So, I was going to pass on reading this book as MC stories can be sort of hit or miss for me (usually miss) and I had never read this author before. Then it went on sale, so I was tempted more strongly. I was still going to pass on it, though, until I found out that the hero is mute. Not deaf, mute. Hello, catnip. I love unique heroes and heroines, and a mute hero is right up that alley.
Mathias is our nonverbal hero, but for someone who can't talk he says a lot. He signs, of course, but he also makes use of other forms of communication, such as body language, facial expression, and his beautiful connection with his best friend/adopted brother, Bishop. The two of them don't need words. I have to say, this relationship sort of trumped Mathias's love interest, Jessa. I adore Bish, and the love and trust between him and Mathias is sweet and true and breathtaking. At one point they are basically described as being soul mates (minus the romantic factor), a fated match, and I could see it in every one of their interactions. The basic understanding they have of one another was powerful to witness—they often know what the other needs before he even realizes he has a need. They are true brothers, even though they aren't really related. I would read this book again just for Mathias and Bishop, because I love what the author created of their friendship, and I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it in a book I've read.
Jessa, on the other hand, was a little more trying. First, she just hasn't known Mathias very long so there is not the trust that Mathias and Bish have, which is 100% understandable. And then there is the fact that she comes to a decision about something, such as her relationship with Mathias, and the smallest doubt will make her question everything about him. And her husband, Charlie...it takes her a little too long, in my opinion, to wise up to his shit. He tried to sell you, honey. Stop believing anything he says! Her relationship with Mathias is also a little odd. It starts off very sexual, which is fine, I have no problem with that. I do have a little bit of a problem with her sleeping with Mathias and trusting him with her life one minute and the next wondering if he is just playing her. You either trust him with your life or you don't, but you can't waffle about that kind of trust, not to me. I could understand her not giving him that amount of trust right away, but once it is given I don't understand why she keeps revoking it. But she does get better, eventually.
One small naggy thing: Mathias gives Jessa a tattoo. I could swear when he gave it to her it was on her back, but later it is on her hip.