What do you think?
Rate this book
Silent Is The Heart
One cold night stole everything from Easton Bennick—his childhood, his voice, and the only person who loved him. A ward of the state, left with nothing but pain and no way to communicate it, Hampton Hills Rehabilitation Center feels like a sentence rather than a road to recovery, until Aaron Manicki.
Eight years ago, Hampton Hills was supposed to be a steppingstone in Aaron’s speech pathology career. Dreams shattered, he never imagined ending up right back where he started. Looking for new meaning in his life, Aaron’s curiosity takes him in search of the guarded boy he worked so hard to reach years prior. What he finds is not a shy teen, but a full-grown man with an unexplainable chip on his shoulder.
Determined to integrate himself into Easton’s world, Aaron finds his quest to reach Easton may be as much a road to self-salvation. If Aaron can get Easton to speak, will he be able to hear how silent is the heart?
An MM romance of second-chances, second-guesses, and first love.
Eight years ago, Hampton Hills was supposed to be a steppingstone in Aaron’s speech pathology career. Dreams shattered, he never imagined ending up right back where he started. Looking for new meaning in his life, Aaron’s curiosity takes him in search of the guarded boy he worked so hard to reach years prior. What he finds is not a shy teen, but a full-grown man with an unexplainable chip on his shoulder.
Determined to integrate himself into Easton’s world, Aaron finds his quest to reach Easton may be as much a road to self-salvation. If Aaron can get Easton to speak, will he be able to hear how silent is the heart?
An MM romance of second-chances, second-guesses, and first love.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2025
252 people are currently reading
1351 people want to read
About the author
Dianna Roman
18 books709 followersRomcom author, Dianna Roman, believes in laughter, unsung heroes and heroines, chocolate, talking to yourself, hard work, and above all, love.
She enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns and about characters who don't have this thing called life quite figured out yet.
Dianna lives in the woods where sunsets and gardening are the reason her house may be a bit messy.
She enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns and about characters who don't have this thing called life quite figured out yet.
Dianna lives in the woods where sunsets and gardening are the reason her house may be a bit messy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
March 7, 2025
Part I is where I complain about the formatting:
The Silent Is the Heart ebook file has an embedded sans-serif font. I've used Bookerly, a serif font, for a decade. 99% of ebooks are font agnostic, so it was completely bizarre that I could not choose the font here. The forced-upon-me font was distracting and annoying.
The book file also isn't indexed; thus, no searching capability. I like to search for things like character names, so that was another irritation.
Numerous typos - here, there, and everywhere.
Part II is where I complain about the story:
- First-person, present-tense narrative - jarring.
- Constant internal monologues - no.
- Wooden characters, OTT actions and reactions - all the world's a stage, I guess.
- Immature, melodramatic MCs. Easton was an absolute asshole for like half the story. Aaron was a doormat of epic proportions.
- Ridiculous plot twists; y'all this was Days of Our Lives, Gay Edition.
Juicy spoilers below.
In the midst of all that, Easton goes on a tortured tirade of, I'm not worthy. I'm no good. I'm the son of a criminal. What even is love?
Hamlet has nothing on this guy.
Then Aaron and Easton are together TOGETHER, and it's fine, and Aaron gets a tattoo, and life is jolly. Not sure what they did with that bag of money, but money laundering is a problem for another day.
This book was so bad ... so bad, it was funny. Extra star for the comic relief, but I legit don't know what Dianna Roman was thinking with this one.
The Silent Is the Heart ebook file has an embedded sans-serif font. I've used Bookerly, a serif font, for a decade. 99% of ebooks are font agnostic, so it was completely bizarre that I could not choose the font here. The forced-upon-me font was distracting and annoying.
The book file also isn't indexed; thus, no searching capability. I like to search for things like character names, so that was another irritation.
Numerous typos - here, there, and everywhere.
Part II is where I complain about the story:
- First-person, present-tense narrative - jarring.
- Constant internal monologues - no.
- Wooden characters, OTT actions and reactions - all the world's a stage, I guess.
- Immature, melodramatic MCs. Easton was an absolute asshole for like half the story. Aaron was a doormat of epic proportions.
- Ridiculous plot twists; y'all this was Days of Our Lives, Gay Edition.
Juicy spoilers below.
In the midst of all that, Easton goes on a tortured tirade of, I'm not worthy. I'm no good. I'm the son of a criminal. What even is love?
Hamlet has nothing on this guy.
Then Aaron and Easton are together TOGETHER, and it's fine, and Aaron gets a tattoo, and life is jolly. Not sure what they did with that bag of money, but money laundering is a problem for another day.
This book was so bad ... so bad, it was funny. Extra star for the comic relief, but I legit don't know what Dianna Roman was thinking with this one.
dnf
July 18, 2025DNF @68%
No way. What a load of nonsense...
I should have deeply read a few reviews. Oh my, what a glorious waste of time. I should have stopped earlier, but I still had hope.
You think you're picking up a nice hurt-comfort romance, and then you end up in a soap opera. Honestly, when I read a blurb like that, I expect tear-jerking pages, a bit of a heartbreaking story, and lots of love and comfort, but not the next pile of bullshit around every corner...
No way. What a load of nonsense...
I should have deeply read a few reviews. Oh my, what a glorious waste of time. I should have stopped earlier, but I still had hope.
You think you're picking up a nice hurt-comfort romance, and then you end up in a soap opera. Honestly, when I read a blurb like that, I expect tear-jerking pages, a bit of a heartbreaking story, and lots of love and comfort, but not the next pile of bullshit around every corner...
June 17, 2025
I was really enjoying this book and it felt like it was going to be a 5 star read, right up until that ridiculous twist...and then it completely fell flat for me. It was like eating a slice of cake but realising they'd used salt instead of sugar. It felt completely wrong, threw me completely out of the story, and made me really dislike Aaron because he became this completely different person. I'm a huge fan of drama and stories going off the rails, but this was just too unbelievable.
I also wanted to see Easton meeting Aaron's family, but it never happened because the story went so off track. I would have even preferred an actual redemption arc for Easton's father over what actually happened.
So disappointed!
I also wanted to see Easton meeting Aaron's family, but it never happened because the story went so off track. I would have even preferred an actual redemption arc for Easton's father over what actually happened.
So disappointed!
March 7, 2025
WHAT WAS THAT?
please tell me that this book was written by AI. It has to be. because the number of absurdities per cm2 of paper in this book is appalling. and once again a huge disappointment from dianna roman. it seems to me that "until i saw you" was written by someone else. because how on earth is this possible that the rest of her writing is just a huge mess and utter nonsense? I give up.
please tell me that this book was written by AI. It has to be. because the number of absurdities per cm2 of paper in this book is appalling. and once again a huge disappointment from dianna roman. it seems to me that "until i saw you" was written by someone else. because how on earth is this possible that the rest of her writing is just a huge mess and utter nonsense? I give up.
August 30, 2025
This review is going to be written in two parts for reasons…
Part 1 (first 60%)
Easton has had a horrible childhood because of his father. He’s finally on his way to freedom with his mom because he refuses to stay with him a minute longer. What he doesn’t anticipate is getting in a car accident, losing his mom and ending up in rehab to regain his voice. 17 and all alone, he’s angry at the world until he meets 25 year old, Aaron.
Aaron has had the perfect life. He’s accomplished and loves his job and helping people. He sees so much in young Easton and wants to help him have a better future. Despite being a therapist and patient, they develop a friendship. He makes a lot of breakthrough with Easton and getting him to use his voice.
Easton becomes infatuated with Aaron and almost hero worships him. He’s the light in his dark life and he can’t wait until he’s older and done with rehab so he can maybe pursue him. Only, Aaron hasn’t even considered that possibility and in the blink of an eye, he’s moved away with his soon to be husband, leaving Easton alone and betrayed.
Eight years later, Aaron’s back in town after losing his husband. More lost and confused than ever, he seeks out Easton because he wants to know that at least one thing in his life went right. Still angry and feeling betrayed, Easton wants nothing to do with him!
This story develops beautifully! From friends, to strangers, to lovers - it was everything. The way Aaron’s life crumbled while Easton thrived, and the role reversal somehow gave them the perfect balance for when they were ready for each other again. Now Aaron is the one needing a light in the darkness.
The reason why this is in two parts is because at the 60% mark, I’m in Dianna’s DMs gushing about the perfection that are these characters and the beauty of their love. I’m in paradise and everything is rose coloured. Life is great and the vibes are vibing…
Part 2 (remaining 40%)
This is just my thought process:
“Wait, WHAT?”
“WHO?”
“AND HIM TOO, WHAT?!?”
“The mafia?”
“Brazil?”
“OMG, WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW”
“Aaron why? Don’t be stupid”
“Easton…no”
“AARON…AARON PLEASE”
“oh god”
*cries in sad*
“WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?”
“Is this book a HEA?”
“HE DID WHAT”
“Surely, he didn’t”
“Omg, he DID”
“Wow”
Safe to say…I was NOT prepared for the plot twists that were flung at my vibing vibes…but also…what a ride💀
The writing in any Diana book is just perfect for me and this one was no different. The development of the plot is done just right.
The tatted found family is absolutely adorable and everything they did for Aaron, melted my heart.
The selective mutism and later - Easton’s vocal idiosyncrasies made his words that much more important.
Both MCs and their growth throughout makes you so attached to them, that it’s hard to let go. They deserve all the happiness in the world. The emotions and their connection was so beautiful and sensual and soft.
“I kept thinking how sad it was that his voice wasn’t as perfect as it might’ve been able to be, but I was so wrong. It’s perfect, just as it is. It’s the sound of our broken pasts. It’s the sound of the man that life made him. It’s just as it ought to be.”
Part 1 (first 60%)
Easton has had a horrible childhood because of his father. He’s finally on his way to freedom with his mom because he refuses to stay with him a minute longer. What he doesn’t anticipate is getting in a car accident, losing his mom and ending up in rehab to regain his voice. 17 and all alone, he’s angry at the world until he meets 25 year old, Aaron.
Aaron has had the perfect life. He’s accomplished and loves his job and helping people. He sees so much in young Easton and wants to help him have a better future. Despite being a therapist and patient, they develop a friendship. He makes a lot of breakthrough with Easton and getting him to use his voice.
Easton becomes infatuated with Aaron and almost hero worships him. He’s the light in his dark life and he can’t wait until he’s older and done with rehab so he can maybe pursue him. Only, Aaron hasn’t even considered that possibility and in the blink of an eye, he’s moved away with his soon to be husband, leaving Easton alone and betrayed.
Eight years later, Aaron’s back in town after losing his husband. More lost and confused than ever, he seeks out Easton because he wants to know that at least one thing in his life went right. Still angry and feeling betrayed, Easton wants nothing to do with him!
This story develops beautifully! From friends, to strangers, to lovers - it was everything. The way Aaron’s life crumbled while Easton thrived, and the role reversal somehow gave them the perfect balance for when they were ready for each other again. Now Aaron is the one needing a light in the darkness.
The reason why this is in two parts is because at the 60% mark, I’m in Dianna’s DMs gushing about the perfection that are these characters and the beauty of their love. I’m in paradise and everything is rose coloured. Life is great and the vibes are vibing…
Part 2 (remaining 40%)
This is just my thought process:
“Wait, WHAT?”
“WHO?”
“AND HIM TOO, WHAT?!?”
“The mafia?”
“Brazil?”
“OMG, WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW”
“Aaron why? Don’t be stupid”
“Easton…no”
“AARON…AARON PLEASE”
“oh god”
*cries in sad*
“WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?”
“Is this book a HEA?”
“HE DID WHAT”
“Surely, he didn’t”
“Omg, he DID”
“Wow”
Safe to say…I was NOT prepared for the plot twists that were flung at my vibing vibes…but also…what a ride💀
The writing in any Diana book is just perfect for me and this one was no different. The development of the plot is done just right.
The tatted found family is absolutely adorable and everything they did for Aaron, melted my heart.
The selective mutism and later - Easton’s vocal idiosyncrasies made his words that much more important.
Both MCs and their growth throughout makes you so attached to them, that it’s hard to let go. They deserve all the happiness in the world. The emotions and their connection was so beautiful and sensual and soft.
“I kept thinking how sad it was that his voice wasn’t as perfect as it might’ve been able to be, but I was so wrong. It’s perfect, just as it is. It’s the sound of our broken pasts. It’s the sound of the man that life made him. It’s just as it ought to be.”
Read
April 2, 2025***no rating***
dropped @55%
the moody-ass bitch currently residing inside me somehow lost interest in this story that wasn’t at all bad so far.
dropped @55%
the moody-ass bitch currently residing inside me somehow lost interest in this story that wasn’t at all bad so far.
Read
March 5, 2025DNF - no rating
I really wanted to like it but this was a miss for me. The execution was just not there. The first 20% was mostly telling instead of showing—important information was just glossed over or skipped entirely. The chapters and timeline felt very choppy and too much like an outline of a story. I think it would have been a lot better had the author spent more time fleshing out their relationship in the past so that the present interactions had a bigger impact on the reader.
The book actually started to get good in the middle, and I even enjoyed some of the intimacy moments but then it took a hard turn into ridiculous after the 60% mark with unnecessary drama and eye rolling “twists” that I saw coming a mile away.
And the aerosol cooking spray as lube?!? No, ma’am. Just no. It pulled me right out of the scene, which had been sweet and romantic up until that point. It was truly jarring and unnecessary.
This story had promise but desperately needed some more detailing and a more thorough edit.
I really wanted to like it but this was a miss for me. The execution was just not there. The first 20% was mostly telling instead of showing—important information was just glossed over or skipped entirely. The chapters and timeline felt very choppy and too much like an outline of a story. I think it would have been a lot better had the author spent more time fleshing out their relationship in the past so that the present interactions had a bigger impact on the reader.
The book actually started to get good in the middle, and I even enjoyed some of the intimacy moments but then it took a hard turn into ridiculous after the 60% mark with unnecessary drama and eye rolling “twists” that I saw coming a mile away.
And the aerosol cooking spray as lube?!? No, ma’am. Just no. It pulled me right out of the scene, which had been sweet and romantic up until that point. It was truly jarring and unnecessary.
This story had promise but desperately needed some more detailing and a more thorough edit.
March 6, 2025
Easton and Aaron.
This has some good moments but also cheesy ones that made me roll my eyes a few times.
Plot was a bit over the top but I was thoroughly entertained.
Not my favorite from Dianna but I’d still recommend it.
This has some good moments but also cheesy ones that made me roll my eyes a few times.
Plot was a bit over the top but I was thoroughly entertained.
Not my favorite from Dianna but I’d still recommend it.
September 20, 2025
This was a 3 cheese toastie. And I gobbled it up. There was many a huge grinning cringe and warm heart squeeze along the way.
The cheeses:
🧀Slow boning and “making love” while staring deeply into each others eyes.
🧀Tattoo of Srsly!!!
🧀This confusingly earnest quote: “I’ve never been so grateful as witnessing how silent is the heart. It is the loudest, most beautiful sound in the world”. 🧀🧀🧀
I loved:
❤️This brilliant quote: “The anxiety is still there under the surface like a coral reef, slowly building”. If there was ever a better way to describe how anxiety feels, I haven’t heard it.
❤️Nutella Shakes
❤️The gorgeous cover
❤️Good hurt/comfort and second chance romance
❤️Easton was an excellent character, his disability, his struggles and the way he reacted to situations with Aaron was very interesting.
❤️The night club scene, the chemistry and forbidden nature of it was sizzling, not to mention Maneskins “Beggin’”.
❤️Eastons 17 year old crush on Aaron
❤️ One of our MC’s is named Aaron Manicki. Great name but every time I read it I kept seeing Mankini.
Negatives: (for me)
This was a bit more romantic/ less funny/ less sexy than many of Diannas other books.
Non-consensual kissing of a friend to piss someone else off.
Contemplating having sex when not in the mood and faking an orgasm “if that is what he needs”. There is no way Aaron “needs” to be given a pity fuck. I can not tell you how much I hated this. I hope this bit gets stricken from the book.
Thank you Dianna for allowing me to read this before release date. As always I will look forward to all of your future books.
I recieved an ARC copy and this is my my honest review.
The cheeses:
🧀Slow boning and “making love” while staring deeply into each others eyes.
🧀Tattoo of Srsly!!!
🧀This confusingly earnest quote: “I’ve never been so grateful as witnessing how silent is the heart. It is the loudest, most beautiful sound in the world”. 🧀🧀🧀
I loved:
❤️This brilliant quote: “The anxiety is still there under the surface like a coral reef, slowly building”. If there was ever a better way to describe how anxiety feels, I haven’t heard it.
❤️Nutella Shakes
❤️The gorgeous cover
❤️Good hurt/comfort and second chance romance
❤️Easton was an excellent character, his disability, his struggles and the way he reacted to situations with Aaron was very interesting.
❤️The night club scene, the chemistry and forbidden nature of it was sizzling, not to mention Maneskins “Beggin’”.
❤️Eastons 17 year old crush on Aaron
❤️ One of our MC’s is named Aaron Manicki. Great name but every time I read it I kept seeing Mankini.
Negatives: (for me)
This was a bit more romantic/ less funny/ less sexy than many of Diannas other books.
Non-consensual kissing of a friend to piss someone else off.
Contemplating having sex when not in the mood and faking an orgasm “if that is what he needs”. There is no way Aaron “needs” to be given a pity fuck. I can not tell you how much I hated this. I hope this bit gets stricken from the book.
Thank you Dianna for allowing me to read this before release date. As always I will look forward to all of your future books.
I recieved an ARC copy and this is my my honest review.
March 6, 2025
I had to force myself to pick this book up after about 25%.
It appeared to be a surface-level read and lacked something more. I wasn’t captivated and felt compelled to finish it so I could move on to something else.
Aaron was portrayed as weak and childish, while Easton deserved better. I yearned for more backstory for both characters. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find myself feeling anything other than a neutral ‘meh’ while reading.
It appeared to be a surface-level read and lacked something more. I wasn’t captivated and felt compelled to finish it so I could move on to something else.
Aaron was portrayed as weak and childish, while Easton deserved better. I yearned for more backstory for both characters. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find myself feeling anything other than a neutral ‘meh’ while reading.
March 19, 2025
What in the telenovela did I just read??? This book is a huge mess.
Easton was unlikable the entire time, and Aaron was just spineless.
I’m honestly a bit shocked because I genuinely enjoyed every bit of Until I Saw You, so I don’t know what happened here? Even in the epilogue, it seemed like Aaron still hadn’t gotten his shit together. Till the end their relationship felt unbalanced.
Easton was unlikable the entire time, and Aaron was just spineless.
I’m honestly a bit shocked because I genuinely enjoyed every bit of Until I Saw You, so I don’t know what happened here? Even in the epilogue, it seemed like Aaron still hadn’t gotten his shit together. Till the end their relationship felt unbalanced.
March 6, 2025
The first 70ish% was pretty good, but then the big *thing* happened and everything was so fucking stupid I wanted to throw my e-reader. I lost all respect for Aaron because I can't see anyone with the slightest bit of common sense reacting the way he did (or more accurately, didn't).
Spoilers below:
News flash, if your husband is declared dead and you have a death certificate, YOU ARE NOT LEGALLY MARRIED AND HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO THAT PERSON, JFC. Especially when it's been 2 years!
Spoilers below:
News flash, if your husband is declared dead and you have a death certificate, YOU ARE NOT LEGALLY MARRIED AND HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO THAT PERSON, JFC. Especially when it's been 2 years!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2025
4.5 stars
Reviewing this book is going to be very hard, because I don't want to spoil anything.
I'll start with saying that I believe it's a very beautiful story: Easton and Aaron met when Easton was 17 and in the hospital. He had just lost his mother and had several severe injuries.
Aaron was the speech therapist who helped Easton regain the ability to talk. During their sessions, they became friends and Easton had a huge crush on the man and he couldn't wait to be 18 to see if he had a chance with him.
But Aaron, in love with another doctor, left and never thought about Easton again, until 8 years later, when he came back to town, broke and miserable.
Their reconnection is slow: Easton is angry and almost hateful towards Aaron, he refuses to talk to him with his voice to punish him, while Aaron is confused about the reason why Easton has this very cold behaviour; he's also drowning in his personal problems and he desperately needs something good in his life.
Little by little, Easton realises Aaron is genuinely interested in him and doesn't see him as a project and, at the same time, Aaron understands how much he hurt Easton, leaving like he did.
Their friendship is tentative, they have to navigate between financial problems, loneliness, grief. But when finally they take a chance on each other, oh my gosh, it's glorious!
Romantic feelings and emotional moments flood through the whole book: they first time is one of the most beautiful I ever read in MM romance so far.
Every intercourses is beautiful: there wasn't a single time when they didn't look at each other without love in their eyes.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I lost interest during the third part of the book: it seemed too eccessive and both of them were too blindsided by other things to protect their love.
Especially Aaron: I would have loved for him to be more determined and to stand up for himself, his goodness leaned too much towards docility and naivety. He knew what his heart craved but he struggled to follow it.
Wolf, Easton's best friend and business partner, is a very interesting side character: his behaviour is unclear, there were moments when I tought he could be secretly in love with Easton. I hope the author is planning a book for him too, since his situation at the end is very intriguing.
Overall, I loved it and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Reviewing this book is going to be very hard, because I don't want to spoil anything.
I'll start with saying that I believe it's a very beautiful story: Easton and Aaron met when Easton was 17 and in the hospital. He had just lost his mother and had several severe injuries.
Aaron was the speech therapist who helped Easton regain the ability to talk. During their sessions, they became friends and Easton had a huge crush on the man and he couldn't wait to be 18 to see if he had a chance with him.
But Aaron, in love with another doctor, left and never thought about Easton again, until 8 years later, when he came back to town, broke and miserable.
Their reconnection is slow: Easton is angry and almost hateful towards Aaron, he refuses to talk to him with his voice to punish him, while Aaron is confused about the reason why Easton has this very cold behaviour; he's also drowning in his personal problems and he desperately needs something good in his life.
Little by little, Easton realises Aaron is genuinely interested in him and doesn't see him as a project and, at the same time, Aaron understands how much he hurt Easton, leaving like he did.
Their friendship is tentative, they have to navigate between financial problems, loneliness, grief. But when finally they take a chance on each other, oh my gosh, it's glorious!
Romantic feelings and emotional moments flood through the whole book: they first time is one of the most beautiful I ever read in MM romance so far.
Every intercourses is beautiful: there wasn't a single time when they didn't look at each other without love in their eyes.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I lost interest during the third part of the book: it seemed too eccessive and both of them were too blindsided by other things to protect their love.
Especially Aaron: I would have loved for him to be more determined and to stand up for himself, his goodness leaned too much towards docility and naivety. He knew what his heart craved but he struggled to follow it.
Wolf, Easton's best friend and business partner, is a very interesting side character: his behaviour is unclear, there were moments when I tought he could be secretly in love with Easton. I hope the author is planning a book for him too, since his situation at the end is very intriguing.
Overall, I loved it and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
April 20, 2025
Love Love Love!
I have been looking forward to this, and I'm definitely not disappointed.
Easton and Aaron are absolutely wonderful together.
Loved the MCs, loved the twists and turns, the sweetness, the heat.
Just wonderful ❤️
I have been looking forward to this, and I'm definitely not disappointed.
Easton and Aaron are absolutely wonderful together.
Loved the MCs, loved the twists and turns, the sweetness, the heat.
Just wonderful ❤️
February 16, 2025
Easton • Aaron
….
“I used to make him try to speak when what I should have done was listen. I’ve never been so grateful as witnessing how silent is the heart. It’s the loudest, most beautiful sound in the world.”
….
Dianna Roman is one of my favored authors, Until I Saw You and In The Eye Of The Beholder obliterated me last year so I was so very much eager to read Silent Is The Heart. Even though this book didn’t hit me the same way as the other ones I mentioned above did, Dianna has that “something” factor that will be bringing me to her books every time.
Silent Is The Heart perfectly falls into the category of being an unpredictable one. You feel where it might be taking you and then you’re smacked with twists and turns. It’s a story with a very unique premises and two very different but equally lovable characters.
In all honesty I thought this story will be filled with a little bit more angst which would thump up my heart but it’s filled with so much sweet moments, hope, a bit of unresolved anger and inventible second chances.
If you’re looking for an emotional story with a pinch of suspense this one is for you 🖤.
….
Teddy Swim - Bed On Fire
.
James Arthur - Sad Eyes
….
“I think I want to have a voice again so I can find someone like him to laugh with.” // “Damaged is no longer an accurate description of what I am. I’m just breathing.” // “…he still owns a part of me, something broken and needy deep inside.” // “I feel centered suddenly. It’s as though he cast a line, caught me, and reeled me in with one look, like he knew I was floundering.” // “Search and destroy wasn’t supposed to destroy me along with it.” // “Looking through the doorway to my bedroom, I learn the definition of the word awestruck.” // “My decree is addressed to life for bringing us together.” // “Is there such a thing as a comforting kind of helplessness?” // “…but being ignored is like being invisible. I don’t want to be invisible ever again.” // “He kisses like he’s been studying a map of my mouth his entire life” // “How could anyone ever stand a chance at that smile of his?” // “Sometimes being broken just means you’re missing your other piece…” …
….
*I received an advance copy directly from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“I used to make him try to speak when what I should have done was listen. I’ve never been so grateful as witnessing how silent is the heart. It’s the loudest, most beautiful sound in the world.”
….
Dianna Roman is one of my favored authors, Until I Saw You and In The Eye Of The Beholder obliterated me last year so I was so very much eager to read Silent Is The Heart. Even though this book didn’t hit me the same way as the other ones I mentioned above did, Dianna has that “something” factor that will be bringing me to her books every time.
Silent Is The Heart perfectly falls into the category of being an unpredictable one. You feel where it might be taking you and then you’re smacked with twists and turns. It’s a story with a very unique premises and two very different but equally lovable characters.
In all honesty I thought this story will be filled with a little bit more angst which would thump up my heart but it’s filled with so much sweet moments, hope, a bit of unresolved anger and inventible second chances.
If you’re looking for an emotional story with a pinch of suspense this one is for you 🖤.
….
Teddy Swim - Bed On Fire
.
James Arthur - Sad Eyes
….
“I think I want to have a voice again so I can find someone like him to laugh with.” // “Damaged is no longer an accurate description of what I am. I’m just breathing.” // “…he still owns a part of me, something broken and needy deep inside.” // “I feel centered suddenly. It’s as though he cast a line, caught me, and reeled me in with one look, like he knew I was floundering.” // “Search and destroy wasn’t supposed to destroy me along with it.” // “Looking through the doorway to my bedroom, I learn the definition of the word awestruck.” // “My decree is addressed to life for bringing us together.” // “Is there such a thing as a comforting kind of helplessness?” // “…but being ignored is like being invisible. I don’t want to be invisible ever again.” // “He kisses like he’s been studying a map of my mouth his entire life” // “How could anyone ever stand a chance at that smile of his?” // “Sometimes being broken just means you’re missing your other piece…” …
….
*I received an advance copy directly from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
….
February 20, 2025
Another emotionally charged fantastic read by Dianna Roman! Easton and Aaron first meet when Easton is 17 and in a rehab facility to regain the use of his vocal cords after an accident that killed his mother. Aaron is 8 years older and is starting his speech pathology career. The two make a connection and I loved it. Easton's 17-year-old crush on Aaron is sweet and pining - quite frankly it's perfect. It is not reciprocated by Aaron which makes it 0% creepy. Aaron connects with Easton as a patient and someone he cares about their recovery and he is innocently unaware of Easton's crush. Very well written. Something happens that ends their connection before it even starts and suddenly Aaron is gone.
Eight years later - Easton is a grown man that has made his own way in the world. He has done well for himself and has friends as his family. Aaron is now the lost one - his naivety is earnest and sweet, but does put him in situations to be taken advantange of. And that's how he finds himself back after 8 years away. He looks up Easton because he remembers his patient that he made a connection with and suddenly needs to know if he helped Easton on the road to his recovery.
What ensues is a wary and hurt Easton avoiding Aaron - he knows how much he can be hurt by him and can't fool him twice. But over time, the two learn what happened in each others' lives to bring them to where they are now, and they can't help but be drawn to their connection again, but this time in a different way for Aaron. These MCs are both hurt and hiding and it takes them a bit to realize they don't have to hide from each other. I really love that Aaron needs to be assertive, more than he usually would be, to let Easton know he's safe and that Aaron can be there for him.
Now - I will not write spoilers about this book but lord once you hit the 60% mark, all the things start happening. Whoa - there are some plot twist that you won't see coming. Some I loved, some I didn't as much, but I can't say they weren't all entertaining to read. I was on the edge of my seat the last part of the book to see if any more wrenches would be thrown in their path. There are some big ones.
All in all, I love reading the story of Easton and Aaron - because of Easton and Aaron the characters. I loved them both, I felt their emotions, and I was completely immersed in their story. I had been having trouble finding a book I loved recently and this was what I needed. A fantastic read!
5/5 stars
Eight years later - Easton is a grown man that has made his own way in the world. He has done well for himself and has friends as his family. Aaron is now the lost one - his naivety is earnest and sweet, but does put him in situations to be taken advantange of. And that's how he finds himself back after 8 years away. He looks up Easton because he remembers his patient that he made a connection with and suddenly needs to know if he helped Easton on the road to his recovery.
What ensues is a wary and hurt Easton avoiding Aaron - he knows how much he can be hurt by him and can't fool him twice. But over time, the two learn what happened in each others' lives to bring them to where they are now, and they can't help but be drawn to their connection again, but this time in a different way for Aaron. These MCs are both hurt and hiding and it takes them a bit to realize they don't have to hide from each other. I really love that Aaron needs to be assertive, more than he usually would be, to let Easton know he's safe and that Aaron can be there for him.
Now - I will not write spoilers about this book but lord once you hit the 60% mark, all the things start happening. Whoa - there are some plot twist that you won't see coming. Some I loved, some I didn't as much, but I can't say they weren't all entertaining to read. I was on the edge of my seat the last part of the book to see if any more wrenches would be thrown in their path. There are some big ones.
All in all, I love reading the story of Easton and Aaron - because of Easton and Aaron the characters. I loved them both, I felt their emotions, and I was completely immersed in their story. I had been having trouble finding a book I loved recently and this was what I needed. A fantastic read!
5/5 stars
March 4, 2025
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, hurt / comfort, second chance
Silent is the Heart was a beautiful and emotional slow burn romance, and it was everything I wanted from a second chance romance!
Oh, how I adored the emotions in this one! Easton's crush and pining as a teen were very sweet, and once he and Aaron met again things were definitely emotionally charged between them. These two had been through a lot, especially Easton, and it took them quite some time to work things out and for their relationship to develop. Easton had a lot of conflicted feelings about having Aaron back in his life, and he was initally angry with him, which made sense.
They started out as a tentative friends, and I loved how the feelings slowly built between them. The way Easton's feelings were portrayed was fantastic, and I really enjoyed his PoV. He was wary of Aaron, still being hurt over how things were left off between them back when he was a teenager. Aaron was patience though, and it was sweet how neither of them could really stay away from each other, even at the beginning. Aaron came across as quite naïve and almost too docile at times, but I liked how it helped to highlight the contrasts between his and Easton's personalities.
Silent is the Heart had me captured from the first chapter - Easton and Aaron were both characters that was easy to become invested in and I loved seeing them get their hard earned HEA! There were a few twists and turns along the way that I didn't anticipate, and it gave their story some added layers and suspense. It was overall a fantastic love story, with raw emotions and flawed characters!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, hurt / comfort, second chance
Silent is the Heart was a beautiful and emotional slow burn romance, and it was everything I wanted from a second chance romance!
Oh, how I adored the emotions in this one! Easton's crush and pining as a teen were very sweet, and once he and Aaron met again things were definitely emotionally charged between them. These two had been through a lot, especially Easton, and it took them quite some time to work things out and for their relationship to develop. Easton had a lot of conflicted feelings about having Aaron back in his life, and he was initally angry with him, which made sense.
They started out as a tentative friends, and I loved how the feelings slowly built between them. The way Easton's feelings were portrayed was fantastic, and I really enjoyed his PoV. He was wary of Aaron, still being hurt over how things were left off between them back when he was a teenager. Aaron was patience though, and it was sweet how neither of them could really stay away from each other, even at the beginning. Aaron came across as quite naïve and almost too docile at times, but I liked how it helped to highlight the contrasts between his and Easton's personalities.
Silent is the Heart had me captured from the first chapter - Easton and Aaron were both characters that was easy to become invested in and I loved seeing them get their hard earned HEA! There were a few twists and turns along the way that I didn't anticipate, and it gave their story some added layers and suspense. It was overall a fantastic love story, with raw emotions and flawed characters!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 2, 2025
This book 🥺🥹! An emotional sucker punch to the solar plexus from the first page! I am such a huge fan of the author’s writing having loved everything I’ve ever read from her and this was no exception.
Aaron and Easton’s story is just genuinely beautiful. Both first meeting when they were at completely different places in life, one wide eyed starting off his career abd the other devastated from trauma and loss. Then reconnecting when they both needed it, specially Aaron. His hurt is literally jumping off the pages and Easton, despite everything that boy and man went through, what a huge open heart he has, resilient to his core as we time and again see how he faces his traumas from his past and wins.
Their dynamic was utterly beautiful, how into each other they were made me swoon into a puddle in the floor multiple times. This book is so beautifully written, the language, pacing, structure all of it comes together in this perfect crescendo to tell a story that is hard to put down and impossible to forget.
Also holy freaking kickballs that twist, I absolutely never ever saw that coming.. is mentioning a twist spoilery like I really really dont want to spoil this. Well it’s done now, How is this book so brilliant. All the closure you could ever want 😍
Jason’s mom is a b1tch, that’s all I have to say, so is someone else can’t say who 🤐
Expect
* Second chances
* First love
* Hurt comfort
* Smallish age gap - 8 yrs
* Emotional
* Grief
* Selective mutism
* Vocally impaired MC
* Slow burn
* Mental health rep
Aaron and Easton’s story is just genuinely beautiful. Both first meeting when they were at completely different places in life, one wide eyed starting off his career abd the other devastated from trauma and loss. Then reconnecting when they both needed it, specially Aaron. His hurt is literally jumping off the pages and Easton, despite everything that boy and man went through, what a huge open heart he has, resilient to his core as we time and again see how he faces his traumas from his past and wins.
Their dynamic was utterly beautiful, how into each other they were made me swoon into a puddle in the floor multiple times. This book is so beautifully written, the language, pacing, structure all of it comes together in this perfect crescendo to tell a story that is hard to put down and impossible to forget.
Also holy freaking kickballs that twist, I absolutely never ever saw that coming.. is mentioning a twist spoilery like I really really dont want to spoil this. Well it’s done now, How is this book so brilliant. All the closure you could ever want 😍
Jason’s mom is a b1tch, that’s all I have to say, so is someone else can’t say who 🤐
Expect
* Second chances
* First love
* Hurt comfort
* Smallish age gap - 8 yrs
* Emotional
* Grief
* Selective mutism
* Vocally impaired MC
* Slow burn
* Mental health rep
March 7, 2025
2.75⭐️
Let me preface this by saying I really like this author and other works. Though this book wasn’t for me, there are some aspects that are well done, I just didn’t enjoy the plot of this one.
I want to start out positively. This book was very unique. I loved the disability representation. Characters with disabilities were treated as regular, capable humans, as they should be. Their disabilities weren’t the plot. I liked this!
I also think that Roman does a great job writing kissing scenes specifically. The description makes these scenes feel magical. She does a great job with descriptive writing in general.
This is more of a personal preference, I think, but I didn’t vibe with the plot and characters in this book. In terms of the plot, there are some parts that I found boring, then parts with twists and turns and drama. I didn’t necessarily enjoy the drama, and I didn’t like how the characters reacted to it. I didn’t like Aaron, and it felt like he treated Easton wrong so many times. I understood why Easton wanted to be with him because of their history, but I honestly didn’t like how Aaron behaved towards Easton.
I also felt like some parts in this book that could have been impactful scenes were skipped over or told about in passing. It felt like there were some missed opportunities that would have made it easier to connect with the characters.
Overall it was not for me, but it wasn’t a bad book by any means. I can see why people would really like it.
Let me preface this by saying I really like this author and other works. Though this book wasn’t for me, there are some aspects that are well done, I just didn’t enjoy the plot of this one.
I want to start out positively. This book was very unique. I loved the disability representation. Characters with disabilities were treated as regular, capable humans, as they should be. Their disabilities weren’t the plot. I liked this!
I also think that Roman does a great job writing kissing scenes specifically. The description makes these scenes feel magical. She does a great job with descriptive writing in general.
This is more of a personal preference, I think, but I didn’t vibe with the plot and characters in this book. In terms of the plot, there are some parts that I found boring, then parts with twists and turns and drama. I didn’t necessarily enjoy the drama, and I didn’t like how the characters reacted to it. I didn’t like Aaron, and it felt like he treated Easton wrong so many times. I understood why Easton wanted to be with him because of their history, but I honestly didn’t like how Aaron behaved towards Easton.
I also felt like some parts in this book that could have been impactful scenes were skipped over or told about in passing. It felt like there were some missed opportunities that would have made it easier to connect with the characters.
Overall it was not for me, but it wasn’t a bad book by any means. I can see why people would really like it.
March 6, 2025
Dianna Roman has written yet another incredible MM romance, one that has the right balance of angst, redemption, passion and love, and will keep you wanting to know what happens next as the two characters work through the past, the present and consider a future.
Both are broken, in very different ways, and I really loved the way this story is told by both characters... the dual POV works brilliantly here and the perspective adds so many extra layers to the narrative, especially as the reader knows more than the MCs do about each other.
If you loved The Gentleman, The Idiot, Until You and In the Eye of the Beholder, you're going to love Silent is the Heart.
Both are broken, in very different ways, and I really loved the way this story is told by both characters... the dual POV works brilliantly here and the perspective adds so many extra layers to the narrative, especially as the reader knows more than the MCs do about each other.
If you loved The Gentleman, The Idiot, Until You and In the Eye of the Beholder, you're going to love Silent is the Heart.
February 12, 2025
ARC Review - 5 ⭐️
She’s done it again! What a heartwarming, can’t-put-it-down, emotional rollercoaster of a story!
I am a huge fan of Dianna Roman’s books, and this did not disappoint. The characters are real and three-dimensional, with growing pains and redemption arcs. The romance is SWOONY, yet relatable.
I will say that the plot is a little ~dramatic~, but honestly, isn’t that why we read these stories in the first place?
I’m hoping we’ll get Wolf’s story next!
She’s done it again! What a heartwarming, can’t-put-it-down, emotional rollercoaster of a story!
I am a huge fan of Dianna Roman’s books, and this did not disappoint. The characters are real and three-dimensional, with growing pains and redemption arcs. The romance is SWOONY, yet relatable.
I will say that the plot is a little ~dramatic~, but honestly, isn’t that why we read these stories in the first place?
I’m hoping we’ll get Wolf’s story next!
March 2, 2025
For most of the book, I loved both Easton and Aaron. I enjoyed reading about their history and how they first met eight years ago. Easton was especially easy to like and sympathize with. When they met again in the present day, they were still both likable characters. Easton's coldness and hostility as defense mechanisms were understandable and forgivable, and Aaron's feelings of grief and helplessness/hopelessness were very relatable. I loved seeing them slowly reconnect and becoming more vulnerable with each other, first becoming friends, and then lovers. I was rooting for them the whole way. Then, a major plot twist relating to Aaron's past caused everything to take an abrupt left turn about two-thirds into the book. Honestly, it all started going downhill from there for me. This twist led to two of my least favorite tropes: miscommunication and/or a total lack of it and the dreaded third-act breakup. Aaron's responses and actions, and also a strong lack of both, made me lose the respect and affection I'd gained for him. The final third of the book was just too disappointing after everything that came before it, and I can't help feeling that Easton deserved far better than the "HEA" that he got. This book started as a solid 4-4.5/5 stars, but it ended as a 2.5/5 star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
I want to give it 6 stars. This book is my new personality trait.
March 15, 2025
wanted to love..
I really wanted to love this but honestly Aaron was such an idiot towards the end that it 100% ruined it for me. Would have been a 3.5 but he was so damn stupid it really messed up the rating for me.
I really wanted to love this but honestly Aaron was such an idiot towards the end that it 100% ruined it for me. Would have been a 3.5 but he was so damn stupid it really messed up the rating for me.
March 7, 2025
Easton and Aaron ❤️
5 Stars ⭐️
This story was phenomenal. It's not very often that characters from a book reach into your soul but Easton and Aaron both had me from the beginning and honestly, they never let go. From start to finish this book had me in its grasp, there was pain, there was sadness and there was darkness but the connection between these two men was something beautiful that came from those tragedies. I was so damn invested in this relationship build and it was so worth the wait. Easton was a sweetheart, his affection and sweetness was exactly what Aaron deserved in his life. Aaron in turn showed Easton that he was perfect and worthy of love in its purest form. These two were incredibly sweet and loving, the bedroom scenes were so intense you could literally feel the emotion coming off the pages. There were so many tear inducing moments in this book, I was emotionally all over the place and at one point there was a shocking twist that had me gaping like a fish and then crying like a baby for these two. Dianna Roman is such a gifted writer, her characters and stories are hands down the best that I've ever read. Whether it's a humorous or tragic plot, her books suck you in and leave you so damn satisfied!! This is a must read, it's so damn good.
* I read an ARC, this is my open and honest review *
5 Stars ⭐️
This story was phenomenal. It's not very often that characters from a book reach into your soul but Easton and Aaron both had me from the beginning and honestly, they never let go. From start to finish this book had me in its grasp, there was pain, there was sadness and there was darkness but the connection between these two men was something beautiful that came from those tragedies. I was so damn invested in this relationship build and it was so worth the wait. Easton was a sweetheart, his affection and sweetness was exactly what Aaron deserved in his life. Aaron in turn showed Easton that he was perfect and worthy of love in its purest form. These two were incredibly sweet and loving, the bedroom scenes were so intense you could literally feel the emotion coming off the pages. There were so many tear inducing moments in this book, I was emotionally all over the place and at one point there was a shocking twist that had me gaping like a fish and then crying like a baby for these two. Dianna Roman is such a gifted writer, her characters and stories are hands down the best that I've ever read. Whether it's a humorous or tragic plot, her books suck you in and leave you so damn satisfied!! This is a must read, it's so damn good.
* I read an ARC, this is my open and honest review *
February 9, 2025
Taking unpredictability to a new level.
First one incredibly painful backstory, followed by another some years later. Very angsty, a lot of doubt and pain tempered by a very good, hot and steamy love story. The plot twists keep coming though, there’s murder, extortion, lies and fraud. It’s a miracle any good can come out of this, but the HEA is brilliant. You might have leaky eyes occasionally.
First one incredibly painful backstory, followed by another some years later. Very angsty, a lot of doubt and pain tempered by a very good, hot and steamy love story. The plot twists keep coming though, there’s murder, extortion, lies and fraud. It’s a miracle any good can come out of this, but the HEA is brilliant. You might have leaky eyes occasionally.
February 12, 2025
Arc read - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aaron and Easton - "Did I ever know what love was?"
This is a second chance romance that’s fast paced, full of sweet moments that made my heart squeeze, filled me with anger, hope and was an angsty little f*cker.
I also enjoyed all the little details and descriptive writing as it made my brain very happy when picturing the scenes.
Aaron and Easton - "Did I ever know what love was?"
This is a second chance romance that’s fast paced, full of sweet moments that made my heart squeeze, filled me with anger, hope and was an angsty little f*cker.
I also enjoyed all the little details and descriptive writing as it made my brain very happy when picturing the scenes.
Read
March 10, 202415th October 2024?! I need to be patient. Omg…..🥶
March 6, 2025
4.5 stars
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
This book is both intense and delightful. I adored it! Easton and Aaron will absolutely destroy you and put you back together again. It’s totally worth the emotional rollercoaster reading this book because their story is beyond beautiful and breathtaking. Easton and Aaron are both broken at different points in the novel (for different reasons) and it’s wonderful watching them heal one another and come into their own.
There is a bit of an age gap in this book. Eight years separate the pair and the beginning of their story has them in a slight power imbalance, but things come to a head eights years after the events of “Now” and “Then” take place.
Easton has had to deal with terrible things for most of this life. When he ends up in a state-run facility, recovering from a terrible accident and trauma, it’s no wonder that he becomes infatuated with his slightly older speech pathologist. Aaron is dealing with the fallout of a whirlwind romance and tragic event of his own. The urge for something good to have happened while he was away, causes Aaron to look into Easton again. The MCs have a (one-sided) contentious reunion. The past comes back to rear its head…and then truths transpire.
After Aaron and Easton come to a better understanding of one another, their connection intensifies and they develop a bond that is incredibly strong. They both see one another at their worst and don’t let it deter them. Roman has a magnificent way with words. This story will tug on your heartstrings. It will also give you some palpitations, because something happens that is totally unexpected and I literally screamed when I came across it! Everything works out in the end though, and the love that Easton and Aaron have for one another prevails.
Check out the content advisory for this book prior to reading, just in case. May you love this story as much as I do. Easton and Aaron’s HEA is hard won and so well deserved for both of them. Now go read it!
(Side note: I am so curious about Wolf and Jasper)!
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
This book is both intense and delightful. I adored it! Easton and Aaron will absolutely destroy you and put you back together again. It’s totally worth the emotional rollercoaster reading this book because their story is beyond beautiful and breathtaking. Easton and Aaron are both broken at different points in the novel (for different reasons) and it’s wonderful watching them heal one another and come into their own.
There is a bit of an age gap in this book. Eight years separate the pair and the beginning of their story has them in a slight power imbalance, but things come to a head eights years after the events of “Now” and “Then” take place.
Easton has had to deal with terrible things for most of this life. When he ends up in a state-run facility, recovering from a terrible accident and trauma, it’s no wonder that he becomes infatuated with his slightly older speech pathologist. Aaron is dealing with the fallout of a whirlwind romance and tragic event of his own. The urge for something good to have happened while he was away, causes Aaron to look into Easton again. The MCs have a (one-sided) contentious reunion. The past comes back to rear its head…and then truths transpire.
After Aaron and Easton come to a better understanding of one another, their connection intensifies and they develop a bond that is incredibly strong. They both see one another at their worst and don’t let it deter them. Roman has a magnificent way with words. This story will tug on your heartstrings. It will also give you some palpitations, because something happens that is totally unexpected and I literally screamed when I came across it! Everything works out in the end though, and the love that Easton and Aaron have for one another prevails.
Check out the content advisory for this book prior to reading, just in case. May you love this story as much as I do. Easton and Aaron’s HEA is hard won and so well deserved for both of them. Now go read it!
(Side note: I am so curious about Wolf and Jasper)!
February 21, 2025
ARC review for Silent is the Heart by Dianna Roman:
Silent is the Heart by Dianna Roman is an emotional and beautifully crafted MM romance that made me laugh and also cry tears of unexplainable sadness. From the very beginning, Easton Bennick’s sad past and the silence he’s locked himself in creates a poignant, heart-wrenching story of loss, healing, and unexpected love.
Aaron Manicki used to with Easton as a young speech pathologist while he was all young and naive. Life happens, and eight years later Aaron returns to Hampton Hills, with scars of his own. But a lot has happened in Easton’s life who is a different man now! Their reunion (which was rough in the beginning) is filled with tension, longing, and a deep-rooted need for understanding, and watching Aaron gently work his way back into Easton’s life is as rewarding as it is emotional.
What makes this book stand out is the depth of the characters—Easton’s quiet strength and Aaron’s compassionate determination to make Easton open up and show his vulnerabilities. I enjoyed everything about this book, the Nutella shakes, the puzzles, swimming in the lake, watching TV shows. The slow lovemaking staring deep into each other’s eyes, all the tenderness and affection is something I live for! The sizzling hot chemistry between the leads especially the club scene and of course their first time! (Easton’s vulnerability peaked there).
There’s a slight suspense element in the last 30% of the book which definitely piques your interest. But the only negative imo is the third act breakup because I’m not really a fan of it.
If you love grumpy tattoos artists and sunshine doctors, small town vibes, steaming hot romance and second-chances with emotional depth, well-developed characters, and a reminder that love can find its way through even the deepest silence, Silent is the Heart is a must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 starts)
Silent is the Heart by Dianna Roman is an emotional and beautifully crafted MM romance that made me laugh and also cry tears of unexplainable sadness. From the very beginning, Easton Bennick’s sad past and the silence he’s locked himself in creates a poignant, heart-wrenching story of loss, healing, and unexpected love.
Aaron Manicki used to with Easton as a young speech pathologist while he was all young and naive. Life happens, and eight years later Aaron returns to Hampton Hills, with scars of his own. But a lot has happened in Easton’s life who is a different man now! Their reunion (which was rough in the beginning) is filled with tension, longing, and a deep-rooted need for understanding, and watching Aaron gently work his way back into Easton’s life is as rewarding as it is emotional.
What makes this book stand out is the depth of the characters—Easton’s quiet strength and Aaron’s compassionate determination to make Easton open up and show his vulnerabilities. I enjoyed everything about this book, the Nutella shakes, the puzzles, swimming in the lake, watching TV shows. The slow lovemaking staring deep into each other’s eyes, all the tenderness and affection is something I live for! The sizzling hot chemistry between the leads especially the club scene and of course their first time! (Easton’s vulnerability peaked there).
There’s a slight suspense element in the last 30% of the book which definitely piques your interest. But the only negative imo is the third act breakup because I’m not really a fan of it.
If you love grumpy tattoos artists and sunshine doctors, small town vibes, steaming hot romance and second-chances with emotional depth, well-developed characters, and a reminder that love can find its way through even the deepest silence, Silent is the Heart is a must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 starts)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews