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A Voice In Chains

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His whisper threatens to tear down my defenses.

I have it all. Star athlete, popular girlfriend, perfect life.
Then Arkin Reeves moves into my bedroom.
He’s silent, guarded, and haunted by a past I can’t begin to understand.
A past that stole his voice.
My parents say he needs a place to stay.
I say he’s a nightmare who needs to go.
At first, I hate him and the unwelcome emotions he evokes.
He watches me. Always quiet, always there.
And he has his sights set on me.
I thought I could resist this pull between us.
This undeniable attraction that gets under my skin and into my thoughts.
He won’t stop until I’m his.
But I don’t break easily.

**A Voice In Chains is a full-length standalone MM romance with a HEA. This story contains sensitive subject matters.

262 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2025

278 people are currently reading
1801 people want to read

About the author

Harleigh Beck

28 books1,956 followers

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5 stars
684 (36%)
4 stars
579 (31%)
3 stars
395 (21%)
2 stars
136 (7%)
1 star
56 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
Profile Image for melissa.
138 reviews14 followers
April 19, 2025
1.5⭐️
“I like your voice, Ark. I like that it’s only mine until you’re ready to share it with the world. But mostly, I like that you feel safe with me.”

This book, overall, made no sense and I don’t understand how it has such a high rating when every interaction they had from the moment they met to the end was purely sexual, I'm not even joking, it was just sex.

“You went from hating the guy to being inseparable.”
“I got to know him, I guess.”


You got to know his hand, ass and how he f*cks you because seriously they had ZERO CONVERSATION before starting to f*ck around and say they love each other. Not just that, but the characters’ personalities didn't match their actions at all like when they claimed to be super possessive, and in the very next chapter they were already having a threesome with another girl. There were so many wrong things with this book but I'm lazy to put it all.

Here’s the thing: all beauty cuts like a deadly blade when it meets its inevitable end. So, the question is? Is it worth the wound?

ANYWAYS, removing that quote that I liked, I’ll be forgetting that I read this book.
Profile Image for Renae Reads.
758 reviews742 followers
April 10, 2025
A Voice in Chains is a fantastic rivals-to-lovers romance that I could not get enough of. Arkin and Zach embark on a wonderful journey from total strangers who share mutual animosity to being completely obsessed with one another. Witnessing this dramatic transformation from apathy to full obsession was so much fun that I couldn't look away.

I love how these two fall head over heels for each other; however, they are rather stubborn and resistant at first, taking their time communicating their growing feelings. Due to their confusion and surprise, there are many outbursts and moments where their fists communicate faster than their mouths, creating great tension between them.

Overall, this story strikes a great balance of steam and heart. These two have a clear connection that is vital to their survival. They each possess a substantial amount of patience while remaining loyal and understanding for one another. The emotional arcs that Arkin and Zach undergo are the heart of this story.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Profile Image for Kendra Renae.
159 reviews40 followers
April 21, 2025
⭐️4.75 🌶️3.75


”You’re trouble.” You have no idea Zachary Beckett.


When I say I haven’t felt this way about a MM romance since God of Fury🥹😭 . OMG Harleigh never disappoints me I love this author down to the depths of my core🫶🏾 .


This story focuses on Zach who comes from a very religious family that up and decides one day they want to bring someone new into their home ; enters Arkin the emotionally troubled and misunderstood character who is also mute .

Give me close proximity trope and one bed and you’re already in my good graces 👏🏾 . Zach has to then share his room with Arkin who he slowly grows closer to and starts gaining this unrecognizable tension towards . Zach has never felt this way before about a man , but we come to learn neither has Arkin . They both face coming out stories at once and it’s honestly so beautiful to see .

There’s a lot of back and forth between fighting one another and fighting their own demons , but this love story is so beautiful to me in telling how one person can change your perspective of everything you’ve ever known . Love is a powerful thing and it’ll always be a fine line between love and hate .


Some of my favorite quotes from the book:


”So Zach doesn’t actually smell like the ocean, but that’s what he reminds me of. Water is vastness and freedom, and Zach is my ocean.”

“I love all sides of you, Ark. It doesn’t matter if you’re broken. I’ll glue you together myself as long as you’re here with me.”

“What I’ve found, more than anything, is that my pain becomes beautiful in his embrace, like a butterfly leaving its cocoon — a connection that buries our anchor deeper into the stirred-up seabed.”

“I’m your ocean remember? Together we’re the anchor.”
Profile Image for Jess.bookrecs.
618 reviews55 followers
April 24, 2025
The only reason why I finished this book is because it’s a short read. The first 121 pages just pissed me all the way off. It gave me whiplash while also serving nothing. Then it got intense from there and I actually started to feel the chemistry between the MC’s and become more endeared to their characters especially Arkin. His character arc was done so well.

I didn’t really like the way the story is executed tho. I swear we got more full length MMF & MF scenes than actual MM scenes. They were just more descriptive and for what?? No. Just no. The epilogues made up for it tho. I always love to see characters years in the future thriving.

However, I’ll still say only read this if you want something unserious.
Profile Image for Megan [Slump City].
1,018 reviews396 followers
May 8, 2025
MM Romance
Hurt/Comfort Sex
3 stars ⭐️


The fact I picked up another book by this author after reading and hating Chokehold last year proves just how masochistic I am. Thankfully I had better luck with this one even if it felt confused, trashy and had the phrase back hole. (Only used one time, thankfully.) There was also an incredible amount of sex that frankly took away any attempt at having a worthwhile plot line and while that is usually an issue for me in other books, I couldn’t put this down 🤡😂 There is something addicting about this author’s writing style and I felt that way when I read Chokehold too because even though I hated it, I couldn’t put that down either. 🤣 Just like in Chokehold, there were a bunch of MF and MFM sex scenes and while those aren’t my favorite, I loved the MFM scene because it had DPV and it was fuck hot. 🥵

So this takes place in the UK when they are in college. I am not at all familiar with how university works over there and even though the author tried to explain it in her author’s note, she also stated that she used “creative license” to make it work the way she wanted, so it did leave me a bit confused but honestly it’s not what is important here. Zach is going to college and living with his religious parents who decide to take in a traumatized guy, Arkin, for a few months to help him get on his feet. The plan is that he will stay in Zach’s room while he gets back on track. Zach knows nothing about him except that he doesn’t speak hence the title. While these two share the same space, they fall for each other which honestly was a bit weird because they never have a meaningful conversation of any kind. They do text a few times but it’s just sexual and the only real communication between them is some intense eye contact. It was seriously ridiculous but I ate it up 🙄🤡🤣

Here are some things to know though. When this book starts, Zach has a girlfriend and that’s why there are MF sex scenes. They weren’t as graphic as the MFM sex scene but they are there. Zach cheats on his girlfriend with Arkin and the way women in general are portrayed in this book really sucks. Zach’s mom & sister were really the only ones who were shown in a way that didn’t make me cringe. I’ll say it again for authors who write MM romance, just because you are writing about two men doesn’t mean you need to trash women and just because I, a woman, like to read MM romance doesn’t mean that I want to read about women being treated poorly.

Why did I like this book then? Honestly, I have no idea. It’s getting put in my “guilty pleasures” shelf and if it gets an audio with narrators I like, I’d reread it because it was hot. I mean the hotness is probably all it really had going for it and I was in the mood for it. I had been craving something mindless and trashy for awhile and it filled that need for me. Definitely don’t go into this book expecting something deep. I felt like it wanted to have depth but it never got there and yet I couldn’t put it down. Masochistic tendencies right here 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️🤡🤡🤣🤣
Profile Image for Courtenay (ceelovesbooks).
299 reviews130 followers
April 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

The entire premise of this book just absolutely had me floored. It was everything and NOTHING I thought it would be at the same time. Truthfully? I have no triggers, I saw cheating and signed up to read so fast. And boy, did it deliver on the cheating. YUM.

Zach lives at home with his family while going to college and playing football (soccer). His parents decide to drop the bomb that a troubled young man (Arkin) will be coming to stay with them for a while and now Zach has to share his bedroom with a stranger.

Arkin has been through hell and back in the past few years. And because of this, he doesn’t speak. But her does like to stare. A LOT. At Zach.

Zach and Arkin share some VERY hot, very magnetic tension. They quite literally cannot stay away from one another. And all the meanwhile, Zach is happily enjoying a lot of fun with his girlfriend.

Until one day Arkin makes a move that has Zach questioning everything he’s ever known. His Bi-Awakening wasn’t so much of an awakening because he really only wants the one guy he shouldn’t have. And he accepts that pretty quickly. Almost instantly.

These two move FAST and boyyyy do they get down and dirty. The spice in this book was phenomenal. And in almost every chapter. It does have MF, MM, and MMF scenes, so if you’re uncomfortable with sharing scenes or MF scenes in your MM.. well this won’t be the book for you. But man, they were hot. So hot.

The ending was so sweet, and although there were some loose ends I wish would have been tied up, I did enjoy their story and their extended epilogue was so cute. (The loose ends probably don’t bother anyone but I like all my ducks in a row) I also was hoping for a few more chapters from Arkins POV, as we only got a few, and I would have loved to have gotten to know him and his internal thoughts and feelings a little better.

Overall, if you’re looking for a spicy, slightly forbidden, forced proximity, strangers to more, interesting read that will keep you guessing, this is a fun one!

⛓️‍💥 Forced Proximity
⛓️‍💥 Bi-Awakening
⛓️‍💥 Cheating & Betrayal
⛓️‍💥 Selective Mutism MC
⛓️‍💥 Past Trauma
⛓️‍💥 “My Ocean”
⛓️‍💥 Bullying
Profile Image for Shy.
5 reviews
June 30, 2025
If you’re an MM reader then skip this book! There are way too many MF scenes.

We’ve gotta stop this trend of hetero romance authors trying to write MM just because it’s trendy now. You can tell this was written for hetero women to fetishize gay men. This just felt icky.

Also I’m being nit-picky because I despise this book so much…but the way these women are written like 2000s porn stars. 💀

“she slides in front of me in her tall heels, dressed in a denim skirt and a low-cut purple tank top. Her lips are painted fire-engine red” (she’s wearing this to class?)

“Amy saunters over in a tiny leopard print dress and red heels”

- 18/19 year olds don’t dress like this anymore. 😭

And this just annoyed me…

“His fat crown nudges my back hole”

- not necessary to specify which hole when he only has one.

Also no condoms or discussions on safe sex at all. Just everyone raw dogging everyone. 🥴

DNF 42% - i can’t even hate finish this book.
Profile Image for lakshmi.
703 reviews548 followers
April 24, 2025
this had so much potential, and it would’ve been an amazing read if it wasn’t SO focused on sex
Profile Image for Kim Reads.
232 reviews29 followers
April 30, 2025
Oh boy, this book was something else ❤️‍🔥

This book deals with some heavy topics, so like always, check the tw before reading.

This book started out strong and that didn't change throughout the entire story. There was so much tension and I was so eager to find out what was happening and how, I read it so fast. I loved the writing and all the characters were so interesting.
Profile Image for Julia (bookish.jka).
935 reviews277 followers
April 21, 2025
"He tries to kiss me, but I push him back by the throat. The force slams him against the door, and I chase his lips with mine, punishing him for cutting me open like this, nipping and biting at the supple flesh. Arkin’s breathy groan sends me into a frenzy. I kiss him, tangling my tongue with his. All I can do is lose myself in him. Caught in the moment. Drunk on his taste. As if I’ll never experience anything this intoxicating again."

A Voice In Chains by Harleigh Beck is a standalone MM romance with some very dark themes (check the author's comments) and I absolutely inhaled it! Arkin and Zach gave me all the feels and all the tropes I love and honestly, it would have been a straight 5 star read for me up to the last 20% - which was still fabulous - but given that, it's a 4.5 highly recommended.

Zach's character change just didn't sit well with me and whilst I totally understand the how and the why, it just took the edge off for me and then the ending felt a bit rushed. That said, I always adore an epilogue or two! ❣️

What To Expect:

🖤MM college romance
🖤Bi-awakening
🖤Opposites attract
🖤Secret relationship
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Dark themes
🖤Past trauma
🖤Steamy first times
🖤Allll the angst
🖤HEA

Love love loved it!
Profile Image for Tia Toro.
252 reviews35 followers
April 18, 2025
Harleigh truly went for maximum emotional impact with this one & I fear I’m still trying to recover.

A Voice in Chains follows our two MMC’s, Zach & Arkin. Zach is the popular college football star, raised by two very religious parents. Zachs parents agree to provide a safe space for non-verbal 18 year old Arkin to get back on his feet, after experiencing years of trauma and abuse.

When Arkin starts pushing limits, Zach soon realizes there is much more to Arkin than meets the eye. Arkin is his, and he will do whatever it takes to protect him. Even if it means letting him go.

Yeah, so like, I sobbed, like a baby. Happy tears and sad tears. My sweet, sweet Arkin deserves the world & nothing less, and I am so happy he found that in Zach. Arkins past absolutely broke my heart, but the understanding and patience we see from Zach is nothing short of beautiful. The journey of healing for both of them was just so fucking amazing. Just read it. Tysm.

Thank you Harleigh Beck for providing me with this copy for early review. 🖤
Profile Image for sky ✧₊⁺.
16 reviews31 followers
May 13, 2025
2.75⭐️
Ummmmm. I was having a good time until I got bored, then I got confused. Then I was just over it.

The pacing was too fast and Zach's "gay awakening" was too nonchalant. Especially considering he lived in a Christian household... I personally would've went through seven stages of grief about it. Zach panicked a bit at first sure, but he came to terms with it a little quicker than normal....Then he went from "I hate you" to "I love you", within like 2 chapters of accepting he liked Arkin. Wtf?

Arkin was interesting... to say the least. The consent was not consenting....For someone who couldn't talk because of trauma, it's weird to read scenes where Arkin forcefully does things with Zach who didn't even come to terms with being gay yet. Mind you they didn't even know each-other for a fucking week yet. The author tried to make it better by making Zach be somewhat"into it" but still it was still hard to read.

This book was weird lol
Profile Image for M's ☆~HEA~☆.
1,345 reviews53 followers
dnf
April 22, 2025
Authors, just because the MMCs are making eye contact while screwing females does not make it a MM romance. Same goes for them screwing girls while letting the other MMC listen over the phone.

There are several detailed MF sex scenes just FYI. But those weren't my problem...

...For my mental health I had to dnf due to the extremely graphic MFM threesome at 61%. The boys had just gone crazy jealous over each other when Zach's ex was trying to flirt with Arkin which prompted them to say "only you" to each other. So I was shocked when the threesome with a random girl at a party happened in the very next chapter, like 2 pages later. It lasted from 61-65% so not short either.

I'm not going to rate it because I'm pretty sure if the threesome hadn't happened I would have really enjoyed this - oh well :(
Profile Image for gena_bookish_reviews.
566 reviews32 followers
November 10, 2025
This book is the definition of who hurt you. Zach and Arkin's story touched my heart in a way I didn't expect. These two boys have all my love.

Arkin comes to live with Zach and his family after escaping a home where he was deeply abused. Like.. you are not ready for what my baby went through. He’s quiet, gentle, always observing everyone around him like he’s trying not to take up space. I wanted to cry. You can feel how tired he is. How scared. You can sense that something went very wrong in his past and how he’s carrying pain he doesn’t deserve. His heart was so soft y'all. I just wanted to hug him and protect him forever. 😭

Zack my beautiful and delulu boy. Denial is a river in Egypt babe. That boy never stopped caring. Even when he tried to pretend he didn't. He was so stubborn but so emotional on the inside.. and so protective of Arkin without even realizing it.
One moment he was like "I don't have feelings."
Then the next.. "If you hurt Arkin i will end you."
My shaylas 😭😭

Their love was so deep. It's the love that comes after years of pain. Their story is not easy y'all. It comes with trauma and healing.  You see the nightmares, the fear, the flinching.. and it hurts. It really hurts. But then comes the part where they learn how to breathe again. How to exist without fear. How to love each other. The healing made me so SO emotional. 🥹

If you're in the mood for something that will make you emotional too then please read this. I love this book with all my heart. It's one of my favorite MM books ever. Harleigh mf Beck served again. I love this woman's books so much.

What to expect:

🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Trauma/Healing
🖤 Jealousy and tension
🖤 Protective and possessive MC
🖤 Spice
🖤 Bi awakening
🖤 Push and pull
Profile Image for theshadyivy.
194 reviews39 followers
April 9, 2025
General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦🫦

✨✨✨ A Voice In Chains by Harleigh Beck (@author_harleighbeck), is a mm college romance coming to you April 18th. ✨✨✨

Tropes:
🖤 MM romance
🎶 Secret releationship
🖤 Opposites attract
🎶 “I want it, I take it”
🖤 Past trauma
🎶 Bullying
🖤 “You girlfriend can’t do it like me”
🎶 First times
🖤 Major denial

What can I say? I love this story! I’m a sucker for MM romance, and Zach & Ark are incredible—especially Ark. Despite being hurt and frightened, he doesn't hold back from taking what he wants. I wish I could read this story again for the first time.

We meet Zach, the star football player dating the most attractive girl on campus, when he suddenly has to share his room at home with a silent guest, Arkin. The tension between them is undeniable, and Zach really struggles to understand his feelings. Just when they finally find a way to deal with each other, Zach’s father destroys it all and ensures that everything changes.

I truly loved the interactions between these two characters and their special place. The trauma Ark has to overcome is unspeakable, and I know this happens in real life too. I can only hope that all victims receive the help and understanding they need, and that the villains face the right punishment.

Thank you for the two epilogues, which provide the reader with a wonderful glimpse into the future. I devoured them.

Thank you so much for this great opportunity, Harleigh. I will definitely read more of your work.

Quotes:
A groan rumbles in my chest, and my lips part before I bite down hard on my bottom one to stifle another shameless moan. I’m not fighting anymore. Don’t judge me, okay? I don’t have that much self-control. It feels good. More than good, in fact. I just want to get off. Fųçk, I want to get off so bad. “Arkin,” I groan. “Fųçk…”

Sometimes, it’s safer not to be happy. But as I lie beside Zach on the grounds of an old abbey, amongst all this tragic history, it’s hard not to feel the tendrils of happiness wrap around my heart like ivy. Sooner or later, despite its beauty, ivy kills. Here’s the thing: all beauty cuts like a deadly blade when it meets its inevitable end. So, the question is? Is it worth the wound?

#indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #books #bookrecs #bookstagramer #bookboyfriends #steamyromance #spicyromance #touchhimanddie #lgbtq #mmromance #arc #biawakening #review #currentlyreading #kindleunlimited #oleelawdigiart #theshadyivy
Profile Image for 369Pages.
678 reviews26 followers
August 30, 2025
2.5⭐️
College popular dude Zack’s family takes Arkin in. Arkin is 18 and therefore unable to be in the foster system, with nowhere to go. This means Arkin is staying in the same room as Zack. Zack is super against this… until he isn’t.

This book has:
-nonverbal MC (due to trauma, check TWs)
-college (UK)
-teen drama that’s very over the top
-they’re very horny
-secret relationship

Without getting too into it, this book was a let down for me. I love a nonverbal MC, and there were definitely some good moments, but the overall writing and plot of this book did not hit for me. The characters’ actions are so strange, and they act extremely immature. I was entertained, but mostly in a “what the heck am I reading?” Kind of way.
Profile Image for Lovedarkbooks .
144 reviews77 followers
August 4, 2025
I absolutely loved this book - it drew all the emotions out of me.

This being my first book by Harleigh, I feel it's prudent to express the exquisite writing style she has. I'm a slow reader, but I could not put this down, I was fully emersed in Zach and Arkin's story. I laughed, swooned, cried, and cried some more. Alot of collar pulling at those spice scenes, too, because geez, lol.

I haven't read many MM books, but as of right now, this has to be my favourite. It's fast-paced but not insta-lust/love. There's so much depth to the story.

Zach's family has taken in Arkin, a troubled young man, who also happens to be mute. Zach instantly feels intensely towards Arkin. Why does he have to share his room with a stranger who has no way of communicating? Arkin has his own way of letting Zach know how he feels. But Zach has a girlfriend (ohh, how i wanted to slap her lol)

Zach then has to question everything about himself .. what is it about Arkin that has him so captivated? Why can't he stop thinking about him? He's not into guys!

This book carries so much more than just an sexual awakening for Zach. The friends that Zach has, is inspiring- they truly were the best friends anyone could ask for.

Harleigh's depiction of abuse, trauma, and healing was beautifully written, with such care and heart.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK - 5 STARS IS NOT ENOUGH!

Please familiarise yourself with the content before you start
Profile Image for Gina Roma.
104 reviews9 followers
April 22, 2025
I was ABSOLUTELY obsessed with this book. From the very first page, I was hooked! I literally devoured it in one go. The whole setup was super intriguing right from the start, and the moment Zach's parents announce Ark is coming to stay, I was totally glued!

Ark's got this complicated past that you slowly piece together as the story unfolds. Zach's parents take him in temporarily so he can sort things out, and from the second Zach and he lock eyes... That's all. Instant chemistry, a palpable tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat!

Of course, it's not smooth sailing from the get-go. Zach's confusion, that magnetic pull every time they're in the same room... it's this explosive mix that inevitably blows up the moment they touch!

One of the things I totally loved was Harleigh Beck's writing style – the way she describes the intensity of emotions is just beautiful! It's deep, it hits you right in the feels, it's gorgeous!

It was such an emotional rollercoaster, with moments that definitely made me reach for a tissue. The love that these two guys feel is so strong that it can conquer anything. And the final epilogue is so precious!

I'm completely in love with this book and for Zach and Ark, and I'm already dying for Harleigh Beck to publish more MM stories because I'm here for it.
Profile Image for Crisana.
992 reviews46 followers
dnf
April 23, 2025
DNF so quickly I almost gave myself whiplash. MMF scenes are just not for me at all. Once the guys start being interested in each other and unless it's meant to end as an MMF or MM+, then I don't want to see them with anyone else. This seems to be a trend now, sometimes to advance the story, sometimes for angst but it's just not for me. I want my MM books to be just that.
Profile Image for Lauren.
261 reviews21 followers
April 18, 2025
I bounced between 2/3 stars and settled on 3 because, after all, writing a book is no easy feat.

Unfortunately, this one really missed the mark for me, and it solidified that this author’s writing style just isn’t for me (having DNF another book of theirs prior.) as I wanted to give them another shot, I read this one. However, I nearly DNF’d around the 23% mark when one of the MMCs, while thinking about his girlfriend, says, “I’m in the mood for doggy tonight.” Seriously? That line completely threw me. It felt juvenile and off-putting.

And yes, girlfriend. In an MM romance. There is a content warning for dubious consent involving cheating, but what made it “dubious”? It was full-on cheating, plain and simple. The MMC starts hooking up, rather quickly, I might add, with a temporary foster his parents bring home. He’s identified as straight his entire life and then suddenly, without much build-up or internal exploration, he’s deep into a steamy scene with the other MMC. And look, sexuality is fluid… there’s no one way to discover or express it… but the suddenness of it here just didn’t feel authentic. It lacked the emotional or narrative setup to make that transition believable.

The story overall felt like a young adult read attempting to to be a dark romance. Which, maybe if the setting was high school, it would make sense. But the characters are in UK college (like a vocational school for higher learning before university. Which university=college for USA) And the writing and tone didn’t strike me as intentionally youthful; instead, it came off as somewhat immature or trying too hard. One scene in particular, where a friend mockingly dry-humps a chair in the middle of the cafeteria, really underscored that for me. It just didn’t land.

That said, I did appreciate Arkin’s backstory—it was intense, tragic, and easily the most compelling aspect of the book.

Overall, not the right fit for me, but it may appeal to folks who enjoy fast-paced, emotionally heavy young adult romance with darker edges.
Profile Image for Heather Cremo.
34 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2025
ARC Review: A Voice in Chains by Harliegh Beck

5 ⭐️

I wanted him to see me. And when he finally did..it was everything.

This book was everything I crave in a romance—and then some.

Heart-wrenching, tender, and insanely sexy, this story pulled me in from page one. Arkin absolutely shattered me with everything he’s been through. His selective mutism, stemming from deep trauma, was portrayed so beautifully and respectfully.

And then there’s Zachary—ugh, the tension between them? Chef’s kiss. When Zachary’s family takes Arkin in, things are rocky at first… but the way their dynamic slowly shifts, simmering with unresolved tension and emotional intensity, had me glued to every word.

And their chemistry was off the charts. The buildup was so torturous in the best way. And when the spice hits? FIRE. 🔥

Harleigh made me fall insanely hard for these two. I binged this book in one day and didn’t want it to end. If you're into MM romance with all the feels and the heat, this one absolutely belongs on your shelf.
Profile Image for Neapolitan670 📚🖤.
717 reviews36 followers
April 7, 2025
Starting with Zach, and his sister who learn they are to have a house guest the same age as Zach moving in temporarily due to his troubled background. Arkin, who is mute, is bullied not only by Zach but at school too. However, there is a connection between the two, that neither can seem to fight. Even though Zach has a girlfriend he is drawn to the magnetism of Arkin.

Their secret relationship blooms, until the inevitable happens. Arkin is reunited with his lost family. They are split apart. Will they be able to be open about their love? Do they stay in touch? Can they have a long distance relationship? The answer folks is within the story, sorry that’s all from me 🤭

This was a totally different read from Harleighs’ usual reads, I love the dynamics of the pair, and their friends. The writing was great, it flowed really well and I admired the fact Harleigh integrated a part of her r/l into it.
Profile Image for Nightboat.
164 reviews
April 20, 2025
It was okay. I was expecting more angst and emotion but what I got was unexplained insta lust mixed with a slightly abusive beginning, which made no sense given Arkin’s past. It made it feel wrong and uncomfortable rather than beautiful. Could’ve been so much better because the premise of the story was really good. Just not executed very well.
Profile Image for Hannah Rhodes.
57 reviews457 followers
May 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this story and thought the spice was SPICING but I would have liked to have had a little more detail and storyline when it came to the relationship between the two main male characters!

Still a SOLID read and would totally recommend you read this one!
Profile Image for Sharon Elias.
62 reviews4 followers
April 18, 2025
✨ARC Review ✨

A voice in chains ⛓️by Harleigh Beck.
Coming April 18th.


I received my ARC copy this afternoon and just finished it. At first i thought this was a single POV book, but a couple chapters in, it was dual POV.
And i really loved Arkins POV ! 🤍

Arkin is non verbal due to past trauma, and it’s beautiful to see how he communicates with Zach.
I always love a good enemies to lovers story, but i love it more if there’s a good plot. Like why they hate eachother.
This one is different. It’s not hate because one of them is a ‘golden boy’, it’s hate because Arkin awakens some feelings in Zach, which he can’t place at first.
There’s a lot of sexual tension, and this book is Hot! 🥵

I couldn’t put it down, i wanted to know what would happen, and why some things happened.
As the story goes on, you get to know more about Arkins past and you get to know why he’s the way he is. It’s heartbreaking… 😭

The ‘touch him and die’ and ‘you’re safe with me’..
This book has it al. Oh and we do get an HEA ❤️

(Check trigger warnings. )

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Toni Amey.
267 reviews31 followers
April 10, 2025
Omg! This story was absolutely phenomenal. You have a mute MMC that went through so much trauma and you watched him overcome all of it. I felt all the emotions while reading this. I hated some of the characters, loved them, wanted to cry, wanted to rage, and then never wanting this story to end. I have loved every single book this author has wrote and this one is no different! Amazing story and a 10/10 read for me all the way!
Profile Image for princess ౨ৎ.
262 reviews
April 18, 2025
THANK YOU FOR THR ARC FIRST AND FOREMOST!
secondly... YOU CANT KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS HARLEIGH!!! how is every single book you write a banger a hit an absolute MASTERPIECE?!!?!!???? i loved it I LOVED IT. it took me back to the nostalgia of chokehold without being a carbon copy and I NEEDED THAT SO BAD COS IVE STILL NOT MOVED ON FROM THAT IDK ABT YALL! i can't prove it cos it's just words in a paper but arkin is FINE SHYTTTTT and if i coulda been in the room when it all went down... whew! whew!
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