The Sweetest Silence

by Skynova

Beneath the polished exterior I present to the world, I wear a mask—a facade that shields my vulnerabilities and silent struggles. As a lawyer, I project confidence and authority, but behind that mask lies a story filled with insecurities and fear. Then a monster enters my life— this wild, dark and unpredictable force. He marks me as his prey the second we meet.



His name is Saint but he’s buried in sin. He’s everything I’ve been taught to be against. The opposition of the rightful side of the law.



He’s like a storm that disrupts my orderly world. It’s both exhilarating and terrifying, like standing at the edge of a cliff, ready to leap into the unknown. He wants to own me and peel off my mask. He’s not afraid of silence. Im scared that I’ll like his darkness and fall for him. The only thing is my wings are broken now, so if I fall for him I might not recover.

Genres: Novella

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

Reviews

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 4 out of 5]

😍🥰

I enjoyed this read, Saint and Amara definitely had me squealing by the end. But they had to work to get there - with Saint dealing with a loss and Amara having a life changing situation. Though the story is a novella, it read like it was longer. I wish it was longer, actually lol!

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amora is a beast in the courtroom but has a secret that she is hiding from the world. She is afraid that if found out, she will be seen differently, pitied, and possibly her career could be over. So, she puts on the brave façade daily that she has it all together, when inside she is crumbling. On a rare night out, she is in the wrong place at the wrong time and meets eyes with the whirlwind that is Saint Valentine.

For a man who wants to be taken seriously as a businessman, he loves to lead with fear, and strong-arming people. When he sees Amora while in the middle of a mission, he feels something, and wants to protect her. That has never happened before, but he pushes those feelings to the side to deal with the task at hand. When she witnesses something, she shouldn’t have, he has to see what she is about, to determine his next moves.

Amora should be terrified of this man, and she is in a way, but also intrigued and excited. His confidence, swagger, and BDE is front, and center and she can’t help but be smitten by him.
The back and forth with these two as Saint bulldozes his way into Amora’s life is amusing, and yet annoying, cause sir what??? However, I did enjoy how Saint supported Amora and reminded her that she is still is the ish, no matter what!

I did like this story; however, it felt incomplete. There was emphasis on Amora’s father’s influence in her life, but it wasn’t explored fully. Why was her father pushing Nathan on her so tough? What was the motive other than he looked good on paper? That ending left this story open for more, which I hope we get.

[_dulcekk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose you. You chose me.

Wrong place and the wrong time leads to an unfamiliar man imposing on your life, without letting up. Saint, a powerful man who beneath the surface is still grieving an extreme loss and also battling guilt meets Amora, not by chance, and for whatever reason he can’t shake her/leave her alone… he is drawn to her. Amora, learning to navigate her recent diagnosis & accept her new normal tries to avoid Saint at all costs after the initial- not so pleasant first interaction with him, but she too, feels a pull to him that she cannot resist! This story was emotional, with good banter between the characters & the right amount of spice. “Learning to continue to live…..” both Saint & Amora decide to begin fully living , in spite of their circumstances.

[BlackBookVibes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5... I loved the disability representation. This was a good story. Started off strong, but the end went super fast. A little too fast, we didn't get a wrap-up of the father, Nathan, or the baby mama.

[Miss Read A lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, it was a decent read. Amora, the main character, was slowly losing her hearing due to Ménière’s disease, and she started taking sign language classes to prepare for what was coming. I understood her pride and the way she tried to push Saint away out of embarrassment, but at times, her arrogance made her a little hard to connect with. The murder at the beginning felt unnecessary, it didn’t really add much to the story. They could’ve met on a regular day or even through her job since he was her client. Saint himself was a bit unhinged at times, though his character still had depth. I appreciated that the author touched on the struggles Black women face in the workplace and how Black men are often unfairly judged or labeled as thugs even when they’re successful and hardworking. Those messages were strong and important, but since the book was short, they started to feel a bit repetitive after a while.
The ending also felt rushed. One chapter Amora wasn’t really feeling Saint like that they weren’t even vibing and then suddenly, they slept together, and it was like they been good the whole time. Their relationship needed more build-up to feel believable. On top of that, there were still loose ends left hanging like what happened with Amora’s father and Saint’s child’s mother.

Still, I’ve read worse that I ended up DNF’ing. This one kept my attention, so I’d say it was a decent, enjoyable read overall.

[Kianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hummmm

I thought there was going to be a part 2..... The book ending left me with so many questions. If he took her her favorite food to her condo then when the man pissed on his leg in the alley and he went to her house why did it seem as though he hadn't been their before? The scene at the office with her father, then mentioning not hearing from him, but no follow through??? Even the meeting with the Governor and threat he made seemed as though it was going to lead to an additional plot twist. And.... As crazy as thus may seem the word had was used to many times in places it was not needed.

[Celesté · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way Amora cussed Saint out quick fast and in a hurry had me in bed giggling and rubbing my feet together 😂 When two strong personalities clash, it’s either a beautiful symphony, or a complete crash out. I loved watching their business/personal relationship grow. I feel like the author ended this with just enough space for a possible part 2 👀 I’d love more from Amora and Saint ❤️

On a side note, I love how romance authors are writing characters with disabilities more often. It’s realistic. There are a lot of people with invisible illnesses that they keep to themselves and it tends to be revealed in dating.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amora is a boss baddie and running into Saint was not on her list of things to do but once she does there’s no turning back. Saint is my type of obsessed MMC the having a car to pick her up, waiting on her on the parking garage I was here for it all. This novella did a really did job of tackling the topic of grief in different facets and the main characters were still able to connect to one another.

[Jennifer Freese · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sweetest Silence

Loved this novella! Not only is the love between the characters palpable and magnetic—it’s HOT! But there’s so much more to this story. It’s a journey of healing and self acceptance. There are several small errors throughout the story, that I am sure will be caught with a good edit, but despite that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be watching for more from this author.

[Jamie Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so good

I love how Saint just came in knowing how to soften my girl right on up and allowed her to be who she was and not cower from it but embrace it and love her more for it.

[Crystal Demby · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when two people with BOSS energy cross paths? Like they said in the movie Grease... "IT'S ELECTRIFYING!" Amore and Saint are there for one another in trying times and it's soo sweet how it draws them together. I wish this was a full length novel instead of a novella because there's things left unsaid in my opinion. How does Amore manage her career with her situation? What happens with her relationship with her father while she's involved with Saint? 🤔

[perfectlyamberb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay.

This was an okay book. The highlight for me was learning about Ménière’s disease because Amora was annoying as hell.

[SKIIBHAD · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★

[Meme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is why I don’t like short books! 😫 I need more of Saint and Amora! When is she telling her dad? When is the wedding? What we naming the babies?

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skynova’s The Sweetest Silence is a haunting and emotionally charged dark romance that refuses to follow conventional romantic formulas. This is not a hearts-and-flowers love story—it’s raw, intense, and unafraid to dig into the shadows of trauma, power, and redemption.

At the heart of the novel are Saint and Amora, two broken souls entangled in a dangerous dance of dominance and defiance. From the moment their paths cross, it’s clear that their connection is volatile, complicated, and anything but typical. Skynova paints their relationship with a brutal honesty, exploring themes like control, consent, pain, and healing with a daring that will either unsettle or captivate readers.

Saint is the kind of character who commands every page he’s on—intimidating, morally gray, yet layered with unexpected depth. His interactions with Amora are tense and magnetic, sometimes uncomfortable, but always emotionally charged. Amora, in turn, is resilient, navigating her own trauma and hearing loss while refusing to be a passive participant in Saint’s world. Her vulnerability is never weakness—it’s grit, shaped by a life that hasn’t been kind.

What sets The Sweetest Silence apart is its exploration of disability and silence—both literal and emotional—as a form of power. Amora’s hearing loss is not just a trait; it’s an integral part of who she is, and Skynova treats it with care and authenticity. The dual POV structure gives readers a deeper understanding of both protagonists, making their growth and internal battles feel painfully real.

The pacing occasionally wavers—certain scenes linger longer than necessary, while others beg for more time to fully unfold. The dialogue, especially in moments of conflict, can feel repetitive, though it effectively underscores the simmering push-and-pull dynamic between Saint and Amora.

The Sweetest Silence is not for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who crave dark, emotionally intense stories that challenge norms and explore what it means to love through pain. Skynova doesn’t just write romance—she writes survival, rebirth, and the kind of love that claws its way out of the ashes. Disturbing, provocative, and deeply affecting, this book will stay with you long after it’s over.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

🔥 Tropes in The Sweetest Silence:
Dark Romance – This story dives into morally gray territory with intense, emotionally fraught themes.

Hurt/Comfort – Both characters are healing from trauma and find solace (albeit in unconventional ways) in one another.

Morally Gray Alpha Male – Saint embodies the brooding, dangerous hero with a complex past and dominant energy.

Damaged but Strong Heroine – Amora is vulnerable yet resilient, facing her own trauma and physical challenges (including hearing loss).

Forced Proximity – Circumstances place the characters in close quarters, intensifying the tension and emotional stakes.

Enemies to Intense Lovers – There's resistance and friction that slowly transforms into a charged emotional and physical bond.

Power Imbalance – Explored through control, dominance, and submission, which evolves throughout the relationship.

Slow Burn – Though the attraction is immediate, the emotional trust and depth of the relationship take time to unfold.

Disability Representation – Amora’s hearing loss is portrayed with authenticity and respect, adding depth to her character and to the story.

Redemption Arc – Both characters seek redemption—from themselves, their pasts, and each other.

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NeiNey.ThaReadinDoula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amora is that girl in the courtroom—brains, beauty, and a rep that demands respect. But behind that bossed-up facade? She’s carrying a secret that could end her whole career. She’s breaking on the inside while trying to keep it all cute on the outside.

Then boom—enter Saint Valentine. Not just a name, but a whole experience. He’s dangerous, cold, unpredictable... and fine as hell. He runs his empire off fear, but the moment he sees Amora in the middle of his business, something shifts. He don’t do soft, but this woman got him feeling real unfamiliar.

Now let’s talk about the moment. Amora catches a scene she ain’t supposed to, and suddenly Saint has to decide—handle her or protect her. Spoiler: He chooses both.

Amora’s smart enough to run, but baby, she’s also intrigued. Saint pulls up with that slow-burn energy, full of BDE and blueberries—yes, blueberries, don’t play. He invades her space, her mind, and her heart without asking. And you’d think it’d be toxic (it kinda is), but the way he builds her up when she’s crumbling? Yeah... it hits.

Their chemistry? Off the charts. The push and pull, the silent moments, the tension—it’s giving dark, sexy, chaotic love, and I was all the way tapped in.

But listen, I needed more. The drama with her daddy pushing Nathan like he’s the last man on Earth? That was brushed past too fast. And that ending? Nah, that ain’t closure, that’s a setup. I’m definitely coming back for part two.

Four stars because Saint, Amora, and the blueberries did what needed to be done—but I’m not done with them yet.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saint and Amora are compelling characters that drew me into this story. They both have issues that has made them what they are. They connect when he goes in search of a lawyer, and something clicks for him with Amora. This story has emotional drama that is filled with dramatic twists and turns that had me connecting with these two as they navigated their journey along the road to happiness.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Merged review:

Saint and Amora are compelling characters that drew me into this story. They both have issues that has made them what they are. They connect when he goes in search of a lawyer, and something clicks for him with Amora. This story has emotional drama that is filled with dramatic twists and turns that had me connecting with these two as they navigated their journey along the road to happiness.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sweetest Silence was an okay read. Saint is in need of a lawyer to get what he wants, and Amora happens to be that lawyer. However, when their paths cross it's not the best situation, but Saint isn't bothered, he needs Amora to get the job done. There's chemistry there but I wish it was deeper and there were more moments between the two because I just didn't get enough, and I felt as if the ending was rushed. Overall, it was an okay read for me that was funny, steamy, had threats, deaths, arguments, loss and more. There were parts of the story that I thought were slow, and moments that I liked and disliked about this story, but I think it's a story worth reading at least once to see if it's a story for you.

[BeautifullyFlawedKAH · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first sentence had me ready to dive in head first. It is a great story. I appreciate the encouragement Saint gave Amora. I enjoyed the fact that she was able to make him see his value as well. This was a great short read for me.

[Tierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needed More Pages

I enjoyed the story but felt it would’ve been even better if it were longer. Their relationship felt rushed and it happened all of a sudden. There was one point in the book when I had to make sure I hadn’t skipped a chapter because some plot points were out of order. The end was also rushed and almost without resolution to a couple plot points. The book was interesting enough to make me overlook those things and keep reading.

[Alana Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. This was good. I liked their love story. It definitely started off on the craziest foot but I love how over time Saint felt comfortable and vulnerable with Amara and vice versa.

My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. The story would’ve been 5 stars if it was longer in my opinion because there were so many heavy topics throughout it had more room for digging deeper.

[Mogi B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s the first newly discovered trope for me. I can see myself getting into more books of this kind. Curvy women rule. want more chemistry could be my only criticism.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brisace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby Saint was not playing about his Lawyer Babe. I loved the way kept pursuing her and not letting up

[BooksAreMyLoveLanguage]

Dnf

[Shameka Erby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amora and Saint