Fairy tales tease the existence of a better life. For Ariella Lambert, they don’t exist, and her trauma-induced selective mutism meant letting go of the future she once dreamed of. Now deeply embedded within the Corsetti mafia family by her sister’s union, she seeks a fraction of control and volunteers herself for an arranged marriage with the head of another crime family. Erico Rossi, underboss of the New York Famiglia, was enthralled by Ariella from their first meeting. After one engagement is broken, he agrees to the offered union to Ariella, with the intent of formulating a loveless marriage. Ariella's expressive silence sparks his interest in her, and soon, Erico wants to know his new wife in every way possible. Sometimes silence can be louder than noise. The Sound in Silence is a mafia romance with content some readers may find triggering.
USA Today Bestselling author M.L. Philpitt writes both dark romance and paranormal romance. When she’s not writing made-up realities, she’s reading them. She lives in Canada with her four pets and survives life with coffee and an obsession with fictional characters, especially the morally grey kind. By day, she masks as a therapist, and is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter so she can be sorted into her Ravenclaw house.
An arranged marriage that helped the two of them find their own happiness.
Erico was supposed to marry Aurora, but in her place is a secret stranger who charmed him at first sight. Ariella decided to take the girl's place and voluntarily went to marry a man she had only seen a couple of times in her life. Forced to be in the world of the mafia, she hopes for a change of scenery.
An unusual love story, how the girl opens up and slowly begins to believe and trust her husband, and what Erico did for his wife.
The book is interesting, and quite easy to follow, the only thing I wanted the characters in the beginning to talk more, and not drag on with conversations.
4 ✨ for this lovely mafia romance. I know it's ironic to have 'lovely' and 'mafia' in the same line but I was only there for their story which was all parts lovely🩷
🌊 Arranged Marriage 🌊 Hero who was couldn't stop thinking about the h after their first meet. Heroine who was hoping for a new beginning 🌊 Both couldn't stay away from each other 🌊 H who was mafia boss for others and total softie for the h 🌊 h who was selectively mute but was the most expressive 🌊 Open and the right sort of communication. Glad we could avoid the miscommunication trope here 👀 🌊 Mental health rep 🌊 Mafia stuff. Enemies. Touch her and die trope :)
Their story was realistic and also interesting to read through. Ariella has a traumatic past to begin with, also inner thoughts were at times insecure and self hating. Loved how Erico's care indirectly helped her overcome her fears and be confident in their relationship. Erico who thought he was not husband material, couldn't build a real romantic relationship couldn't stop but fall for her🌝. Really liked the way Ariella's character was created, yes her brain was a turmoil with negative thoughts but she never gave up on expressing her disappointment on something.
Couldn't put the book down. Lots of interesting elements and subplots. I am surprised on how underrated this book is because even by the end of it I wished I could get a little peak into Ariella and Erico's future life. Safe. Good read❤️🔥
This was the book I’ve been waiting on since the start of the Fractured Ever Afters series. Right from the start something about the character of Ariella had me intrigued, I was so sure she had hidden depths, but I was surprised by just how deep hers were and also that Erico was so open to them. Her back story was heartbreaking and the struggles she faced on a daily basis just to function as she battled her insecurities was so well written. Her character development over The Sound in Silence was fantastic as she overcame her demons, slowly learning to trust Erico and realising that just maybe she was good enough. Erico was the perfect match for her. So dominant on the outside but a marshmallow on the inside or at least when it came to Ariella. If there was the slightest hint of a threat towards her then the Mafia Don came out in full force. Their romance was slowburn but beautiful and he was so tender with Ariella allowing her to set the pace and also take control. A well-deserved five stars for this book.
I didn't expect any of the couples' stories to top Isabelle and Rafaels' story. Beauty and her beast are the best. But omg, did this story tie with theirs!! Ariella and Erico are perfection!!! The softness, the understanding, and the working through trauma were handled beautifully! I loved watching Ariella come into her own. Gaining confidence and shedding the invisibility cloak she wrapped herself in. Her inner voice talking to her and degrading her is probably one of the best portrayals of depression I have ever read. No matter what people do or say, sometimes the voices in our heads tell us different. Depression isn't black or white. It's just there, drowning us until we give in. I love how Erico fought for her. This book was just perfection! And as I'm finished with this series for now, it makes me that much more excited for the next book!
Wow. This book was amazing! An epic slow burn. The character development was just amazing. If you love mafia, arraigned married & slow burn romance you will LOVE this book!
Ariella was just amazing. Her backstory was heartbreaking. The trauma she deals with and her insecurities hurt but the healing throughout this book is so beautiful. She’s such a great and relatable FMC. 𝕄𝕒𝕪𝕓𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙. 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖, 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕣𝕜 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖.
Erico. Omg what a swoon worthy boyfriend. Grumpy vibes. I loved him from the start. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕀'𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕜𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝕙𝕖𝕣. 𝕄𝕪 𝕗𝕒𝕞𝕚𝕝𝕪 𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕕
I was so hoping not only to have a book about Ariella but also about Erico—so it’s even sweeter that this book is about BOTH.
They are UNMATCHED as my favorite couple of this series. Ariella struggles with trauma and mental health issues as a result, and that little voice on the back of her head tells her she doesn’t deserve good things. Erico is a knight in not so shining armor who tries to make things better for Ariella. The journey as to whether or not she will let him is such a SLOWWWWWWWW burn, but man, it’s worth it once you get there 🥵
The authors depiction of depression and anxiety is so raw and real. As a mental health therapist there were many aspects to the mental health piece that I really appreciated.
I had the chance to read this wonderful book as ARC. Thank you so much.
This book is mermaid retelling with mafia vibes. I love retelling as mafia books so reading two in one its just perfection. So if you are into retelling, mafia books with good slow burn, this book is for you.
I loved Ariella and Erico. Their grow up as own at same time as couple was amazing.
Oh my Ariella. Her story made me cry like river. I wanted to join the book and hug her. At least, now she will have her own happy story.
I loved how the author treated the mental issues. It was well done. Thank you for giving voice for the mental issues like anxiety.
There are some quotes I wanted to share (since I loved them 🤭):
“Best of all: Erico helped me uncover a piece of myself that was lost. And reminded me how to make noise.”
“Thank you,” I say simply, cupping his cheek. “Thank you for coming for me.” “Always,”
The dedication was perfect, so I had to include it as one of my favourite quotes too.
“For those who struggle to see the light in the dark. Who find getting out of bed impossible some days. Who prefer to remain invisible in a world full of chaos. You are seen. You are valid. You are allowed to not be okay all the time.”
As my rating for this book is solid 4'5 stars. (I could give it 5 stars but there were a few scenes that were confusing that I didn't let me enjoy it but it was just my personal preference.)
See trigger warnings. She hits a lot of touchy topics in this book but as I'm currently going through some of the same I felt every word. There is a lot that happens in this book that flows perfectly and answers questions from the previous four. I didn't think I would like the male main character in the beginning but I ended up loving him. I cant wait till the next book so I can get more answers.
And the story continues... The Freedom in Captivity (book 4) being my favourite book of the series so far, the bar was set super high for this one. Although I really enjoyed reading The Sound in Silence, TFIC is still number one in this little heart of mine.
Book 5 of the Fractured Ever After series is a Little Mermaid retelling. If you’re familiar with the series, you already know that Ariella is Della’s sister that volunteered to marry Erico, the New York Familia’s underboss. After a traumatic event, Ariella became a selective mute.
I really liked how Erico was written. Alpha male, touch her and I’ll unalive you, we also quickly get to see a softer side of him and that’s a great change for a big bad man. The fact that he cared so much for Ariella (but didn’t want too)... swoon 🫠🫠
Of course, with a mute FMC, miscommunication is inevitable and fortunately in this case, it’s not the whole book! Once they decide to communicate... 👏🏼they communicate 👏🏼 (with a capital “C”). Ariella’s inner dialogue, because she’s been through so much, can be on the heavier side, but once she gets out of her shell (pun intended🤭) and finds her power, believe me, she’ll grow on you. Also, special golden star for the mental health rep. It’s beautifully written, with great care and sensitivity.
As always, M.L. Philpitt has a way to write spicy scenes that not only will live in your head rent free but will also make you weak in the knees 😮💨😮💨
I’m so excited to see what’s in store for us in the final book (but I also don’t want it to end 🥺)!
In this book you’ll find: 🧜♀️Marriage of convenience 🧜♀️He falls first 🧜♀️10 years age gap 🧜♀️Mental health rep ++ 🧜♀️Dominating FMC 🧜♀️Taking back power 🧜♀️Delicious spice
💜Thank you so much to ML Philpitt and The Next Step PR for giving me the privilege of reading an early ARC of this book.
I don't think I could pick a favourite couple from this series anymore. Every new book brings characters I love more and more.
Ariella is Della's younger sister, and she's volunteered herself to marry Erico Rossi after earlier events in the series.
With Ariella being mute due to a traumatic experience a few years before, there is miscommunication, but it doesn't take them long to find a way to communicate well with each other.
Erico was a welcome surprise. He's an Alpha male who will kill anyone that hurts her, but he has a soft and sweet side with Ariella that she needs to see in him.
M.L. Philpitt writes some of the best spicy scenes I've read, and even though this one is more of a slow burn than the others in the series, it still delivers top-tier spice.
There's fantastic representation for mental health in this story, which is written incredibly well.
I'm going to be gutted when this series finishes, but I'm really looking forward to the next book because I need to know what happens next 💜
•Mafia Romance •Arranged Marriage •Age Gap •Mute Heroine •Fairytale retelling (Little Mermaid)
Erico Rossi needs a wife in order to take his father’s place as boss of the New York Famiglia. When his engagement to Aurora ends, Ariella offers to take her place to secure the union between the 2 crime families. She feels a loveless marriage is the only to secure atleast part of her dreams of a happily ever after, children. Erico’s been thinking about Ariella from the moment he met her. And not even learning she has trauma-induced mutism deters his intrigue. His parents immediately disapprove of the marriage & go to extreme lengths to make Erico end the marriage. But he’s already enamored with his silent new wife and the needs he has to learn everything about her.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a journey of love and healing. It was an emotional read and includes some sensitive subjects. Be aware of your triggers.
Ariella and Erico, yes, it is time for another retelling, and I was really waiting for this one. It is a mafia, arranged marriage romance. Only Erico was meant to marry someone else, but it is AriellA who is showing up for the wedding. AriellA is carrying a lot of baggage with her, the troubles from her past, which made her into this insecure and shy woman. But throughout the book, she opens up, and she begins to heal. And it helps of course that Erico is by her side. To the outside world, he may seem like a grump, but next to her, he is a softer man, willing to help her. I loved this book so much, for me, the best in the series.
THE SOUND IN SILENCE by M.L. PHILPITT is book 5 in the Fractured Ever Afters Series. This is the story of Erico and Ariella. Erico Rossi has wanted to take over as boss for the New York Famiglia but the marriage that was arranged fell through. Ariella who has past trauma which has lead her to think she won't be able to deserve more in life has step forward to offer herself up. Ariella feels that she won't be getting anything more and just goes to offer herself. Erico has been taken by Ariella from the start but others don't want agree with this union. Enjoyed
This is one of my favourite books in the Fractured Ever After series
Ariella and Enrico Rossi's story, Ariella who takes the place of Aurora Corsetti to marry the New York mafia boss.
Ariella and Enrico heal each other and traverse the lies and betrayal, to form a true partnership. These two will become two of your favourite characters.
4 1/2 stars I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner. From the very first book in this series Ariella has intrigued me, I believed there was so much more to her character and couldn’t wait to know her better, I definitely wasn’t disappointed. Erico we met in a prior book but it was only a glimpse of his character, in this story, of course, we gain a much deeper insight into what makes him tick too.
This slow burn romance was very much just that—slow! 😀 But then from a realistic point of view, to get to know each other, that’s understandable. To marry without knowing your partner would be so difficult, but to have a partner who was mute, even more so. I loved how Erico could see so much in Ariella, even while trying to insist on her being a means to an end. I think I fell a little in love with his character because of this.
My heart went out to Ariella and her past that created such hardship for her present time. Her low self-esteem made me want to wrap her in cotton wool but that would have been wrong. I enjoying seeing her strength and confidence grow like a blossom opening up.
There is so much more that happens in this story but 🤐 I am not going to spoil it for future readers. This series of fairytale inspired stories told in mafia settings are so clever and this book is every bit as good as the others.
I really really enjoyed this book in the series. The Lambert sister books have been my favorites so far. Della and Nico's book is still #1 for me, but this is a close second! There was so much that went into this book and many different factors that made it good. First, i have been DYING to know what is going on in Ariella's head and we just getting her POV was a relief. Also, Erico's character is tough on the outside but a softy on the inside and it totally took me by surprise. Now bringing these two together was just magical. They fit so well together, and the biggest thing in this relationship was TRUST. Which is so important, and i think had an effect on why i feel for their story so much. It felt real and not all about intimacy. Seeing Ariella open up in this book also made my heart so happy.
I did like the representation in this book too. Ariella has trauma induced mutism. So she isn't able to verbally communicate with others, but she does communicate through writing and ASL. There is also representation of depression, and trigger warning/spoiler: infertility. This book really hits you in the feels.
If you like... Mafia Romance Little Mermaid Inspired Female Dom Bondage A love story that will just make you super happy!!!
Read this!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First, I love Erico. Second, I love Erico. Third, can I have Caladin since Erico’s taken and all?
I’m a sucker for a good old fashion mafia arranged marriage and this book did not disappoint! I loved the storyline and the raw realness of the FMC, as someone who personally deals with the darkness of depression and anxiety, it was amazing being able to relate and understand her struggles. Erico was a dream and everything you expect from a mafia boss who becomes absolutely obsessed with his queen stopping at nothing to give her whatever she wants. Their slow burn was so good, and I adored their relationships with the secondary characters!
I read this around 2-3 weeks ago Its getting a little confusing im reading book after book all romance But i remember damn good it was really good Im even considering reading other books in the series
I’ve been waiting to reach this book since the beginning of the series, and it was so satisfying to finally read Ariella’s story. I absolutely loved every part of it; the pain, the happiness, everything 😭 I love this couple.
Ok this might not be my favourite one (Della & Nico and Aurora/Rosen are my fav) but it’s still a great addition to the series. I think it took too much time for Ariella to open to Erico. I love how this author keeps surprising us (I am talking about the Dom/Sub situation here…. So much better than all the typical mafia tropes) Also so glad the FMC is strong while having very strong personal issues Can’t wait for the final one!!!
Lost for words, unable to breathe, trying to solve the puzzle that is her.
The waters may be rocky as you cruise through life. With the tied wanting to pull you under, pull you deeper until you struggle to find the light of the surface again.
Until that voice inside tells you to fight against the overpowering current and you finally find you can breathe for the first time.
Being a shadow is great. It’s what I’ve always been, and what I continue to be.
Ariella, is more than the girl who lost not only her mother in a tragic car accident but, her voice is now lost to her. Ariella is lost to her former self and now drifts amongst her life with her sister Della's new marriage within the Corsetti mafia family.
With all the drama unfolding, Ariella has been able to fade into the background and bury her head in the sand of comfort. Until, an opportunity one that Ariella once dreamt of is available to her to take and help her family in the process too.
To marry Erico Rossi, underboss of the New York Famiglia and become a mafia wife.
Ariella knows that this could be her only chance, maybe not at a happily ever after with a man who adores her but, to be free from her sisters overprotective side and a taste of finding happiness again. She knows the deal and what is to be expected of her, a loveless marriage and nothing more with Erico only to bring him future heirs.
But this place…this isn’t the dream she once wanted for me.
A kiss seals their deal of marriage, a toast for their new voyage as they travel off and Ariella is feeling the crushing wave of emotions. Erico is very much a mystery to her as she is to him. Together they must find a way to navigate their route and find the hidden treasures as they battle each shipwreck and monsters with sharp teeth that are circling them.
“I’m not the villain you’re making me out to be, Ariella, but if it takes you time to realize that, then so be it.”
This was a beautiful, strong and powerful tale of two far away souls finding something in each other to bring them both happiness they didn’t know they needed.
I’ve been looking forward to reading Ariella's story, with everything that we know already and more that we don’t know. Then with her surprise announcement in the previous book, I knew that this was going to be the perfect base for her.
With Ariella away from the Corsetti family, she was able to really find herself again and we see how much she really does fight each day. I loved how much care went into her character, showing her emotions and her inner thoughts to how she wanted to express herself. This was really well done.
Erico Rossi is the new handsome character and certainly makes his mark within this series. I was really glad that he was introduced, he wears his mask of a fearful mafia underboss-that quickly becomes boss due to his dad stepping away- and really once he sees Ariella he sinks in the sand becoming swept away by her beauty. The fact that Ariella doesn’t speak doesn’t stop him from marrying her and learning how to adapt himself for her.
I loved Ariella & Rossi as a couple, how their story changed and developed them both. I also enjoyed having a different storyline and still having that connection, you can already see other characters making their voices known too.
I can’t wait to see how the last chapter of this series will end…and the opening of new pages to come…
With Nico, she’ll always have a voice. With Erico, I never will. The irony isn’t lost on me.
Tropes: dark romance, mafia romance, Little Mermaid reimagined, tortured heroine, broody hero, morally grey MMC, arranged marriage
Review: A riveting modern reimagining of The Little Mermaid with a dark mafia twist. M.L. Philpit blew my mind in this new romance and I fell more in love with Ariella after reading her story. This dual POV romance has a lot of darker themes and will have you wanting to grab your tissues!
I was shocked with how much I loved Erico’s character in this book. After briefly meeting him in book 3, I was. Unsure how his character would mesh with Ariella. I liked how we got to see their meet cute from his POV and see how the quiet Lambert sister drew out his softer side. His arc in this story was him learning to accept his feelings for Ariella and I. LOVED. EVERY. PAGE. He is a MMC who has a lot of swoon worthy quotes and you can tell how much he grows to love his wife and inherently cares for here right away.
Ariella is also a character who I have been waiting for. Her story is so full of the feels that you will want tissues on hand while reading! M.L. Philpit does a phenomenal job with developing her character and depicting how her struggles affect her daily life. I enjoyed how Ariella was not a perfect FMC and had a lot of darker struggles with life and her place in Erico’s life. I was also thrilled that as they grow closer she begins to trust him with her secrets and her VOICE! The mystery surrounding her being mute is finally explained in this book and I was overjoyed we finally see her overcome some hurdles.
This book is chalk full of tension and chemistry. Erico and Ariella are two MCs whose attraction is felt through the pages. I liked how the steam develops organically in the story. It allowed us to read about how the two of them learned about one another and I also enjoyed how Erico did so many small things in secret to make Ariella smile. Him learning sign language and encouraging her to play music and sing were some of my favorite scenes in the book.
Rating: 100+, Erico and Ariella are my fav in this series now!
M.L. Philpitt has captivated me again! Which honestly, is no surprise.
The Sound in Silence is the fifth book in the Fractured Ever After Series, and what an absolutely beautiful story.
Another amazing reimagining of a favorite fairytale, The Little Mermaid.
Ariella has survived terrible trauma, which has manifested in selective mutism. She has since moved in with her sister Della and is now kin by marriage to Montreal’s most powerful mafia family, the Corsetti’s. Although loved and taken care of, Ariella is alone and craving to gain some semblance of control in her life.
Erico is the underboss to the New York Famiglia and is set for an arranged marriage to the Corsetti’s daughter Aurora. This alliance will be beyond beneficial, especially once Erico becomes the Famiglia’s Boss. When plans suddenly fall through with Aurora and the alliance hangs in the balance, Ariella offers herself up in her stead.
This is a story that traverses mental health and trauma sensitively while being written absolutely beautifully. It weaves through the struggle of someone finding themselves through the care and attention of another. The beauty in an individual finally realizing their worth is transcendent, and I am so here for it.
The Sound in Silence can be read as a standalone, but you should read The Hunt in Elusion to get Ariella’s full story. As I said in a previous review, just when you think you can’t love a couple more, M.L. Philpitt hits you with another amazing, loveable, sexy couple to swoon over. Every book just gets better and better! I am so excited for the next book…I don’t want this series to end!
As I have stated before, you will be utterly consumed by the Corsetti mafia empire.
Thank you, M.L. Philpitt for giving me the opportunity to read the ARCs for this series and taking me on this masterfully written and beautiful dark fairytale journey.
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
4.5 Stars
From the very first book in this series Ariella has intrigued me, I believed there was so much more to her character and couldn’t wait to know her better, I definitely wasn’t disappointed. Erico we met in a prior book but it was only a glimpse of his character, in this story, of course, we gain a much deeper insight into what makes him tick too.
This slow burn romance was very much just that—slow! 😀 But then from a realistic point of view, to get to know each other, that’s understandable. To marry without knowing your partner would be so difficult, but to have a partner who was mute, even more so. I loved how Erico could see so much in Ariella, even while trying to insist on her being a means to an end. I think I fell a little in love with his character because of this.
My heart went out to Ariella and her past that created such hardship for her present time. Her low self-esteem made me want to wrap her in cotton wool but that would have been wrong. I enjoying seeing her strength and confidence grow like a blossom opening up.
There is so much more that happens in this story but 🤐 I am not going to spoil it for future readers. This series of fairytale inspired stories told in mafia settings are so clever and this book is every bit as good as the others.