin practically purred as he brought his face close to his, “every time you try and convince me to let you leave, I get anxious thinking you’re going to try and run.” He licked a line up the left curve of Hunter’s jaw, up to his ear. “What did I say I want to do to you whenever that happens?”
…
“I said,” he interrupted, pulling back to hold Hunter’s gaze with his own as one of his hands slipped between them, “I would fuck you so hard, and so often you wouldn’t be able to walk for days, let alone run.” He brushed the backs of his knuckles down the soft inner flesh of Hunter’s thigh, the touch deceptively gentle. “That’d I’d stuff your ass with my cock and fill you with my come until your voice is so hoarse from screaming my name you won’t be able to speak either.”
Hunter shook his head, but it was already too late, and he knew it.
“When are you going to realize, Huntsman,” Odin said, “that you’re mine?”
And he’d been telling the truth. He was tired. Tired of fighting the Snow Dominus, sure, but more so tired of fighting himself. He wanted Odin Snow. He always had.
“I’ve only fucked you since that night,” Odin cut him off. “I’ve only wanted to fuck you. That won’t change.”
“If it does—”
“It won’t.” A thought seemed to strike him and his eyes narrowed. “Whether that’s the case for you or not, whether you go through with this right now or not, make no mistake, Huntsman, mine will be the only cock you take for the rest of your days. If you even so much as dream about welcoming another man into your body, I’ll cut his dick off and make you take me in a pool of his blood.”
“That goes without saying.” Hunter tried not to let on how dark that threat had been. Or how it’d made him a little bit hard. What the hell was wrong with him?
“Does it?” Odin stared at him challengingly and
Hunter nodded. “I won’t let anyone else touch me willingly,” he said, “but if you ever let anyone touch me—”
“That’s never going to happen,” he practically spat, as if the very idea of someone else laying their hands on Hunter in any capacity made him instantly murderous.
“Should we invite him to join us?” Isa suggested. “Share him, for old times’ sake?” The drink in Odin’s hand burst into flames, but without breaking a sweat, he set it down behind him, reigning in his power before the glass shattered. “You can’t be serious?” Isa glared. “You like him so much you’d even lose control over a tiny comment like that one?”
“We’re going to mate,” Odin said, voice husky and low, “Tonight. I’m going to have you bouncing on my cock and screaming my name, and then we’re going to exchange blood and complete the bond. Agree, Little Whisper.”
He winked and grinned at Laurie, and had he not been head over heels for Clark, I might have been tempted to remind him that Laurie was a married man. Married to me, thank you very much.
“Do you know what I really want?” Odin waited but when he didn’t reply continued on his own. “I want your love, Huntsman. I want you to care about me and only me. I want to be your family.”
Hunter sucked in a sharp breath, but Snow wasn’t finished.
“I like when you show concern for my wellbeing and when you participate in meetings like this, Brumal affairs, as if they’re your own. I like seeing you walk around the club, and sleeping in our bed, or reading by the fireplace. I like seeing you toss Loni over your shoulder on the training mats and how you’ve come to care for her like a friend.��
“Your [Hunter] always on my mind. I wonder if you’ve eaten or if you’re getting enough rest. If the twins are being nice to you or if some other asshole has tried to lay hands on you in one of the bars. If you think about me too…”
Somehow, someway, Club Cherry had become more than a cage to him. It was his [Hunter’s]home.
Odin would understand. And if he didn’t right away, Hunter would make him. Things were different between them now, and though he’d remained in the club, it’d been because he’d chosen to. This, leaving, was also a choice. And so was the plan to come back.
Overall this was a super fun second book! I enjoyed the relationship progression and I’m always happy when both MCs are completely unhinged and suit one another. When one is a normal person it’s just creepy to me. No issue with that here.
This was very much a middle book, but I had fun with the focus being on the relationship between the MCs, with the implication that book 3 will resume the heavier plot. I liked seeing both of the unhinged MCs come to terms with some things.
Hunter is a 30 year old cis man. He might be assumed to be gay since he only mentions past male lovers or attraction to men, but his sexuality isn’t specified. Last book he was kidnapped and imprisoned by Odin. This book he struggles with coming to terms with the fact that he kind of likes that sort of thing from Odin.
Odin is a 28 year old cis man. He’s bisexual and has been openly into men and women. His serious relationships tend to be with men (all both of them). Last book he buried and denied his feelings for Hunter now and in the past. This book he’s coming to terms with it and realizes he wants to be Hunter’s family.
Once again, many wrong words used, and several other typos and grammatical errors. Sometimes people changed positions without warning so it was baffling how someone was reaching or moving a certain way. It didn’t make it unreadable though.
>>“A punctured lung and ruptured ople,” the doctor said. That was part of the body that helped break down toxins and was found on the right side.<<
…… a ruptured what now?
Contains:
—dubious consent
—“you’re saying no but your body says yes”
—“I hate you but I want you”
—character conflicted about wanting and not wanting sex with other MC
—anal sex without lube
—apparently queernorm world (yay!)
—apparent lack or reduced amount of misogyny and racism in this universe (yay!)
—bloodletting and blood drinking for magical purposes (but often during sex)
——ends on a cliffhanger
Other:
—third person dual POV
—romantic rival: yes, Odin’s step-brother and ex-boyfriend Isa is determined to have Odin back. Odin still had some complicated feelings toward Isa but never wants to get back together.
—cheating: no
—breakup: no
—kids: no
—sex: strict roles. Odin tops and Hunter bottoms
—HEA: no, ends on a cliffhanger
He may have managed to keep this secret all these years, but even the small chance that another Shout could discover what Hunter was before Odin had mated him…A low growl slipped past his lips.
“I told you, Huntsman,” Odin practically purred as he brought his face close to his, “every time you try and convince me to let you leave, I get anxious thinking you’re going to try and run.” He licked a line up the left curve of Hunter’s jaw, up to his ear. “What did I say I want to do to you whenever that happens?”
…
“I said,” he interrupted, pulling back to hold Hunter’s gaze with his own as one of his hands slipped between them, “I would fuck you so hard, and so often you wouldn’t be able to walk for days, let alone run.” He brushed the backs of his knuckles down the soft inner flesh of Hunter’s thigh, the touch deceptively gentle. “That’d I’d stuff your ass with my cock and fill you with my come until your voice is so hoarse from screaming my name you won’t be able to speak either.”
Hunter shook his head, but it was already too late, and he knew it.
“When are you going to realize, Huntsman,” Odin said, “that you’re mine?”
And he’d been telling the truth. He was tired. Tired of fighting the Snow Dominus, sure, but more so tired of fighting himself. He wanted Odin Snow. He always had.
“I’ve only fucked you since that night,” Odin cut him off. “I’ve only wanted to fuck you. That won’t change.”
“If it does—”
“It won’t.” A thought seemed to strike him and his eyes narrowed. “Whether that’s the case for you or not, whether you go through with this right now or not, make no mistake, Huntsman, mine will be the only cock you take for the rest of your days. If you even so much as dream about welcoming another man into your body, I’ll cut his dick off and make you take me in a pool of his blood.”
“That goes without saying.” Hunter tried not to let on how dark that threat had been. Or how it’d made him a little bit hard. What the hell was wrong with him?
“Does it?” Odin stared at him challengingly and
Hunter nodded. “I won’t let anyone else touch me willingly,” he said, “but if you ever let anyone touch me—”
“That’s never going to happen,” he practically spat, as if the very idea of someone else laying their hands on Hunter in any capacity made him instantly murderous.
“Should we invite him to join us?” Isa suggested. “Share him, for old times’ sake?” The drink in Odin’s hand burst into flames, but without breaking a sweat, he set it down behind him, reigning in his power before the glass shattered. “You can’t be serious?” Isa glared. “You like him so much you’d even lose control over a tiny comment like that one?”
“We’re going to mate,” Odin said, voice husky and low, “Tonight. I’m going to have you bouncing on my cock and screaming my name, and then we’re going to exchange blood and complete the bond. Agree, Little Whisper.”
He winked and grinned at Laurie, and had he not been head over heels for Clark, I might have been tempted to remind him that Laurie was a married man. Married to me, thank you very much.
“Do you know what I really want?” Odin waited but when he didn’t reply continued on his own. “I want your love, Huntsman. I want you to care about me and only me. I want to be your family.”
Hunter sucked in a sharp breath, but Snow wasn’t finished.
“I like when you show concern for my wellbeing and when you participate in meetings like this, Brumal affairs, as if they’re your own. I like seeing you walk around the club, and sleeping in our bed, or reading by the fireplace. I like seeing you toss Loni over your shoulder on the training mats and how you’ve come to care for her like a friend.��
“Your [Hunter] always on my mind. I wonder if you’ve eaten or if you’re getting enough rest. If the twins are being nice to you or if some other asshole has tried to lay hands on you in one of the bars. If you think about me too…”
Somehow, someway, Club Cherry had become more than a cage to him. It was his [Hunter’s]home.
Odin would understand. And if he didn’t right away, Hunter would make him. Things were different between them now, and though he’d remained in the club, it’d been because he’d chosen to. This, leaving, was also a choice. And so was the plan to come back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
Ohhhhh Hunter!!!! Odin not gonna be happy... Nope not one bit!!!
May 21, 2025
I couldn't even tell you what happened in this book because of my anger that it ENDED at 60% through. I dont understand the reasoning. Absolutely stupid.
November 13, 2023
Didn't like having a cliffhanger at under 70%, meaning this was a novella. . .
Even with a few chapters of Wren & Sun (Odin's club manager), I wasn't happy at having less than two hundred pages of Odin and Hunter's story. Truthfully, I'm annoyed since the first book ended at 88% on my Kindle (I have Word Wise fully activated, so that percentage is probably smaller, since WW inserts one and a half spaces for the definitions appearing above selected words), and I always am leery of a short series (2-3 books) when the books are under 300 pages each. If you're going for novellas, be honest about it, and please charge a novella price instead of the current asking price.
That said, Hunter's situation with Odin seems tenuous with Isa throwing his icy weight around as well as threatening Odin, and by extension, possibly Wren's territory and people, too. Not a great place for a cliffhanger, but at least they mated, even though Hunter isn't content or feeling entirely safe. Also, quite a few typos that weren't noticeable in book one were distracting here. Three solid stars, because the storyline and plot twists are great.
Even with a few chapters of Wren & Sun (Odin's club manager), I wasn't happy at having less than two hundred pages of Odin and Hunter's story. Truthfully, I'm annoyed since the first book ended at 88% on my Kindle (I have Word Wise fully activated, so that percentage is probably smaller, since WW inserts one and a half spaces for the definitions appearing above selected words), and I always am leery of a short series (2-3 books) when the books are under 300 pages each. If you're going for novellas, be honest about it, and please charge a novella price instead of the current asking price.
That said, Hunter's situation with Odin seems tenuous with Isa throwing his icy weight around as well as threatening Odin, and by extension, possibly Wren's territory and people, too. Not a great place for a cliffhanger, but at least they mated, even though Hunter isn't content or feeling entirely safe. Also, quite a few typos that weren't noticeable in book one were distracting here. Three solid stars, because the storyline and plot twists are great.
May 13, 2025
El final (con respecto a la parte de Hunter y Odín) me dejó muy alerta; es que, simplemente, me preocupa mucho lo que vaya a pasarle a Hunter. Aaaaah, necesito urgentemente leer el tercero; tengo que ver cómo termina esto, tanto el amorío de la pareja principal como la guerra que está armando Isa por celos. 😭
No le di las 5 estrellas porque sí, hubo un GRAN desarrollo con Odín y Hunter, pero algo que no me gusta es que le den protagonismo a una pareja secundaria. Y no me malentiendan, me gusta leer series, pero la diferencia está en que cada parejita tiene su propio libro y, también, YO decido si leerlos o no. Acá no entiendo por qué la autora nos metió hasta el final una pareja que me hubiera gustado conocer teniendo su propio libro. Solo espero que en el siguiente libro no tengan tantas apariciones, porque, como digo, en esta trilogía solo me interesa la pareja principal.
Si sirve de "consuelo", la pareja secundaria sí me gustó, pero esto no quita el hecho de que yo no quiera que me metan contenido de ellos en el siguiente libro. Es que, si simplemente me lo hubieran planteado para otro libro, con gusto lo hubiera leído, pero no fue el caso.
No le di las 5 estrellas porque sí, hubo un GRAN desarrollo con Odín y Hunter, pero algo que no me gusta es que le den protagonismo a una pareja secundaria. Y no me malentiendan, me gusta leer series, pero la diferencia está en que cada parejita tiene su propio libro y, también, YO decido si leerlos o no. Acá no entiendo por qué la autora nos metió hasta el final una pareja que me hubiera gustado conocer teniendo su propio libro. Solo espero que en el siguiente libro no tengan tantas apariciones, porque, como digo, en esta trilogía solo me interesa la pareja principal.
Si sirve de "consuelo", la pareja secundaria sí me gustó, pero esto no quita el hecho de que yo no quiera que me metan contenido de ellos en el siguiente libro. Es que, si simplemente me lo hubieran planteado para otro libro, con gusto lo hubiera leído, pero no fue el caso.
February 24, 2023
Wow, this book breezed by. Plus the extra little bonus chapter with Wren at the end was the icing on the cake. I love how we got to see Odin and Hunters relationship grow in this book and you get to see how Hunter comes to accept his fate and actually want a role in Odin’s life. Being able to see all these complex emotions between Odin and Hunter and how Hunter is actually starting to enjoy living at club cherry. Plus the plot twist at the ending has me waiting to know what happens next. I have really enjoyed reading this series and I really don’t want it to end. Plus I’m excited to see another side to Wren in the second half of his novella at the end of book 3. Even though this book had its slow places where I just wanted to skim it and skip it, I greatly enjoyed reading it and I cannot wait to find out what happens in book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2025
Eh, me gusto más el primero. Siento que de alguna forma Odin era mucho mejor ser humano. En el anterior libro decia que nunca abus*ria de alguien, pero en este hace caso omiso cuando Hunter le dice no (que el cuerpo de Hunter haya reaccionado no significa que haya sido consentido), medio dudoso ese consentimiento.
Me hubiese gustado que la relación entre Odin y Hunter avanzara en lugar de retroceder (no se qué esperaba, el tipo es un mafioso, pero estoy casi segura que en el anterior libro no era tan animal), aquí se siente como si Odin fuera Isa, se comporta como un imbecil, me molesta que no le muestra ni un poquito de preocupación a Hunter, se que no se quieren mucho, pero igual.
Ya pero, siento que el pobre de Hunter en su propio libro no participa, toda lo bueno se lo lleva Odin y el no hace nada más que estar atrapado en esa habitación y en sus pensamientos.
Me hubiese gustado que la relación entre Odin y Hunter avanzara en lugar de retroceder (no se qué esperaba, el tipo es un mafioso, pero estoy casi segura que en el anterior libro no era tan animal), aquí se siente como si Odin fuera Isa, se comporta como un imbecil, me molesta que no le muestra ni un poquito de preocupación a Hunter, se que no se quieren mucho, pero igual.
Ya pero, siento que el pobre de Hunter en su propio libro no participa, toda lo bueno se lo lleva Odin y el no hace nada más que estar atrapado en esa habitación y en sus pensamientos.
April 3, 2023
Oof, that ending! I can’t wait for the next book. I like that the slow burn is still rolling with these two in a way. It feels more natural that they aren’t immediately in love, but they also don’t want to be without each other. Also, the possessiveness was off the charts and I was OBSESSED with it.
It should be said that this is more novella length, and then includes the first part of a short story! I haven’t read the short yet, because I actually prefer to just read the whole thing, but I’m excited to learn more about Wren!
I’m also now dying for the next book in the series. Because I did not see that coming…
It should be said that this is more novella length, and then includes the first part of a short story! I haven’t read the short yet, because I actually prefer to just read the whole thing, but I’m excited to learn more about Wren!
I’m also now dying for the next book in the series. Because I did not see that coming…
December 1, 2024
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