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Whispers
Thanks to him, she’s forced to wed an abusive monster. How can she ever learn to trust him?
Glenna Mercer is forced to flee for her life when she discovers her new husband is plotting her murder. Seeking passage on a ship bound for America, she falls right back into Captain Beckett’s clutches—the very man who denied her passage before her ill-fated nuptials.
Captain Beckett refuses to believe she’s at risk, but he feels bound to protect her. And he can’t deny the powerful attraction he feels toward her.
With her life on the line, Glenna may not have any choice but to accept the terms of his protection. Even if it means giving herself to him.
No matter—he’ll never have her heart. Never!
Glenna Mercer is forced to flee for her life when she discovers her new husband is plotting her murder. Seeking passage on a ship bound for America, she falls right back into Captain Beckett’s clutches—the very man who denied her passage before her ill-fated nuptials.
Captain Beckett refuses to believe she’s at risk, but he feels bound to protect her. And he can’t deny the powerful attraction he feels toward her.
With her life on the line, Glenna may not have any choice but to accept the terms of his protection. Even if it means giving herself to him.
No matter—he’ll never have her heart. Never!
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2026
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Shalene Marie
17 books115 followersShalene Marie was born in Wisconsin, in the heart of the Fox Valley. She enjoys living in the Dairy State with a sassy feline named Garfield. Family and friends are important to her, and she appreciates the support they offer without question. In her free time, she is likely to pick up a good book or watch a movie. Her favorite genre’s include romance, mystery, horror, and comedy. She has been writing for many years but finally made the transition to self-publishing in 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shalene Marie has once again masterfully crafted an irresistible tale that will captivate you from start to finish. I absolutely loved these characters. Watching Glenna, the fierce and unyielding woman who refuses to go quietly, fight for her survival against a ruthless husband she never wanted, is truly inspiring. She takes control of the situation, putting Malcom, the confident captain of the ship and a macho man admired by women, in his place—and in doing so, makes him desire her instead of the other way around. The supporting characters have their own compelling stories that enrich the main plot, adding layers and intensity. This spicy, slow-burning romance is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing. Just when you think you know what's coming... surprise! That's the brilliance of a Shalene story: you’re constantly on the edge of your seat. Though set in a historical backdrop, the story carries a lively contemporary flair that makes it even more engaging. If you’re craving a hot, spicy, slow-burning romance that will leave you saying, "I didn't see that coming," then this book is an absolute must-read. I loved every moment of it. Shalene has an incredible talent for making you feel as though you’re right there with the characters—sensing every emotion, from heartbreak and joy to rush and heat. I can’t recommend this book highly enough—you’ll want to experience it for yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm obsessed! Shalene Marie's Whispers is pure magic. She's got this crazy talent for making you feel like you're right there with the characters, experiencing every twist and turn. Glenna's sassiness when it comes to the charmingly naughty captain Malcolm is EVERYTHING - their chemistry is off the charts! And when they finally give in to their attraction? Wowzers! If you're after a historical suspense story that's got it all - action, suspense, and steam - then you need Whispers in your life, pronto! It'll leave you breathless. I'm serious, I'm recommending it to everyone!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve just read this phenomenal story twice, and really want to delve in again, just to make sure I’ve soaked up every nuance, emotion and action this book has to offer.
No one brings a historical romance alive quite like Shalene Marie. These are books that are massively different, and in my opinion, so much better than the classical historical romances. Shalene Marie seems to focus more on the characters and emotions, she still keeps true to the time in which the stories are set, but she draws you in by focussing more on the characters. I’ll be honest, I have never liked historical romances - until I read Shalene’s first book and honestly I’ve been hooked ever since.
This is a beautiful story. A maelstrom of emotions bombard you, leaving you breathless with anticipation for the next scene. One thing I love about Shalene’s stories are her female characters. When one thinks of historical romance they think of demure innocents who are subservient to the male characters. This story is a beautiful example as to why Shalene’s stories are different and so much more engrossing.
Glenna is such a strong character. She is aware of her worth and is determined to do everything she can to live life on her own terms, not those of someone who deems her lower in status. Despite the fact that she has to enter into something her parents deem necessary, she doesn’t just lie down and take it. She fights and does everything she can to remove herself. That alone takes a great deal of strength. She’s such an awesome character. I was totally in awe of her.
Watching her be subjected to something she should never have been was so heartbreaking. Yet even that she dealt with strength and determination to survive.
Seeing her interactions with Malcolm was so entertaining. Their chemistry burned hot and bright. They were like two magnets, they gravitated towards each other, both helpless to stop their attraction. It was so addictive and compelling to watch.
Malcolm is a pure alpha male. He’s dominant, comfortable in the status. Hard working and whilst grouchy, inside he has a heart for those he allows the gift of his trust. I love that stumped look I imagined him to have when Glenna wasn’t as open to his casual advances as women before. A strong, dominant man being rejected is such a sight to see!!
I loved watching his obsession turn to something more solid, more deep. His unwillingness to accept the fact made me smile. This man definitely went down fighting!! But even the strong Malcom couldn’t stop the rabbit hole of addiction for Glenna consuming him. Watching this strong, solid and delicious man fall head over heels was both heart aching beautiful and inspiring.
I think the additional characters such as Jane, Jeremy, Ash and everyone else added an extra depth to a story that was already steeped in it. I always think that side characters just round stories off beautifully. What made it that bit more special was that those characters has their own HEA.
Watching Malcolm and Glenna traverse their stormy path to their destination was so unforgettably beautiful. These characters have become friends. I became fully invested in all their lives. And that right there is what the best stories are all about.
Thankyou Shalene Marie, for bringing us yet another phenomenal story with unforgettable characters that walk straight into your heart and take up permanent residence.
Can’t recommend highly enough. Yet another first rate read by an author with unlimited talent. So many stars I could possibly count them.
No one brings a historical romance alive quite like Shalene Marie. These are books that are massively different, and in my opinion, so much better than the classical historical romances. Shalene Marie seems to focus more on the characters and emotions, she still keeps true to the time in which the stories are set, but she draws you in by focussing more on the characters. I’ll be honest, I have never liked historical romances - until I read Shalene’s first book and honestly I’ve been hooked ever since.
This is a beautiful story. A maelstrom of emotions bombard you, leaving you breathless with anticipation for the next scene. One thing I love about Shalene’s stories are her female characters. When one thinks of historical romance they think of demure innocents who are subservient to the male characters. This story is a beautiful example as to why Shalene’s stories are different and so much more engrossing.
Glenna is such a strong character. She is aware of her worth and is determined to do everything she can to live life on her own terms, not those of someone who deems her lower in status. Despite the fact that she has to enter into something her parents deem necessary, she doesn’t just lie down and take it. She fights and does everything she can to remove herself. That alone takes a great deal of strength. She’s such an awesome character. I was totally in awe of her.
Watching her be subjected to something she should never have been was so heartbreaking. Yet even that she dealt with strength and determination to survive.
Seeing her interactions with Malcolm was so entertaining. Their chemistry burned hot and bright. They were like two magnets, they gravitated towards each other, both helpless to stop their attraction. It was so addictive and compelling to watch.
Malcolm is a pure alpha male. He’s dominant, comfortable in the status. Hard working and whilst grouchy, inside he has a heart for those he allows the gift of his trust. I love that stumped look I imagined him to have when Glenna wasn’t as open to his casual advances as women before. A strong, dominant man being rejected is such a sight to see!!
I loved watching his obsession turn to something more solid, more deep. His unwillingness to accept the fact made me smile. This man definitely went down fighting!! But even the strong Malcom couldn’t stop the rabbit hole of addiction for Glenna consuming him. Watching this strong, solid and delicious man fall head over heels was both heart aching beautiful and inspiring.
I think the additional characters such as Jane, Jeremy, Ash and everyone else added an extra depth to a story that was already steeped in it. I always think that side characters just round stories off beautifully. What made it that bit more special was that those characters has their own HEA.
Watching Malcolm and Glenna traverse their stormy path to their destination was so unforgettably beautiful. These characters have become friends. I became fully invested in all their lives. And that right there is what the best stories are all about.
Thankyou Shalene Marie, for bringing us yet another phenomenal story with unforgettable characters that walk straight into your heart and take up permanent residence.
Can’t recommend highly enough. Yet another first rate read by an author with unlimited talent. So many stars I could possibly count them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whispers by Shalene Marie is not your typical historical romance, which is exactly why I devour them.
Glenna feels real. She’s doesn’t wait for things to happen to her, but runs when she’s in danger. She confronts, plots, schemes, and makes hard choices, sometimes to her detriment. And more than once I wasn’t even sure what the right choice was. That kind of tension is rare, and Shalene handles it beautifully.
The plot is tightly drawn but never predictable. I thought I had the story figured out more than once… and I was wrong. There were moments that genuinely surprised and even shocked me. Shalene has a gift for letting events unfold naturally while still pulling the rug out from under the reader.
You see this a lot, but the chemistry really is magnetic between these two. Sometimes soft, sometime raging, and always on the point of explosion. The sex scenes are hot, but not gratuitous. It’s a delicate balance and Shalene achieves it.
One of my favorite elements was the conflict between brothers. It adds so much emotional depth, especially with Malcolm, who is a fascinating take on the alpha male. He’s open, honest, and somehow that makes him even more compelling. There’s also a moment where Malcolm is almost forced to pursue Glenna, and I loved how complicated that question became for him and for the reader. Will he? Should he? Do we even want him to?
Shalene also excels at tension. Instead of relying on big, flashy action beats, she draws things out in small, deliberate moments, letting the reader linger in uncertainty. Every major scene builds to a satisfying end.
This book has it all: Suspense, characters too despise, characters to root for, chemistry, humor. I highly recommend.
Glenna feels real. She’s doesn’t wait for things to happen to her, but runs when she’s in danger. She confronts, plots, schemes, and makes hard choices, sometimes to her detriment. And more than once I wasn’t even sure what the right choice was. That kind of tension is rare, and Shalene handles it beautifully.
The plot is tightly drawn but never predictable. I thought I had the story figured out more than once… and I was wrong. There were moments that genuinely surprised and even shocked me. Shalene has a gift for letting events unfold naturally while still pulling the rug out from under the reader.
You see this a lot, but the chemistry really is magnetic between these two. Sometimes soft, sometime raging, and always on the point of explosion. The sex scenes are hot, but not gratuitous. It’s a delicate balance and Shalene achieves it.
One of my favorite elements was the conflict between brothers. It adds so much emotional depth, especially with Malcolm, who is a fascinating take on the alpha male. He’s open, honest, and somehow that makes him even more compelling. There’s also a moment where Malcolm is almost forced to pursue Glenna, and I loved how complicated that question became for him and for the reader. Will he? Should he? Do we even want him to?
Shalene also excels at tension. Instead of relying on big, flashy action beats, she draws things out in small, deliberate moments, letting the reader linger in uncertainty. Every major scene builds to a satisfying end.
This book has it all: Suspense, characters too despise, characters to root for, chemistry, humor. I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shalene always brings us such incredible reads, that you just want to immerse your whole self in. Drown in every line and never leave the world she creates for her characters. You are sucked right in, gliding along the rollercoaster of words.
It's magical, unique, intense, intriguing, beautiful and thrilling.
The book will capture your whole ass being and not let go to the very last word. You will feel every little emotion throughout the book, from the gasping moments, slow burning spicy moments, guessing moments to the edge of your seat moments and much more.
Glenna and captain Beckett really stole my heart and the show from the get go. Their connection is everything and more. She's running for her life and runs right into captain hotty , but he's skeptical but feels the need to protect her, plus he can feel a pull to her. She's in terrible danger, and needs his help. He offers it but it comes at a price. She has no choice and thinks he can have my body but never my heart.
Ugh what a phenomenal read, couldn't get enough of it. Great characters, amazing storyline and plot.
Highly recommend
It's magical, unique, intense, intriguing, beautiful and thrilling.
The book will capture your whole ass being and not let go to the very last word. You will feel every little emotion throughout the book, from the gasping moments, slow burning spicy moments, guessing moments to the edge of your seat moments and much more.
Glenna and captain Beckett really stole my heart and the show from the get go. Their connection is everything and more. She's running for her life and runs right into captain hotty , but he's skeptical but feels the need to protect her, plus he can feel a pull to her. She's in terrible danger, and needs his help. He offers it but it comes at a price. She has no choice and thinks he can have my body but never my heart.
Ugh what a phenomenal read, couldn't get enough of it. Great characters, amazing storyline and plot.
Highly recommend
March 1, 2026
filled with suspense and mystery
Glenna has always dreamed of marrying for love, but when she discovers her parents are forcing her to wed Lord Whitegate, fear takes hold. As a married woman, she hopes for happiness… only to face betrayal. When she uncovers her husband’s dark secrets and his sinister plot, she flees, finding solace in the arms of another… who is not what he seems either. Conflicted and unsure where to turn, Glenna’s journey keeps readers on edge until the very end.
Shalene Marie is my FAVORITE author, and this story might be my top read yet! Beyond a romance, the tale is filled with suspense and mystery, culminating in a twist I never saw coming. As always, I can’t wait for her next release.
Glenna has always dreamed of marrying for love, but when she discovers her parents are forcing her to wed Lord Whitegate, fear takes hold. As a married woman, she hopes for happiness… only to face betrayal. When she uncovers her husband’s dark secrets and his sinister plot, she flees, finding solace in the arms of another… who is not what he seems either. Conflicted and unsure where to turn, Glenna’s journey keeps readers on edge until the very end.
Shalene Marie is my FAVORITE author, and this story might be my top read yet! Beyond a romance, the tale is filled with suspense and mystery, culminating in a twist I never saw coming. As always, I can’t wait for her next release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whispers is a fantastic historical read.
I adored this story. I could barely put it down. Malcolm was H-O-T! The heat and spice between Glenna and Malcolm was off the charts.
We see these begin their relationship on a bad note, as Malcolm doesn't believe Glenna when she says she needs help. However, he does finally come to his senses and become a bit of a saviour. He wants Glenna, but tries to fight it a bit. However, when he wants something he makes sure he does get it. Glenna didn't stand a chance against his charm. This had a lot of high intensity moments and a beautiful story between Glenna and Malcolm, even if at times they were at each others throats.
I adored this story. I could barely put it down. Malcolm was H-O-T! The heat and spice between Glenna and Malcolm was off the charts.
We see these begin their relationship on a bad note, as Malcolm doesn't believe Glenna when she says she needs help. However, he does finally come to his senses and become a bit of a saviour. He wants Glenna, but tries to fight it a bit. However, when he wants something he makes sure he does get it. Glenna didn't stand a chance against his charm. This had a lot of high intensity moments and a beautiful story between Glenna and Malcolm, even if at times they were at each others throats.
March 14, 2026
How can two people who despise each other fall in love? In Shalene Marie’s latest romance novel, Whispers, it happens, but it’s a bumpy road. Will the circumstances of their proximity and their stubbornness only foster more hatred? Is it possible for two beautiful people to ignore their animal magnetism? They can try, but for how long?
I believe Whispers is Marie’s best work yet. The plot is incredibly intriguing, the twists and turns will have you gasping, the antagonist is despicable and the supporting characters are delightful. Oh, and the sex? Presented with love and lust. I can highly recommend this four-pepper spice, great read for an adult audience.
Roger Skrypczak, Author
I believe Whispers is Marie’s best work yet. The plot is incredibly intriguing, the twists and turns will have you gasping, the antagonist is despicable and the supporting characters are delightful. Oh, and the sex? Presented with love and lust. I can highly recommend this four-pepper spice, great read for an adult audience.
Roger Skrypczak, Author
March 17, 2026
This author has me hooked on her historical romances! I swear I never thought I liked books set outside of present day, but here she is, challenging my perception of myself with delights like this one!
First of all, she writes the characters with pure heart, and so much depth, and then she throws in mystery, sailing the seven seas, an enemies to lovers feel, and so much spice. This book is off the charts in every possible way and I'm definitely putting it to the top of my re-read pile!
First of all, she writes the characters with pure heart, and so much depth, and then she throws in mystery, sailing the seven seas, an enemies to lovers feel, and so much spice. This book is off the charts in every possible way and I'm definitely putting it to the top of my re-read pile!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I haven't read a history romance in a long time, but this book brought back memories of what I love about them. These two meet and do not hit it off, they go back and forth for quite a while. There is some twist I didn't see coming. Loved this one
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews