The Silence Between

by Greyson Vale

When seventeen-year-old Leo Reyes sacrifices his own dreams to become guardian to his three younger siblings, he builds walls around his heart that no one can penetrate. For a decade, he works multiple jobs, navigates endless bureaucracy, and creates a semblance of stability for his family—all while convincing himself that his own happiness is a luxury he can't afford.

Ethan Webb fled Riverton the first chance he got, chasing literary success and leaving behind the only real connection he'd ever known. Now, despite acclaim and achievement, he returns to his hometown empty, seeking something his writing career couldn't provide.

When their worlds collide again, Leo and Ethan must confront what might have been against the reality of what is. As external forces threaten the fragile life Leo has constructed, both men discover that some punctuation marks don't end sentences—they merely pause them before the story continues.

Genres: Contemporary, M M Romance, Romance, Queer, Family, Second Chance, Gay

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2025

About the author

Greyson Vale is an exciting new voice in gay romance fiction. With a talent for crafting swoon-worthy love stories filled with crackling chemistry, Greyson's novels explore the complexities of modern gay relationships and the search for lasting connection.

Reviews

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

dramatic needs a thorough edit but i read it in one go so

[Toddles · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE SILENCE BETWEEN
By Greyson Vale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It will be available on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited on May 23, 2025!
www.amazon.com/B0F84LJW6T

This is a 409-page Slow-Burn Second Chance Hurt/Comfort, Class Difference Forbidden Love MM Romance. It is a story mainly about a guy who takes everything he has to hold his family together with a mild romance plot thrown into the mix. The story is gruesomly authentic and realistic. It points out problems that society puts on individuals without proper support and 100% judgment.

--"The borders we cross are less about geography than about who we're allowed to become.”--

Written in a duel POV, The Silence Between takes place in a small town separated by a river, with the rich on one side and the poor on the other. Leo has been taking care of his 3 younger siblings since he can remember. His parents were never 100% there. Even taking on so much responsibility, he gets himself through high school, no thanks to anyone but maybe Ethan. Ethan is a privileged kid who has had his whole life planned for him since the day he was born, but he has no interest in following in his parents' footsteps. When these two cross paths, you can feel the connection is more than special. But the challenges that life hands Leo are stronger than quicksand and any connection, and he has to choose a path rarely taken.

--"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both…”--

The timeline of the novel is unique. The first 5 chapters take place during the high school years, introducing our characters and setting up the location and the challenges ahead. Afterward, we jump time and learn what has happened to the guys and their families. Picking up new paths in life as forks keep approaching. But with every fork, there is a problem that the universe keeps presenting. The plot is mostly Leo, his family, and their challenges they have to overcome. The slow burn MM romance is barely there. Ethan is more of a support presents, to prove himself until Leo can come to terms that he is allowed to have a life even though his family always comes first.

--The greatest regrets are not what we did, but for what we never attempted.--

In today’s society we have a problem. A very big problem. The novel didn’t just say here it is and it needs to be fixed, it pointed every damn missile at it like it’s the number one threat and the only way to over come it is to blow it the fuck up! The foster system is broken and has been for a long time. This novel bravely shows this in extreme detail that even though you may be granted custody, that’s where the support system stops. The story that the author told happens in today’s society all the time.

--"Unfinished stories create their own gravity…some people believe unresolved endings are a gift. They leave room for possibility.”--

The spice was almost nonexistent. 1/5🌶. I’m not saying this as a bad thing. The story just didn’t call for it. The content that is given is good, but there is very little of it. In my opinion, it’s a great stepping stone novel for someone wanting to dip their toes into MM romance since the spicy isn’t all in your face.

--"Sometimes, you need to revisit your foundations to remember why you started building in the first place.”--

The ensemble was extensive. From the 3 siblings, all of Leo’s work contacts and Ethan and his coworkers. They all added a lot of great content that will make you laugh and break your heart, sometimes on the same damn page.Each character is built with in depth personalities and detailed lives. How they are all connected flows pretty smoothly. Even with the time-jumps and the character growth with age, the author did a phenomenal job at maturing them without losing their basic base starting point and erasing their past. Kind of like real life, that when anyone experiences trauma, it’s stays with you no matter how healed you are.

--"Everyone's story had a different punctuation. Sometimes we need a semicolon instead of periods. A semicolon means the sentence could have ended, but it didn’t. The author chose to continue. That’s what we do-we continue, no matter what.”--

Even with some mild points in the plot that Erk’ed me and had my feelings all kind of conflicted, I highly recommend this book. Especially with what has been happening in our country at present. It's so different from what other authors are putting out for readers. With the center of it all focused on humanity issues instead of bubblegum pop romance. This novel will break your heart, then crumble those parts into itty bitty pieces. It’s a true soap opera of real-world issues about Parental Abandonment and addiction, Problematic Public School Challenges, Special Education IUP Regulations, and Foster System & Legal Issues. Even with all the negativity, this story is beautiful because, in the end, it shows that all the fighting can be worth it. You may have a breakdown but can come out the others end stronger. No matter what path you take, the choice of using a semicolon is always in your hands. It’s your choice to keep going even though it could have been easier to end everything. This really resonated with me as their were details that paralleled with my own childhood. Even though I ignored the trigger warnings before reading, I highly recommend looking them over below. Some may spoil some plot points.

⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS⚠️
Substance Abuse & Addiction, Parental Negligence & Abandonment, Suicide Ideation, Depression, Child Welfare Issues, Socioeconomic Hardship, Family Separation, Verbal Abuse, Emotional Trauma, Overdose, Child Protective Services, Mild Hispanic Racism & Bullying, and Emotional Distress Involving Children. READER DISCRETION ADVISED

**Personal Note: 25th ARC of 2025 (May)

[Bernard Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark, queer romance and family fiction hit hard and close to home. It’s not only that caring for my old and bedridden mom by myself helped me to relate and identify with Leo; it is the writing and the plot and the protagonists who made me fall for this story. Even if the ending were different, it would still be a story that won my heart.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It should never fall to a child to be responsible for their siblings because neither parent is capable. That, sadly, is what happens to Leo, at a young age he balances school, part-time work and taking care of his three younger siblings. It means he keeps his head down as much as possible, along with also being from the 'wrong' side of town, the less wealthy one, he simply wants to survive each day.

Ethan has a privileged life, he wants for nothing, his parents are wealthy and have grand plans for his future. At school he is always with the popular crowd, he is the popular one. But, quietly, he offers Leo support from his first day. He speaks up for the other boy when Leo hasn't yet been given a text book, later they are paired for the debate team - both being outstanding at it.

And that is when things start to change. It happens very gradually, they try to fit in time around Leo's crazy schedule, they carve out late nights for themselves by the old bridge, they slowly start to build something. But when it comes to the crunch, when they turn 18, their paths diverge. Leo takes official custody of his siblings, Ethan flees in search of something else. Lives carry on but for both there is always that hole where the other was, that sense of wondering and when a second chance presents itself Ethan takes it. He returns. Some things haven't changed, lots has and soon Leo and Ethan find themselves thrown together to overcome bigotry among other issues. There is support from the community at every step, reassuring us that there are few bad people in the world compared to the number of good ones. Leo and Ethan are both beautiful people from the inside out and what they find is hard won but so very worth every moment.

I could not put this one down once I started. I sort of knew that would happen, it seems to always happen when I read a Grayson Vale novel. He is in his books, you can feel the love, the passion he has for his stories, the urge that drives him to create his characters, the lengths he goes to ensuring that we feel that we know them as well as he does. His novels are incredibly realistic and yet we still know, somehow, that they are fictional. His writing is outstanding, the way he manages to weave a story full of angst and yet heartwarming to the degree that not many manage is a special art and I for one hope he continues to take us on this immersive journeys of discovery and heartfelt love.

[Lea Gesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that Greyson Vale could write beautiful books and this is another one of them. The story of Leo Reyes and Ethan Webb. Both know each other from their youth. But live in completely different worlds. Economically, financially, you name it. Why did I think of the story of Toni and Maria, West Side Story. The story is not an easy story, because Leo comes from a difficult and problematic family. Parents are addicted and he also has a brother and sisters, who are much too young to take care of themselves. Then follows a story that is heartbreaking. Ethan and Leo, love each other, but cannot be together, Leo takes on the responsibility to take care of his brother [Diego] and sisters [Mari and Sophie]. And it is a battle, that he carries alone. A battle against the established order that does nothing but oppose and the indifference simply breaks your heart. Rules are rules and the fact that people are involved leaves certain authorities cold. But with three jobs and an analytical mind, he makes it, but it costs him a lot, a lot. Ethan has moved on with his life, has known happiness, but he also has this feeling that he is missing something. Becoming famous through his books, he returns and meets Leo again. Leo who is having a hard time, but does not ask for help. Thinks that he has to do everything alone. And that comes to a dramatic end one day. What Leo, always the solver, no longer knows the solution and breaks. This book is an emotional rollercoaster, but so pure, so real. You can't help but feel indignant about what is being done to Leo and his small family. Deep days follow, especially when Leo's father shows up again and wants his children back. Fortunately, there is Ethan, who becomes his anchor. And slowly they rebuild their relationship. A relationship with ups and downs, because Leo has suffered a considerable mental blow and must now learn to accept that he cannot do everything alone and that sometimes it is also good to just ask for help. I really couldn't put this book down, I even reread some chapters, just to be able to bask in the warmth of the written words. A beautifully written book, that is definitely worth the five stars.

[Theodore · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 46%

The story was heavy at the start but weirdly lacked the appropriate amount of emotion? I'm not particularly sure why Leo's life and Ethan's anguish over their separation felt lacking, but something about the writing felt distant despite the first person POV. I think it has to do with the fact that each chapter in part 1 skips ahead by a month, not letting us see the fallout of the event, but instead only showing us what will cause the next tragedy. Makes sense did the author wanted to give us a picture of Leo's troubled childhood but also sort of robs us of the emotional connection since we don't really see it play out. We know it's shitty, but that's just our brains filling in the blanks rather than seeing it on page. Part 2 has a similar issue where things happen, but we don't really get to see the characters' debrief on what happened before the next thing starts.

I liked that Ethan's parents didn't end up the stereotypical, rich, evil, and overly controlling tropes because those are so incredibly annoying and cliche.

I'm also incredibly happy to read that none of Leo's siblings went the rebellious route. A sympathetic conflict rather than an antagonistic one 100% fits here and amnglad the author chose this route.

Ethan randomly showing up in places Leo was felt very stalker-y. School was fine because they both worked there. Volunteering was questionable considering it was optional for Ethan. Showing up at their place (despite Sophie's invitation) was very much out of life, especially considering their history together.

Primarily DNF-ing because I'm not jiving with the writing. The story feels like a mechanical series of actions which aren't given the proper amount of time to develop and aren't adequately supported by the POV character's internal thoughts and feelings. There's too much internal dialogue and there's not enough. This feels like a case of not enough and the resulting story feels detached and lacking in connection because of it (which sucks because there's so much emotion packed into the plot. It's unfortunate that that potential isn't really tapped into)

[Danielle Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo’s life was never easy. Constantly moving, sharing a one-bedroom apartment with his parents and three younger siblings, he learned early how to survive. But when his mother got injured and his parents began to drift, Leo stepped up—no hesitation. While other kids planned prom and college visits, Leo was filling out guardianship paperwork and attending social service meetings. Yet even in all that chaos, there was Ethan. Steady, warm, and never once judging the family Leo came from. Their friendship grew into something tender, something neither of them had a name for until they were already in too deep. But with too much on his plate and not enough room in his world for softness, Leo did the only thing he thought he could he let Ethan go.

Ethan’s life was all mapped out. Ivy League plans, law school, politics his parents had the script written from day one. And for a long time, he was willing to play his part. Until Leo. Until the boy in torn and tattered clothes and fought the world for the people he loved walked into his English class and made Ethan want something real. Being with Leo was never about defiance. It just fit. But when Leo pushed him away, Ethan didn’t just lose someone he lost a future he’d only just started to dream of. And yet, that heartbreak gave him the courage to finally break his own mold. To study literature. To write. To live on his terms.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ (but sooo worth it)

Greyson, O.M.G. This book wrecked me in the best way. I finished it 30,000 feet in the air and had to fight every instinct not to sob in front of strangers. This is a very slow burn with low spice, but what it delivers emotionally is next-level. Watching Leo fight for his family, for stability, for control while Ethan quietly longs for something he can’t name yet. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s heartbreakingly beautiful. A decade of silence, of growing, of becoming, and when they finally find their way back to each other? Magic. Thank you Greyson for giving us a love story that waits and heals.

[Taz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional page turner that makes you fall in love with both MCs!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶/5
😭😭😭😭/5

It's sad, yet happy.
Heart wrenching, yet wholesome.
Tears you apart and heals you simultaneously.

The book starts as Leo and Ethan are both in high school. We get to see the different lives they both live on opposite sides of the river. Eastside ~ Westside. Poor ~ Rich.
They come from two different backgrounds but find their fundamental beliefs aline and match perfectly, and the chemistry is undeniable.

But like in real life, shït happens and we get pulled apart... We go on the journey with them as they try to find happiness again.

Leo, having to raise his siblings, work several jobs and struggle through life as a "single parent". Struggles with letting anyone in who could unbalance their carefully calibrated life.

Ethan, who is making something of himself. Struggles with the stark difference between dreams of making it big and the hollowness it can bring, without true joy and love in his life.

It is a slowburn with one chapter of spice about 75% in. There are triggers of süiciäl thoughts and an attempt (not graphic and not viölent), child nëglëct (not by MCs), substance äbüse and äddictiön (not MCs) and also struggles with money, court hearings and social involvement/risk of losing children. As I said, it's a beautifully emotional journey.

Also, a shout out to an author who understands diversity 🌈 and is implemented perfectly in one of the characters. Showing both the struggles we face in education but also the strengths that can be found from our special interests! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[Tashyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

As students at Riverton High School, Leo and Ethan cross paths. Although his affluent family has laid out plans for Ethan's future, the only son of a famous West Riverton family, Ethan has different ambitions. Leo comes from a family of four; his parents are poor and battle addiction in East Riverton. As their senior year comes to a close, Leo takes charge of his younger brothers while Ethan departs for college. Ten years down the road, Ethan has overcome writer's block and become a published author. In his new role as an English teacher at Riverton High School, he meets Sophie, Leo's younger sister, in her freshman class. Despite putting off his personal needs, Leo is keeping the family together by working three jobs and providing for his siblings. Unfortunately, Leo's guardian abilities are soon called into doubt by a conservative political candidate on the school board who wants Leo to live with his addict father. Greyson Vale delves into topics such as special education requirements, maintaining family unity in the face of incapacity, and navigating a complex system of assistance that falls short of meeting every need. These delicate and intricate subjects are handled with great mastery by Vale. The novel's minor plot point is the second chance romance between Leo and Ethan. Still, love is a potent thread that runs through it all. In my opinion, Vale is an outstanding writer, and this is a profoundly moving work.

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

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undying Love

Leo and Ethan meet as teens in Riverton High School. Ethan is the only son of a prominent wealthy West Riverton family, whose future is planned out by his family while Ethan has other dreams. Leo is the eldest of four, whose parents struggle with addiction issues and poverty in East Riverton. At the end of their senior year, Leo assumes custody of his younger siblings while Ethan leaves for college.

A decade later, Ethan is a successful published author with writer’s block. He returns to Riverton as a high school English teacher, encountering Leo’s youngest sibling Sophie in the freshman class. Leo is holding the family together, working three jobs, making sure his siblings have what they need while putting off his own needs. Soon a school board member with conservative political aspirations begins to question Leo’s competence as guardian, and pushes for family reunification with Leo’s addicted father.

Greyson Vale explores special education needs, keeping a family together while parents are unable to function, and managing the labyrinthine system of supports that never quite covers all that’s needed. Vale handles these sensitive and complex themes masterfully. The second chance romance between Ethan and Leo is subtle, not the main focus of the novel. And yet, love is a powerful force threading throughout. This is a powerful book, Vale is an exceptional author, and I highly recommend this book.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silence Between delves into the lives of Ethan and Leo, two young men from vastly different backgrounds who meet as teens in Riverton High School. Ethan, the privileged son of a wealthy West Riverton family, struggles against the rigid expectations mapped out for him, while Leo, the eldest of four, shoulders the weight of poverty and addiction in his East Riverton household. As they graduate, their paths diverge—Ethan heads to college, and Leo steps up as the guardian of his younger siblings.
A decade later, Ethan, now a published author grappling with writer’s block, returns to Riverton as a high school English teacher. His unexpected connection to Leo’s family reignites old memories when he meets Sophie, Leo’s youngest sibling, in his freshman class. Meanwhile, Leo holds his fractured family together, juggling three jobs and sacrificing his aspirations for their well-being. Soon, a school board member with political ambitions begins to challenge Leo’s ability to care for his siblings, pushing for reunification with their troubled father.
Vale’s novel is a compelling exploration of family, resilience, and navigating flawed social support systems. While the second-chance romance between Ethan and Leo is present, the heart of the story lies in the deep bonds of love and responsibility. The themes of special education, guardianship, and the struggle against systemic obstacles are handled with sensitivity and depth, making this a powerful and emotional read.

[Storm In A Teacup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a deeply emotional read—raw, honest, and absolutely worth every tear. Leo's story gutted me in the best way. He’s carried the weight of the world since he was a teenager, sacrificing everything, including his own dreams, to keep his siblings together and safe. For ten years, he’s been their rock, holding on while the very system that should have protected them tried to tear them apart.

The mental health representation in this book is unflinching. It's heavy, it's heartbreaking, and it's real. But that’s what makes the moments of healing hit even harder. You feel the pain, which makes the hope that follows feel all the more powerful.

And then there’s Ethan. Returning to Riverton older, wiser, and with a heart full of quiet strength, he becomes exactly what Leo needs. Whether it’s as a friend or something more, Ethan’s there to show Leo that leaning on someone doesn’t mean you're weak. It means you're brave. That asking for help can be the strongest thing you ever do.

Leo’s siblings adore him, and it’s easy to see why. He’s given them everything for so long. Watching Ethan show up for him, over and over again, was beautiful. Their connection, their bond, it made this story shine.

I’m so grateful I got to read this as an ARC. It’s the kind of book that stays with you.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worlds that divide is a central theme here. Ethan is from West Riverton, where the monied and prestiged live. Leo is the new boy in school from the East side. Leo's family is just getting by and things only get worse as his parents spiral down with unemployment and addiction. The two boys form a tentative relationship over their years at school only to have it shattered when Leo is faced with trying to care for his younger siblings. Neither man has truly forgotten what they had when Ethan returns 10 years later. It's up to them to build the bridges that will unite their worlds and protect the family that Leo has fought for so hard. This is a most compelling story. It highlights the systems we've built that don't really help those in need, but rather maintain the divide between the have and havenot in society. It also champions diverse family structures that those in power don't give enough credit to or support so that they can thrive outside of the normative box we want to put them into. It's time to end the silence.

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

[noa A · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This book was really long, but full of emotion.
I’ll start by saying that, in my opinion, this isn’t a romantic book. The story is about family, friendship, responsibility, and life choices—the romance is secondary here.
The book follows Leo, a brilliant person with a lot of potential who was dealt a bad hand in life.
He comes from a struggling family, where his parents chose their addictions over their children, and he was left to take care of his three younger siblings. Because of that, he gives up on his education and on having a relationship.
I loved Leo and his siblings—each of them is well written and contributes to the story in their own way.
His parents, on the other hand? I hated them with a passion. Why couldn’t they just die already and be done with it? I also felt the lack of any real revenge on them and on that idiot who tried to interfere in their family.
As for the romantic relationship: in my eyes, it’s pretty marginal to the story. They feel more like friends than a couple to me, so this part was lacking—I didn’t really feel the romance.
Overall, it’s a solid book, though I would have shortened it a bit.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely gutted me in the best way. From the first page, I felt like I was Leo—carrying too much, never asking for help, convincing myself that needing things made me weak. His love for his siblings, the way he sacrifices without complaint, it all hit so close to home. I found myself tearing up at random lines just because they felt so true.

And Ethan. God. The way he comes back not as some perfect savior but as someone just as lost in his own way? It made their connection feel so real. Not some shiny reunion, but two people who had been broken differently finding something whole between them.

The writing is intimate and raw, and there were moments I had to put the book down just to breathe. It’s not just a romance—it’s about grief, resilience, choosing love even when it’s terrifying. It reminded me that some stories don’t get erased by time. They just wait for the right chapter to begin again.

I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The silence between Ethan and Leo is really a pause that life circumstances created for two men in vastly different situations. Leo has stepped up to care for his siblings when they need him and Ethan, a child of privilege, is headed to college. They met in high school and Ethan's return to town to teach when he is dealing with writer's block brings them once again in one another's orbits. This story is about so much more than these two however. Kudos to Leo who is working hard to keep his family together and not getting a whole lot of help from people in power whose agendas are not always in line with the best interests of the children. I think what I liked most about this story is that both men are struggling with something. Neither is living his best life and that is where they are as they get their second chance. It made them both so much more relatable.

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

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying Greyson Vale

This is the third book I have read of Greyson Vale’s. He is a really good writer who captures human fragility and emotion in very realistic ways while maintaining excellent plot lines. However, I could not give the book 5 stars because there were some editing issues that abruptly brought me out of the storyline. Nothing really major, but things that made me go, “Huh?”, such as Mari being 20, but then all of a sudden 16 on one page; Mari getting ready to go to Northwestern, but inexplicably still working on college application essays; Sophie reminding Ethan of Mari “at that age” when he was not in Riverton at the time Mari was that age… had been gone for 3 years already; and some other items I won’t mention as it would involve spoilers.

Not sure how becoming a beta reader happens, but I would love to be one for Greyson Vale, because his books are worth that final polish.

[Benjamin Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I wondered if bridges were enough—if love alone could span the gaps between us, or if some divides were too wide to cross without someone falling into the darkness below.”

This love story between Leo and Ethan is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. Written in dual 1st person, you get to experience both of their stories simultaneously. While they are together and apart. Your will find yourself rooting for Leo and Ethan the entire way through, and wanting to give them both a big hug during the low moments. This is a story about grief, sacrifice, and being willing to brave the unknown for a better tomorrow.

Thank you to Greyson Vale for giving me the opportunity to do an ARC of his upcoming book! I look forward to seeing what you do next!

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly average at best. The book needs highly edited because it’s so CHOPPY.
In the first 100 pages there is one scene that is repeated twice without the author realising: it’s literally between Leo and Diego discussing the semi colon meaning, then you turn 1/2 pages and they discuss it again in a different scene WHAT?!
This book had a lot of conversations that were repeated exactly the same later on, like specific sentences multiplied across pages, no ma’am it just took me immediately out of the story.
The story itself is great; lovely concept. Romance part was hard to really grapple with, like we FULLY got Leo, but we learnt relatively nothing from Ethan.
Really enjoyed the start before the time jump.

[Shannon Winning · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart will never be the same. I think The Silence Between will be a book that has a permanent spot in my heart, the way Greyson Vale writes this book truly spoke to my soul.

Leo has spent is whole life basically taking care of his siblings never being able to be a kid himself, he meets Ethan at such a difficult time in his life and it’s truly the first time he’s put himself first but of course life always has a way of turning upside down. This spans a 10 year gap between them.

Leo and Ethan share so much more then a physical connection, there souls were truly meant for each other Leo just has to be brave enough to put himself first, but tragedy always seems to happen to our poor Leo.

This is an inspiring book about a boy that had to turn into a man way too quickly to take care of his family, he always seems to be just hanging by a thread hoping he makes it out in one piece. This is a story about his journey more than anything else.

This is not a typical book for me to read but I’m so glad I did, if you want something that really rips your heart and put puts it back together this is it.

The Silence Between is a story about bravery, trust, and a family not always blood that will do what needs to be done to be together against all odds

Take it one day at a time;

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo and Ethan grew up the same, but then their lives took different paths. They are in completely different places and circumstances when they meet again. Leo has sacrificed everything for his family, and he would have it any other way. His family is his everything. In fact, he was still trying after all these years to keep taking care of everyone himself. Ethan was successful but mentally struggling. Ethan genuinely needed Leo as much as Leo needed him. I appreciated that it was not instant mending. These two went through quite an emotional journey together along with Leo's family. So much hope, help and inspiration!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Leo and Ethan's story. There were hard moments, which were necessary to their story.
However, there were several inconsistencies. Small things, but noticeable. Most noticeable was the age gap for Leo and Mari, 7 to 8 years throughout the book. But at one point, Leo mentions being 5 and fixing a sandwich for Mari, who was a toddler. It didn't take away from the story, but it showed carelessness in the writing.
Overall, the story was enjoyable, even with some of the situations being unbelievable and unexplained.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo and Ethan became friends then boyfriends and they both planned on going to college. Then things change for Leo because of his parents drug addiction. He takes guardianship of his siblings. He tells Ethan to follow his dreams. Ten years later Ethan has everything he wanted but he feels empty. He goes back home to teach. Leo and Ethan meet again but Leo still believes he has to do everything for his siblings. Will Ethan get Leo to admit he can't do it alone? I really enjoyed this book.

[beautiful journey｡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm starting to see a pattern in Greyson Vale books which I don't like at all and still hoping the rest of the this author's work will prove me wrong.
So: Not really much romance in this, not much tenderness and connection. For a second chance romance it failed miserably. It's a family story, again with all the custody drama as the previous book I've read and I'm wondering what editor suggested it would be a good idea to be this repetitive.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of sacrifice, family, helping others and undying love. Loved Leo and Ethan and how after many years apart, come together to make each other stronger. This is not a fluff piece - the circumstances and how they effect these two is described in depth, and is very moving. Can't recommend enough.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding story from Greyson! Such a beautifully written, emotive storyline that follows Leo and Ethan’s journey. An exceptional relationship development that just draws you in to their lives and keeps you captivated hoping they make it!.

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

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story but it was a hard gut wrenching emotional read that covered some tough topics but Leo and Ethan’s love for each other did shine through. The author done a great job with this story and it is well written and keeps your attention throughout.

[GreenPhoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered Crown continues The Feybound Chronicles with even higher stakes, deeper emotion, and gut-wrenching twists. Ken Sanchez weaves a powerful tale of trauma, love, and resilience as the characters face impossible choices and devastating consequences.

Tense, magical, and emotionally raw, this installment dives into the cost of survival and the strength it takes to reclaim power. With haunting prose and unforgettable moments, it’s a gripping fantasy that refuses to let go.

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

[Mandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful!

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one gets very heartbreaking but ends up being a beautiful story of a second chance at love for Leo and Ethan.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion