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Survivors #1

The Echoes of Her Silence: A Lesbian/Sapphic Romance

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To the world, Dominique Fournier is the picture-perfect married to a powerful man, draped in wealth, and living a life most would envy. But behind closed doors, her world is anything but golden. Trapped in a loveless, suffocating marriage, each day is a carefully concealed nightmare—until the one person she never expects comes to her rescue.

When Robyn Diamont accepts a job working for the enigmatic Mrs. Fournier, she never imagines the quiet, elegant woman will consume her thoughts. Desiring her is dangerous, but the more Robyn glimpses beneath Dominique’s flawless exterior, the harder it becomes to ignore the truth—or her growing attraction.

Then, on a fateful day, Robyn risks everything for Dominique. But when faced with the consequences, will Dominique fight just as hard for her? Or is that moment of sacrifice all they are ever meant to have?
Some love stories burn fast and bright. Others leave scars that never fade.

469 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

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Skye Von Triessen

19 books216 followers

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5 stars
443 (64%)
4 stars
156 (22%)
3 stars
72 (10%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Clara Addicted to sapphic books.
424 reviews328 followers
June 20, 2025
4.5⭐️
The author thought readers would not like the book. Sorry to disappoint, but I did! I love it when characters go through hell, hit rock bottom, and then have to climb up again to enjoy life. The marital abuse, political corruption, and abuse of power are not light topics. I really liked Dominique; she was slowly dying and needed a catalyst to breathe again. Here comes Robyn, 18 years her junior, but a true model of resilience and bravery. She is perfect throughout the book, doing and saying things exactly as anyone would dream. Being so (too?) perfect and inspiring made it harder for me to identify with her. I really liked Dominique and all her fragilities and scars; she is truly lucid about her weaknesses. Both characters have trauma and need healing, and it has truly become one of my favorite topics.
I hated Henri and some members of Dominic's family with a passion, and I like it when writers achieve that. Despite some lengths, I really liked the whole relationship development between Robyn and Dominique. There was plenty of chemistry and jealousy scenes, which are my guilty pleasure, and I devoured the book. SVT took the time to put the characters in a place where they were ready for more, even though the fate factor that put them on the same path again felt a bit too big for me to believe.
Once again, SVT's sadism is showing with a "to be continued" at the end that made me growl. But the book was engaging, with twists, and sowed hints for what is to come. I am glad the author wants to tell the story without concession.
Profile Image for Emmi.
115 reviews21 followers
April 26, 2025
I couldn’t put down this page turner and I gladly lost sleep over it. The Echoes Of Her Silence was a profoundly emotional journey with twists and turns along the way. The kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. I absolutely fell in love with Dominique and Robyn. I can’t wait for book two.


“It is absolutely terrifying the kind of deep suffering the happiest-looking people are able to hide inside themselves” - Nikita Gill
Profile Image for bex.
68 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2025
First off.. THIS IS ONLY PART 1! There is a second book. I literally cannot tell you how angry I was getting nearing the end of this with so many unanswered questions. So I’m glad there is a whole book to look forward to but still did not enjoy having that as a surprise.

‘The Echoes of Her Silence’ is so much more than a romance. I was hooked from the beginning. I really enjoyed the writing, the story and the connection between the two main characters as well as with their respective found families. The age gap bothered me at first- only due to continuous mentions of Robyn ‘looking 16’, but it isn’t actually an issue in time. Stick with it if you’re uncomfy at first.

I find myself not actually wanting to say too much about the story as I feel it’s something that needs to be experienced individually. Feel what resonates. Just beware of and take care with trigger warnings. This book handles a lot of difficult topics. It’s a painfully beautiful exploration of abuse, control and power- within romantic relationships, family and even the government. This all sounds very heavy, and it is, but it is reality and is handled with care here.

The most striking theme and message from this book is that of resilience. Robyn who has faced an incredible amount of trauma at such a young age but continues to pick herself up and show up. She is hurt but not jaded. It takes real strength to be capable of kindness and unconditional love even after experiencing the worst side of humanity. Dominique loses herself in years masking the pain of being in an abusive relationship with a narcissistic husband in order to protect her children -and wow if that’s not the case for so many women around the world.

Overall, this book is an incredible example of strength and overcoming. As well as a harsh reminder of the odds stacked against women in particular.

Only dropped from 5 due to some repetitive/ vague re-tellings and a little unnecessary angst/ drama. I’m hoping after everything is addressed in book 2 my experience will jump to 5 overall 🤞🏼
Profile Image for Lisa.
347 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2025
I’m so very glad I waited for the second book to be released before reading this. I would have lost my mind waiting.
This. Was. So. Good.

Please check for TWs
Profile Image for Andrea (looseleftlesbian).
475 reviews29 followers
May 7, 2025
Not going to lie, I was put off by Robyn’s age in the beginning. The age gap wasn’t what got me, it was the fact that Robyn was only 22. So if that is something that bothers you too, I’m telling you to trust me and keep reading!!

I should’ve known Skye would deliver. This is more than just a romance story. I cannot wait until the next book!!!
Profile Image for Adrienne Oliveri.
245 reviews7 followers
May 30, 2026
Wish I was able to enjoy this more than I did. A bit too lackluster and not enough angst. Had potential
Profile Image for Angela.
88 reviews10 followers
May 29, 2025
I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I hadn’t gone into it witch such high expectations.

I didn’t really like the first part due to the constant references of Robyn looking so young and like she was sixteen but I pushed through it to get to the second part which in my opinion was much better, still i wasn’t really invested in their relationship, I’m the first one to enjoy a slow burn but I think this had too much unnecessary drama.
I have to say that I did enjoy Dominique’s journey and how Robyn was there for her since they both have suffered a lot but as I said it wasn’t enough to get me invested in them as a couple.

Also there is a mention of feyre and rhysand from acotar and I don’t like it at all when characters from another book get mentioned on the book I’m reading but that’s just a me thing.
I don’t know if I’m invested enough to read the sequel since there are a lot of things left to be solved but we’ll see
Profile Image for Linda.
889 reviews147 followers
July 27, 2025
High 4+

The story is riveting enough to keep me glued to the pages, and I complete it in as many days. My initial thought on Dominique is that she is weak, more so in the ‘then’ or ‘5 years ago’. But I understood why she is how she is when she lacks a support system, trapped in a suffocating marriage that gradually diminishes her sense of self, leaving her feeling lost and voiceless.

In contrast, 22 y/o Robyn embodies compassion, courage, and protectiveness. A major turning point forces Robyn to leave Dominique's employment and the house that she has been cleaning for weeks.

Move forward five years later, Dominique and Robyn met again, in France where they both had relocated. As their connection deepens, it beautifully evolves from friendship to a romance that transforms both of their lives. Together, they navigate the difficult journey of reclaiming their voices (more so for Dominique) and supporting each other in facing the fears that have kept them silent for so long.

Profile Image for Shannon👻.
166 reviews4 followers
Did Not Finish
June 16, 2025
I’m getting really turn off lately by this much of an age gap.
Like your brain isn’t even fully developed until you’re 25.
Idk just cringe
Profile Image for Matty.
26 reviews
July 17, 2025
Another Skye Von Triessen Gem. She's one of my favourite authors and she never disappoints. I love how complex all her characters are. Looking forward to the second book.
Profile Image for Andietrue.
186 reviews
June 5, 2026
The writing in this book is genuinely well done-smooth, engaging, and easy to fall into. There were a few moments where the pacing dragged a little, but overall I loved how the story unfolded over several years. That timeline gave the characters room to grow, and it made their connection feel inevitable.

Both MCs, Dominique and Robyn, were incredibly likeable. There was something very satisfying about watching Dominique finally find her voice, and seeing the meaningful part Robyn played in that. I was rooting for them the whole way through, especially as they navigated their trauma and tried to protect the friendship that meant so much to them.

I also really appreciated the supporting characters. The friends surrounding both women weren’t just background noise, their presence helped hold the narrative together, giving Dominique and Robyn a sense of community and continuity as the years passed.

This is a slow‑burn friends‑to‑lovers, age-gap story. The “will they/won’t they” tension did feel a tiny bit repetitive at times, but it made sense within the dynamic, they didn’t want to risk ruining what they had. When they finally came together, it felt worth the wait.

Some scenes are quite harrowing, so it’s worth checking trigger warnings before diving in. And I have to say it: I absolutely hated Henri and Dominique’s family!! Gross
Profile Image for Eclectic Queer Reads.
34 reviews
June 18, 2026
This was a captivating storyline with a slow over the years burn after turmoil and overwhelming abuse with an ex, chance meeting again in another country(emphasizing on the "small world" type of saying) with a meant to be type of love between the MCs. This audiobook was giving amazing narration throughout the entire book as well to me because there was so many character voices with different accents and I absolutely loved the diversity that had to be heard and it was done so well. I didn't enjoy how the book ended but I'm noticing that this author loves a cliffhanger so I can get over that and I'm excited for the next book.
37 reviews
December 19, 2025
She did it again! Thank you Sky for again writing an astonishing book. This book was a real page turner.
I am already excited for part 2!
Profile Image for Ellery Howarth.
35 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2026
Pls pls pls don’t judge me for this book title!! 🫣😭 but seriously, it was free with my audible account and I have a long commute okay. It also ended on kind of a cliff hanger and naturally I had to pre order the next book
Profile Image for &.
151 reviews
April 28, 2025
obsessed. svt proving once again she´s my type of author.
Profile Image for エリン.
98 reviews
November 26, 2025
idk...I mostly enjoyed this but also so much of the dialogue was unnatural/cringe and there were too many misunderstandings between Robyn and Dominique lmao. like I love drama but I thought we were done with this when they finally got together and then SO CLOSE TO THE END we got hit with an "it looks like she's cheating but don't worry it was all just a big misunderstanding" I'M TIRED. I think maybe it didn't need to be over 400 pages.
Profile Image for Sunny Sapphic.
8 reviews
November 1, 2025
If I were given the chance to walk through a book, I’d walk straight into this one, find Henri, slice off his p3n1s, and shove it down his esophagus until he ch0k3s on it. I’ll watch his eyes roll back into his brainless skull, as he finally see s4t4n waiting for him in the sea of fire.

Robyn is 22 and Dominique is 40, there’s quite a big age gap between them. Early in the book, there are emphasis on how young Robyn is. But honestly, that didn’t bother me since they had just met, and I interpreted it more as Dominique’s first impression of Robyn rather than anything inappropriate and predatory. It would’ve felt off if they were already dating and Dominique kept describing Robyn looking like a teenager, but that never happened, so there was no problem for me at all. Moreover, when their relationship began to grow, that was many years later, Robyn was no longer compared to a teenager to which I felt relieved about. Their age gap still came up in conversation, but I felt it was a typical exploration of the inner conflicts that can come with a big age difference, just like in any age-gap romance.

Dominique got trapped in a marriage with a manipulative, controlling, gaslighting, utterly useless politician. Reading about her stay in that marriage was frustrating as hell. But we can’t fully blame someone for staying when the consequences of leaving are so heavy. Indeed, the first step is always the hardest. And then there’s Robyn, a young, fearless, and courageous woman, who bursts into Dominique’s world like a spark in the dark, shaking her awake from a life drained of joy and freedom. I’m so grateful for Robyn, for opening Dominique’s eyes and giving her the courage to finally fight for herself against her
shallow-egomaniac-with-nothing-to-offer-but-pain-in-the-ass husband. Robyn becomes the reason Dominique dares to stand up to that walking cesspool, and remember that she deserves more than just survival. She didn’t just rescue Dominique from her marriage, she helped her reclaim her life.

I enjoyed reading this book even though it tested my patience every time Henri or anyone remotely Henri-like appeared. I personally have a soft spot for books where characters talk openly about societal and political issues, because I always love reading opinions, and having an internal agreement with them when the ideas are having a point and empowering. I felt like the book had shoved me into a mental gym, stretching my thoughts.

I admire Skye Von Triessen for her bravery in tackling heavy and difficult topics, and I adore her for the courage and care with which she chooses her words. The story she has written is both powerful and encouraging. As also a young woman like Robyn, her words inspired me not to let anyone take what is rightfully mine, to find the strength to stand up when I am wronged, and to believe in my own strength. I also love her for creating a character like Robyn, whose courage and fearlessness became a role model for me, reminding me that courage isn’t about being unafraid, it’s about choosing to act even when fear is there.



loves,‧₊˚💛✩ ₊˚🌻⊹♡🐝
Profile Image for Cara Ramsey.
Author 2 books5 followers
May 10, 2025
First point, right off the bat, this book is part if a two book series. The second book, not yet published, is expected to be titled The Gravity Of Her Love.

This is a slow burn. This book starts with Robyn. Age 22, working as a cleaner, as a way to pay for college, for Dominique, a wealthy woman married to Henri, the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada. Henri is a narcissistic controlling manipulative monster. Dominique is 40 when the book starts. The first quarter of the book is how Robyn meets Dominique, and how Robyn becomes the woman who saves Dominique from sexual assault by her husband.

The last three quarters of the book take place five years later, now in France instead of Canada. Dominique was able to finally find the courage to divorce Henri, at which point she moves to France. Fate seems to have a sense of humor, however. As she finds out that her next door neighbor is none other than Robyn.


Robyn, even five years later. Is still crushing hard on Dominique, but Dominique starts out blissfully unaware as she and Robyn forge a close, intense friendship. Robyn accepts this because she believes Dominique is straight and she’d rather have Dominique as her friend than not at all. So she struggles to hide her growing love for Dominique.

Dominique, however, is slowly realizing that she has more than just platonic feelings for Robyn. When her best friend, Elise, insists that Robyn has feelings for Dominique, she initially refuses to believe that, but as time passes, she starts to realize that maybe Robyn feels the same way.

This book ends shortly after they’ve gotten together but there are a host of unresolved issues, including Dominique’s ex, Henri, and his endless rage against both Dominique and Robyn. Volume Two promises to continue the story and wrap up loose ends.


I very much enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Erica.
372 reviews18 followers
May 18, 2025
🩵Second chance
🩵Friends to lovers
🩵Slow burn
🩵Age gap
🩵Staring over

Skye has quickly become one of my favorite authors. At this point, I will read anything she writes 😜. She knows how to dig so deep in your soul with her words on paper, it’s insane.

You know that fluttery sensation in your stomach while reading a really good damn book, whether it’s butterflies or that gut wrenching feeling? That’s the best way to describe her writing. Ahhh, this book had me in my feels. Reading chapters 7-11 had my stomach in knots page after page. There are triggers warnings (DV and SA) mentioned at the beginning of the book which were described in those chapters. They were tastefully written in enough detail to convey the emotional turmoil Dominque was feeling. Robyn being such a strong young woman was so admirable; she had me swooning and feeling so proud for her.

Robyn and Dominque’s story is beautiful and imperfect with lots of twists and turns to keep you turning the page. This is book one in the series so there are still lots of unanswered questions since book two isn’t out yet. I can’t wait to read the second part!!

I don’t want to give anything away because I feel it’s best to experience this masterpiece for yourself.

Check it out! You won’t regret it 😁


Profile Image for discotigers.
74 reviews31 followers
February 19, 2026
sigh, i am once again an outlier in the reviews section of a widely popular and generally loved book.

the 2 star rating is probably reactionary given that i quite literally just finished this book. but i also quite believe that 2 stars might’ve been the rating i’d have given this book all along, if the constant checking of how many pages left was anything to go by. i don’t mean to be rude, promise - i’ve just been down with the flu lol

to keep it short: my #1 gripe with this book (besides the constant - near incessant - reminders that robyn does, in fact, [checks notes] look 16, which is really so problematic and unenjoyable, straight off the bat) was the clunky, almost AI sounding dialogue. it was all very abrupt and disconnected - as were many of the plotlines & scene progressions. the almost penultimate scene where (SPOILER!!!!!) zion breaks in (???????) to robyn’s house and attempts to crawls into bed with her was so random and also deeply concerning?? there was absolutely no reason to do all that?

also the entire novel ending on a ‘tbc’ note was not compelling either. idk. if i sound grumpy and/or petulant, it’s cause i am. i was waiting for this book to pick up and it never did. so here’s me instead putting it down.

2 stars.
355 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2026
I really think that you need to read both books in this duo, so I’m reviewing them like that.
Firstly, I much preferred this duo over the author’s ‘Meant to Be’ trio. In particular, she has moved away from the anatomical impossibilities of sapphic sex that she described in those books. This is an age gap romance spanning several years and set in Canada, France and Jamaica. I’m usually not too fond of age gap romances (especially with such a big gap as there is here) but for some reason, this didn’t really bother me. Whilst these are a bit of a slushfest, there was sufficient incident and drama to keep the interest. Nice side characters added to this - Dominique’s friend Elise and Robyn’s Mia and Chidera are all great. There’s also one particular character to loathe!
There is a break up and angst section in book 2, but events overtake that and it becomes more important to deal with the bind Robyn finds herself in, rather than to extend that section. That was something of a relief! All in all, these two books together delivered in terms of the length and the quality of the writing and I enjoyed them.
Profile Image for Melissa.
123 reviews
June 16, 2026
This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. The Echoes of Her Silence is an emotional, gripping, slow‑burn sapphic thriller that blends survival, trauma, and unexpected connection with a steady, simmering tension. When two women, each carrying scars they rarely speak aloud cross paths, their lives begin to tangle in ways neither of them is prepared for. What follows is a story steeped in quiet danger, emotional depth, and the kind of chemistry, devotion and loyalty that one could only dream of.

Von Triessen crafts an atmosphere that feels both intimate and unsettling, pulling you deeper with every chapter. Abby Craden’s narration is (as always) a masterclass in restraint and emotional precision, elevating the story’s intensity and giving each character a pulse.

Perfect for listeners who love character‑driven suspense, slow‑burn romance, and stories where survival is as much about the heart as the body.

Instantly purchased book 2! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
123 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2025
OH MY GOODNESS

If I could give this book 10 stars I would! I read this story like I was watching a horror movie-cautiously waiting for the jump scare to make me scream! And boy did Skye make me scream! The horror and the heartbreak in part one of this book physically made me ache-I had to put it down to give myself a small break but the story kept pulling me back in! Part 2 is just as heartbreaking but in a somewhat softer way. I kept reading and finished the book in a day and then Skye does it again-a sequel 😳 she is an expert and drawing you in and then leaves you dangling! If you can buy this book then do it-you’ll want to read this one over and over! You got me Skye-book 2 can’t come soon enough!
1,242 reviews
May 2, 2025
A Deep and Soulful Heart Of A Story💕

Skye Van Triessen has given us some great protagonist that we fall in love with and always need more. This book has that same effect. Dominique and Robyn are the couple of this story. The opinionated supporting cast helps to bring this book together with some much needed humor and support. The author wants you to feel in this one. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it will make you cheer. Most have come across someone who is suffering in silence. This story points out how to notice and help. Maybe not the way”our” hero does it. I didn’t want it to end, wanting to know more, expecting some answers, sensing trouble, it seems we are going to get it, book 2.
Profile Image for This.
306 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2025
I rather liked this book.
It is unconventional, thought provoking, sometimes brutal, and has the reader hoping for a happy ending. And then it holds the characters in the palm of the author's hand and you have to wait for the next book to get to the real ending - the Happy Ever After (hopefully).

The story starts in 2019 in Canada and it is hard to see where any happiness can be found. Brutal scenes of physical and emotional domestic abuse make is seem as though there is no way out.

Then we move forward 5 years and see the characters again as they unexpectedly come across each other. The long road is more than bumpy.

Now eagerly awaiting the rest of the story!
13 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2025
AMAZING!!

This book is deep and beautiful. It isn’t like other books that touch on these subjects at all. It is hopeful and touching. I cried happy and sad tears. I’m glad there will be a second book. I haven’t read a book that touched me this deeply in a very long time. The idea that you can be broken from trauma and still find someone who will support you and love you fiercely gives me hope. This is the best this author has written so far! It was a ride and I deeply enjoyed it! Thank you so much for this beautiful portrayal.
135 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2025
Desperate

This is an amazing roller coaster of a story, up to the brilliant standards of previous books written by this author.
There are triggers you should be aware of, especially coercive control and spousal abuse, homophobic slurs. It's an involved intriguing story and we're left wanting more, there's great characters amongst the friends of the two mcs and ghastly families, as I neared the end I quickly realised there must be a second volume to sort out the many plot lines, so looking forward to it.


Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews