The Silence of Monsters

The Monsters Duet #1

by Jay Crownover

Win Halliday lives an extraordinary life.
​
When he moves, the rest of the world moves with him. As the heir to the Halliday name and fortune, Win’s entire life has been carefully orchestrated from the moment he came into the world. He’s never been allowed to aspire for anything outside that plan, including love. After the tragedy that followed his younger brother chasing his foolish heart, the Halliday Matriarch insists on picking a bride that’s up to her outrageously high standards.
​
Unfortunately, for all the eager bachelorettes, the only woman Win would ever consider marrying isn’t found anywhere on his mother’s list.
​
He’s got his eye on the exceptionally ordinary, Channing Harvey.
​
There’s so much history and hatred between the two of them, that a happily ever after is impossible. Win doesn’t need forever, he just needs to get his tyrannical mother off his back.
​
Channing’s not interested in his millions or his ridiculous contract marriage offer, but she’s about to learn that Win Halliday is relentless. This is the first decision Win has made with only himself in mind, and nothing’s going to stop him from getting what he wants.
​
They're getting married, and God help whoever gets in Win’s way — including his very reluctant bride-to-be.
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The only monsters found within this novel are of the human variety. But they’re still scary!

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Audiobook, New Adult, Contemporary

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2024

About the author

Jay Crownover is the International and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point and Breaking Point Series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.
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Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'T𝐇E S𝐈L𝐄N𝐂E O𝐅 𝐌O𝐍S𝐓E𝐑S' Is the first full length romance book in (The Monsters) duet by author Jay Crownover. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' 'C𝐇A𝐑A𝐂T𝐄R𝐒' Win (forty three years old) & Channing (35 years old). This does end on a cliffy.

I haven't read a book by this author for years so when I saw this drop on Amazon with a beautiful cover I couldn't wait to grab it..

T𝐑O𝐏E𝐒:
Arranged marriage
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Serial Killer
Gothic haunted manor vibes
Billionaire

This sucked me in right away, the haunted manor vibe gave me shivers down my spine, I absolutely loved the twists and turns this took me on, and really loved seeing how they had each others backs when it was most vital, this was a slow burn which got its hooks into me and never let go, I can not wait for the next book. He came from money, she came from nothing but at the end of the day none of that mattered when his eyes became wide open.

With being the CEO of the family business and the sole carer of his niece, Winchester doesn't have much time for anything else in life. Now with his interfering mother badgering him to get married and parading every single woman she can throughout the house he decides to take matters into his own hands and go for the one woman his mother hates with a passion.

Enter Channing, with two divorces under her belt, she's a happy go lucky glass full kind of girl, who enjoys working in an antique shop and is sworn off men due to falling in love too fast and with the wrong ones.

So when Win devices a plan to get his mother off his back, Channing doesn't stand a chance against his marriage arrangement, He's ruthless when it comes to getting what he needs, one phone call to her boss and she's unemployed ✔️ He buys the building she lives in ✔️ And if she digs her feet in more he'll kick her best friend out of her salon and make it that she won't be able to afford to relocate anywhere else.

[Inés Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am simply speechless. The writing ,the plot, was utterly amazingly done. I was at the edge of my seat. It was a story that sucked me in from the beginning. A journey full of secrets and twists. I enjoyed it, and that ending left me excited for more.

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read if you like: Enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, rich man–poor woman, suspenseful family drama, dark secrets, powerful alpha males.

📚 Win Halliday has it all—money, power, and a life dictated by the whims of his controlling mother. But when his heart pulls him toward the one woman his family would never approve of, he’s ready to break all the rules. Channing Harvey is everything Win isn't: bold, fiery, and far removed from his luxurious world. She has no interest in Win's fortune or his twisted contract marriage proposal, but Win is relentless. He doesn’t just want Channing—he needs her, even if he has to bend the rules of morality to get his way. What starts as a battle of wills soon uncovers buried secrets, dark manipulations, and unexpected alliances.

👨‍👧 Win Halliday is the epitome of a brooding, powerful alpha with layers of vulnerability beneath his tough exterior. His relentless pursuit of Channing reveals his deeper struggles, making him far more complex than just an arrogant heir. Channing, on the other hand, is vibrant, strong-willed, and unapologetically herself, bringing a refreshing contrast to Win’s cold, calculated world. Together, they are a storm waiting to happen.

💞 The chemistry between Win and Channing is electric. Their dynamic is rooted in tension, passion, and a shared history that ties them together in ways neither could have imagined. Watching their enemies-to-lovers journey unfold is a thrilling ride, filled with fiery exchanges, tender moments, and a growing understanding that neither can resist.

👧 The Halliday Manor itself is almost like a character, with its dark, secret-filled walls adding to the intrigue. And of course, there’s the Halliday Matriarch, a figure you'll love to hate. Other side characters add richness to the story, enhancing the tangled web of loyalty, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.

✍️ Jay Crownover masterfully weaves suspense, drama, and romance into this intense story. The twists and turns kept me glued to the pages, always wondering what would happen next. The writing is sharp, with a perfect blend of emotional depth and high-stakes tension.

🌟 This story was perfectly written and was just the right amount of everything you are looking for. If you love gripping family drama, fiery romance, and characters you can’t help but root for, this book will leave you breathless.

📲 **QOTD: What’s a book with family drama that had you hooked until the last page?**👇

#BookReview #JayCrownover #TheSilenceOfMonsters #EnemiesToLovers #OppositesAttract #RomanceBooks #SuspensefulReads #MustRead #FictionLover #Bookstagram #RomanceAddict #BookRecommendation #BooksToRead #FamilyDrama #DarkSecrets

[Clara · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5☆
Cuando hay una vieja tan maldita y tan turbia, suele ser la fuente de los problemas, tip para la vida.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silence of Monsters is book #1 of The Monsters Duet. Jay Crownover has brought us something unique that is much different from her other books. As Jay states: it is "suppose to have BIG K-drama, telenoveia and old school soap opera vibes. With a splash of Phantom of the Opera thrown in for good measure."

The book had a good pace. There is a lot going on, but it is easy to follow. There are characters you love and some that you hate. I think she hit the bullseye with her intentions.

I loved Channing. She is loyal, tough, and just a beautiful soul. Winnie was so fun. And then there is "Win" aka Winchester and Alistair. Both are driven and strong. There are many other twists and mystery vibes as the story progresses.

I will admit I was not happy that the book ended on a cliff. I admire Jay Crownover for wanting her readers to have a full story that is not rushed at the end but I was not expecting a cliff, so it took me by surprise. There are some triggers and a lot of drama. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel!

I have been reading Jay since 2013 when I came across Rule. And I am excited that Rule will be coming to the big screen in 2024! But for now, I will wait...

#AuthorJayCrownover #TheSilenceofMonsters #WinAndChanning #mystery #romance #suspense #arrangedmarriage #cliff

[Lisbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

No fue lo que esperaba.

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 "Enemies with benefits!!!" stars***



"I always knew he was a ruthless man. But I had no idea just how brutal he could be, until I became his target."

I knew that i was going to love this story from the first moment I laid eyes on the title, and Jay Crownover proved me right!!!
I am not particularly happy that this book ended on a cliffy, but I am happy that at least one big thing in here was completed and I agree with the author that if she had ended the story there, it would have felt rushed and incomplete!!!
I loved this story very much!!! Forced proximity and fake marriage are my favorite tropes and I liked the way Jay had written it!!!
She had added a splash of mystery, suspense and so many skeletons on everyone's closet that from time to time things were getting a little creepy.
I can not wait to see what will happen next!!!

"This feels like the start of trouble I can't afford to get myself into. We both know what happens when someone from my family plays with fire near someone from your family. Neither of us have recovered from the flames, Chester."

Winchester is the heir of a great fortune... Work and taking care of his niece is the only life he is having, and lately, his mother is bothering him to get marry...
But he only have one woman on his mind.... Channing, his enemy, the thorn of his side...
And then a crazy idea is coming to him and he is determined to make Channing his wife no matter if she wants it or not... And he will stop at nothing to succeed into this goal!!!

"When you were forced into a life you never wanted, it was best to turn off your emotions to maintain your sanity. I excelled at forgetting how to feel anything -unless I was dealing with Channing Harvey."

Channing is a free spirit... She is spontaneous and she is living her life with no complications... She has loved many times, but never the right guy...
She hates Winchester with a passion and when he is proposing to marry him for two years in order to get off his back his evil mother, Channing wants to end him... But her big fat no means nothing to the ruthless billionaire...
Will she managed to live under the same room with her new, unwanted 'husband' before they end up killing each other???

"We were toying with something that could be harder to control than a firestorm. Feelings were far scarier than flames."

I loved the general idea of Win and Channing's unwilling marriage, but at the same time, there were happening so many intriguing things at the background...
There were hidden secrets everywhere around them and strange things were happening all the time...
Will Win and Channing join forces to get into the bottom of this madness???
Will their fake marriage become something more real???
Will they survive the ones who are against them from the very first moment???

"The man had everything. The last thing he needed was my heart."

Yep, I am enamored with this couple, even though they weren't a true couple for most of the time...
Channing was an amazing woman, so strong and persistent... She was very powerful, even though she didn't know it!!! I liked that she was never backing down from any challenge!!!!
Winchester seemed like a not so good man in the beginning, but this man had so much depth in him... His feelings for Channing were shining through the pages and I liked how protective he was of her and Winnie...
These two were the perfect match, even though they seemed so oppossite from each other...
And I am really dying to read the last chapter of their wild and very intriguing story.

"What if I want to keep you longer, Channing?"

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[RebelGirlz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaaaaaaaayyyyyyy......Whyyyyyy?????

To say I was on the edge of my seat is an understatement. I have loved her writing for years. She doesn’t write easy love.

But Win? He is everything you love to hate on the surface but when he loosens his tie and shows his true self? I'm not sure how far away Channing can keep him.

Channing is a total badass in her own right. She gives as good as she gets.

The twists and turns of this roller coaster are a new ride. Jay kept me guessing and shocked me more than any other writer.

That ending.....

Jayyyy I could hate and love you for that ending...I'm hooked, I'm addicted to these characters. What's next for the Halliday/Harvey clan?

[Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story kept me guessing on so many levels all the way through to the end of the book.
It is a romantic suspense and an awesome modern gothic, which I am a huge fan of. I love the atmosphere set; the secrets, the creepy vibes, the unexplained happenings and even the question of people’s mental stability. It has all the classic gothic elements in a spooky mansion overlooking the foggy ocean. And, of course there’s a wicked, conniving character trying to make everyone dance to her tune.
Channing is an awesome FMC, she struggles, but lands on her feet, she’s loyal and so dedicated to her niece, Winnie who lost both her parents tragically as a baby.
Win (Winchester) is Winnie’s Uncle and guardian. He’s a billionaire, the heir to the Halliday, old money family fortune. He is a bit cutthroat, but he truly cares for Winnie. It makes him endearing despite some of his behavior.
A fake wedding ensues between Win and Channing, things start to get creepier at the Halliday mansion and lines get crossed between Channing and Win.
Without spoiling anything I can’t say much more.
The writing is sharp, the characters are fantastic, the pace is perfect and I love where the story goes. I was stunned by the end, I was suspicious of a lot, but I definitely did not guess what was really happening. It’s a fantastic shocker and then, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. It’s a manageable one, that’s the only reassurance I can give. Needless to say, I cannot wait for the conclusion! I love this world and the characters so much!

[Book Obsessions (Amber) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down!!! I loved every bit of this book and cannot wait for the second book!

First of all, Jay Crownover’s characters are known for having unique names and Winchester is one of my favorites. Win is also my favorite character in this book as I feel he had the most growth, even with life throwing him curveballs. He might have made some mistakes in the past, but he was actively trying to be better.

Channing was just a bright firecracker that came in to this family and rocked their world! She set things in motion that lead to secrets being exposed and really was a hero of this story. I won’t spoil it, but just trust me :)

This book had mystery, romance, a hot billionaire single uncle, and more drama than should be legal! I loved it!

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 25%.

If you're going to write enemies to lovers, they can't both be in love with each other and yet act like assholes to each other.

I am not a fan of this dude keeping the niece and Aunt apart but thinking he's "putting up a front" to make her think that he doesn't like her.

It's obvious that no one would think that they are liked if their potential partner was absolutely cruel and acted like an asshole to them constantly! I don't have hope for any healthy relationship in this book and I'm giving up.

[Lenagoddelus · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

Pss ha estado interesante, sisis.

[Lager Lefse Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her early years, I had read anything by Jay Crownover, but then life pulls at you, as well as finding other authors, and I lost my interactions with Jay Crownover. However, I saw this book, and I had to read it.

Some tropes that pulled me in are:
Gothic/haunted manor
Arranged marriage.
Enemies to lovers
Opposites attract.
Secrets, oh so many secrets

Winchester (Win) Halliday is the eldest of the family who is raising his niece, Winnie, along with being the CEO of the family company. Win is begrudgingly living a life that he wouldn’t have envisioned for himself. The only bright spot in his life is his niece, Winnie. He will do anything to keep her safe and feel well-loved, even if it means keeping her away from her grandmother.

Enter Channing Harvey, the bane of Win’s existence and aunt to Winnie. Channing is everything that Win despises (or is she)? She is carefree, bold, loyal, and not enamored by the riches of the well-to-do.

To protect Winnie, they begrudgingly agree to an arranged marriage. In doing so, many Halliday secrets are slowly divulged throughout the book.

TSoM was well paced. I knew that this would end on a cliffy, however, it read so well that I forgot about that until I read that last word, and then I screamed, ‘Gah’ all over again. I can not wait for book 2.

[Erin Under_Covers_Smut_Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Advance Readers Copy)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice: 🌶🌶.5

First, this book ends on a cliffhanger. Let's get that out of the way. I thought things were going to finally end up in a HEA. Then Channing had to run off. Which was so unlike her character. She is such a loving and caring person. Why leave Win exactly when he needs her the most? It was confusing, but maybe she was confused. I don't know, though. I was sorely upset she just disappeared.

I know that Win was a man with no heart, it seemed. But you can't say that as the book progressed, he wasn't throwing sentences out there that Channing could tell he wanted her. Hell, he even saved her life and protected her. It left me baffled that this woman who loves love just up and left Win when he needed her the most. Ugh, it just upset me. Even though Channing's ex-husband #2 seemed to know that she felt something deeper than hate for Win. Why couldn't Channing figure it out. Even if not, she could have stayed while Win healed. There was even a part when Win saved her, Channing said when we got out of here in going to yell at him. Then she just disappeared. This just bothered me.

Tropes:
- Billionaire Romance
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Fake Marriage
- Forced Proximity
- Soap Opera Vibes Drama
- Mental Illness
- Enemies to Lovers
- CLIFFHANGER

Winchester Halliday is the CFO of a multi-billionaire real estate mongul that has been in his family for generations. He is the guardian of his niece Winnie. Win moved back home to the Cove with his god-awful mother, Collette, when she threatened suicide. Ever since him and Winnie moved back to his mother's mansion, things just haven't been going right. Win runs himself ragged dealing with work, his niece's nightmares, and now his mother is getting to set him up with women to marry.

Channing Harvy is doing a 1-year self-love and staying away from men. She's out of her 2nd marriage. She doesn't need a lot to survive. She switches jobs a lot and places to live. She despises money and thinks it's the route to all evil. She takes care of her mother, who is in a mental institution. Channing also hates all things Halliday, except for her niece Winnie. Channing and Win share the same trauma when it comes to their siblings. The only difference is that Channing's sister was blamed for the whole thing. That doesn't bother Channing, though. She knows mental illness loves in her family but also blames Win's family for how his mother treated her sister.

Win needs out of his mother's pushing for him to marriage. He's 43 and taking care of Winnie and a company. He doesn't have time for a wife. He comes up with a solution that he thinks will solve his problem. He is going to marry Channing. It will be fake, of course. In his mind, Channing is the only person who will stand up to his mother, and it lets her spend more time with Winnie. Channing flat out refuses, but Win pretty much can get whatever he wants. He promises to protect her from his mother. But Channing can't help but think, who will protect Win from his mom.

This book is filled with so many twists and turns and oh my gods. It leaves your mind thinking all this stuff that's crazy and it ends up being even crazier than you imagined. I was so shocked by a lot of things, but then again, I wasn't surprised at others. I enjoyed this book. I just wasn't expecting the cliffhanger. I was honestly disappointed in Channing at the end, and I never thought I'd say that throughout this while book. This is a must-read book. I just hope the author comes out with the next book soon!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 to 5 stars
I went into this blind and it took me on an intriguing journey of twists and turns and left me wanting more of these characters.

Winchester Halliday is a miserable, rigid, impatient powerful, wealthy, successful heir to the Halliday legacy. He seems like an alphahole but there are many layers to him.

Channing Harvey is a flighty, vibrant, bold, sassy, big-hearted, and loyal woman from a not-so-affluent family. Her past and current life situation are complicated and messy.

They are tied together through tragic circumstances and someone they both care about, but they feel they are enemies and seem to thrive on riling each other up. But Winn has decided that acquiring Channing into his life like a business deal could solve several of their issues. And he does not really care if Channing is prepared to fight him on it or not.

A bit of extortion and blackmail just scratch the surface but digging deeper reveals a tangled web of secrets, manipulation, deception, betrayal, and surprises. It kept me invested in the characters as they became more vulnerable and worked together trying to find the answers. And it had me on the edge of my seat as secrets were revealed and the suspense kept building.

It's an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, rich man-poor woman story wrapped up in a suspenseful and mysterious soap opera with family dynamics and dark secrets.

The Halliday Manor is a character in itself with its dark history and layers of secrets. There is one character that I absolutely hated with a passion. There were other side characters I liked and added depth to the story. I enjoyed Win and Channing's chemistry. They are fiery, passionate, determined, and devoted to those they care about. I was surprised when I got to the last page and was not ready to say goodbye to them at the end and I cannot wait to see more from these characters.

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[Ptiteaurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je suis fan absolue de Jay et j'ai lu tous ses romans. Ce qui est génial avec sa plume c'est qu'elle parvient encore à me surprendre, roman après après. Cette romance n'est pas comme les autres. Certes, nous avons des tropes connues en romance comme le faux mariage mais cela va au delà. Si j'avais réussi à deviner certaines choses, j'ai été épatée par cette fin qui donne terriblement envie de lire la suite.

Channing Harvey est une jeune femme de 35 ans qui est combative car la vie ne lui a pas fait de cadeau. Sa mère souffre de troubles mentaux, elle a perdu sa soeur Willow et le seul parent qu'il lui reste est Winnie, sa nièce. Elle a eu un passé tumultueux et il ne faut pas lui parler des Halliday. Ils ont fait de sa vie un enfer et elle fera tout pour préserver sa nièce de cet enfer. Par la force des choses, elle va retourner au manoir, The Cove, puisqu'elle va accepter un faux mariage avec Chester afin de pouvoir suivre et aider Winnie qui a quelques soucis. J'ai adoré cette femme car elle ne se laissera jamais abattre et elle est la seule qui ose tenir tête à Colette, cette matriarche diabolique qui est prête à tout quand on ne va pas dans son sens.

Winchester
Halliday est à la tête de Halliday Inc, il gère les affaires d'une main de maître. Il a tout pour être heureux mais il ne l'est pas. L'argent fait le bonheur selon le dicton mais il est un homme renfermé sur lui-même qui ne voit pas le désarroi de sa nièce. Channing va le rendre plus humain et nous prouver qu'il peut éprouver des émotions. On va se poser plein de questions à son égard et le récit nous donnera raison. Il est à mille lieux de saisir les tenants et les aboutissants, comme nous pauvres lecteurs, et j'ai adoré le voir s'ouvrir à Channing mais surtout à Winnie. Il fait tout pour sauver cette dernière des griffes de sa grand-mère et il faudra donc découvrir ce que l'avenir leur réserve à tous.

Bref, je n'en dirai pas plus mais je me suis clairement éclatée avec cette nouvelle romance de Jay Crownover. J'ai hâte de connaître la date de sortie du prochain tome de cette duologie merveilleuse. Une lecture comme j'en lis rarement.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With wealth comes responsibility, a burden that Winn knows all too well. With a family legacy to maintain, the weight upon Winn’s shoulders grows larger by the day. The Halliday empire holds the power to ‘break’ those around them, but secrets surrounding the family legacy will find a way to sneak into Winn’s life.

Channing Harvey is the opposite of everything Halliday related. The hatred between Channing and Winn is at an all-time high. What Channing doesn’t realize is Winn has a plan, and that thought will come crashing into Channing’s life in the most unexpected of ways. Who would have thought Winn’s sworn enemy would become his wife?

The Silence of Monsters is the latest release from Jay Crownover. This new release is packed with a story reminiscent of those days sitting glued to the television watching your favorite soap opera. The roller coaster plot keeps readers glued to the novel, waiting for the next big plot drop. Winn and Channing are definitely the couple I am rooting for!! Grab your copy of The Silence of Monsters TODAY!!

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are mine.

I have loved Jay’s books for years. I found Jay through her Marked Men series and I have eaten up her books since then and this one is no exception. Jay nailed this book. The plot, the pace, the characters…? Simply amazing. Jay always gives us unique characters and stories. She gave us billionaire romance, spice, mystery, fake marriage, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, and forced proximity. AND he is a single uncle!!! He is the guardian to his niece!

Jay keeps you on the edge of your seat with her twists and turns. She keeps you wanting to know what happens next. She sucks you in and you go for a great journey and before you know it you’ve flown through the whole book. I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to everyone. It does end on a cliff hanger and there will be a book two and I cannot wait to read it!

[Ashley Speakman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Crownover knocked this story out of the park. Channing is a regular everyday person thrown into the richest of the rich. Winchester is a rich prick who you want to dislike but end up loving by the end. The monster in this book was worse than Delores Umbridge. Evil, twisted, manipulative. This book was so good. I was shocked by the last chapter. I can't wait to see what is in store for the second part of this duet!

[BookPaige · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of The Silence of Monsters. I have always enjoyed Jay Crownover's books, and this was no exception. The plot of the story is enemies to lovers, there's family history/drama and a rich boy/ poor girl trope.

The FMC, Channing, is very relatable, she seems like a normal girl who has had a hard life. She has been through highs and lows. She has had failure and success but she has got through it all. She is strong, brave, caring and kind. She is instantly likeable.

The MMC, Win, is a different story, to begin with, I did NOT like him! He was arrogant and seemed to be manipulative. However, as the story progresses he redeems himself. The more you learn about him and his life you understand his character.

I like that the story is in Dual POV as it gives us an insight into the feelings and thoughts of both main characters. It's part of why MMC became so likeable for me. I was able to see his thoughts and his self-reflection and self-awareness.

All the side characters added to the story and intrigued me! I loved Winnie, Alistair and Rocco. I also loved the characters of Roan and Salome. I liked that the FMC had positive friendships with males and females and there was no obvious toxic jealously trope.

The story does include aspects ill mental health and suicide. However, I feel like these are dealt with well. I like that Jay Crownover included a trigger warning in the Foreword of the book. Including how you can get help with such issues.

This book does end on a cliffhanger and I normally hate these kinds of books. However, for this story, I think it was truly needed to resolve everything. It would have finished too quickly and abruptly if this was a standalone.

The story is very soap opera-ish, over the top, twists and turns. However, I think that's the vibe Jay was going for and I love it! The twists were predictable. But still enjoyable.

I can not wait for the next book in the series!

[Karline05 Un brin de lecture · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.unbrindelecture.com/2024/0...
Un excellent premier tome ! J'ai adoré la relation ennemies to lovers de Channing et Win qui sont deux personnages attachants et haut en couleur. L'intrigue réserve plein de bonnes surprises et je trouve que l'autrice se renouvelle encore une fois avec cette histoire. Vivement la suite !!!
An excellent first volume! I loved Channing and Win's enemies-to-lovers relationship, two endearing and colorful characters. The plot is full of good surprises and I think the author has done it again with this story. Can't wait for the sequel!

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Jay Crownover has a brand new release out. From that unique cover and blurb + my love for Jay's words, and reading this beauty was a must. The Silence of Monsters was interesting.. complicated, twisty, steamy, and chocked full of angst and drama that will leave you hanging on to all the words.. and Win and Channing? They're just getting started y'all.

Whew wee. What a cliffy this book left us with! Definitely ready for the next book and the conclusion for Win and Channing.

I can't recommend this author enough y'all.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empezó tranqui. Y fue cada vez mejor!!

[Kirstie Ohara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hell! It was dark and twisty and kept me guessing the whole book. It definitely had old Hollywood vibes, with a little spice thrown in. Highly recommend

[Kenz.reads21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book 10 stars if I could. Have you ever read a book and then immediately wish you could read it again for the first time because it was so great? That was this book for me! I was hooked from the first chapter. I LOVED Win and Channing. Definitely recommend grabbing this!

**I received this book as an ARC and am doing this review completely voluntarily and of my own opinion**

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is bizarre. I felt no connection between the H and h and then you throw in an absolute whack job mom, "monsters", billionaire vs. poor and it was just too much. I won't be reading the next book.

[Cassandra 🍁☕️📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

-3.5 stars

[Lauren Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

One day, I will finally realized that the majority of highly rated books (highly- over 4.2 ish) aside from romantasy and pure dark novels I will not like.
I like the premise of this book but was by no means shocked at the twists. Read far too many thrillers to not see that one coming.
The first 50% one thing happens, and it’s not riveting enough the carry the whole first half of the book. I almost DNFd.
I kept reading bc I liked the MMC and FMC. But they could both have used more depth and the excuse Win hated Channging makes sense when you know the end, which he never did. Three stars is for this reason
Anyway if you aren’t a heavy mystery reader you’ll like this. And if you don’t like dark romances with spice city this will be good for you.
Won’t be rushing to read the next one

[Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I normally like this author, but this one didn't work for me. I liked Channing and her niece, but Win...not so much. When the whole marriage of convivence came up, that was it for me. I had struggled with the book, putting it down a couple times and each time it got harder to start again. In the end this one wasn't for me.

[mysticalblaise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4-4.25 stars
🦋 Gothic soap opera vibes
💼 Blackmail marriage contract
🦋 Curvy 35yo divorced FMC who hates his family
💼 Grumpy billionaire MMC who is raising his teenage niece
🦋 Mental health rep
💼“I won't let anything happen to you.”
🦋 Rich guy/poor girl
💼 Enemies with benefits
🦋 Forced proximity
💼 Height difference

This book is the first book in The Monsters Duet by Jay Crownover. Our main couple and their immediate families have a long, sordid past with one another—one that involved a tragedy that neither quite overcame. The one thing that keeps them in each other's orbits is their shared niece. It's perhaps the one bargaining chip our MMC has to keep his meddling mother out of his hair and to get everything he wants. Plus, our FMC hates his family so much, she might just do his bidding out of spite.

Winchester 'Win' Halliday (or Chester as our FMC loves to call him) is our handsome, billionaire anti-hero. He's truly morally gray, doing whatever he wants to get exactly what he wants. Well, anything except hurt his niece. We meet him in the midst of trying to make his teenage ward happy and safe. This for him involves his niece getting, much to his mother's chagrin, more visits with her maternal aunt more often. Said mother also wants Win to finally marry, but, always the cutthroat businessman, our anti-hero sees a way to deal with both issues at once—and he's willing to do anything.

Channing Harvey is the focus of Win's plans. She's a 35-year-old divorced woman, living a quaint, normal life, trying to forget the Hallidays. But with her niece, Channing knows their families will always be connected by devastation and the teenage girl. But Channing wants her niece to know a real life outside of the opulence of the Halliday lifestyle. When Win makes her an offer she quite literally cannot refuse sans terrible consequences, Channing is forced to live with the family she hates—and discovers why her niece believes the house is haunted.

You know when you can just tell an author enjoyed writing a book? This is one of those. This story intrigued me from the blurb and engaged me from the very first paragraph. It was like watching an episode of Dark Shadows. It was horrible privileged people with problems meets gothic soap opera. Win and Channing (or Chester and Harvey as they love to taunt) were two characters that you made you keep score with who won a verbal/wit battle, but who you also wanted to kiss constantly. And THAT ENDING! I really enjoyed this The Silence of Monsters and I cannot wait to see what happens next in The Sound of Secrets.

🌶️🌶️🌶️
The bathroom. The DESK.

Favorite Quote:
"What if I want to keep you longer, Channing?"

Thank you to WordSmith Publicity for a copy of this ARC.