What do you think?
Rate this book
Silent Hero
Army veteran Harmon Wheeler lost his voice and his future dreams with a single bullet. He knows he's large and intimidating, but he can't assure people he won't hurt them when he can't talk to them. Losing himself in books is one of his few pleasures. That and the patiently kind librarian who takes the time to help him.
Derek Willow sees past Harm's menacing appearance to the gentle, intelligent man within, which intrigues him. Starting a sign language class seems like a way to both help Harm communicate with others and boost Derek's candidacy for library director, pulling them closer.
Notes, text messages, and ASL facilitate the blossoming of Derek and Harm's relationship. But Derek has a stalker who's determined to have Derek for himself. Harm might not be able to speak, but he hasn't forgotten anything he learned in combat. Can he protect Derek without scaring him away?
Derek Willow sees past Harm's menacing appearance to the gentle, intelligent man within, which intrigues him. Starting a sign language class seems like a way to both help Harm communicate with others and boost Derek's candidacy for library director, pulling them closer.
Notes, text messages, and ASL facilitate the blossoming of Derek and Harm's relationship. But Derek has a stalker who's determined to have Derek for himself. Harm might not be able to speak, but he hasn't forgotten anything he learned in combat. Can he protect Derek without scaring him away?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
163 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 8, 2026
Loved the book. It was simple, cute and emotional at the same time.
Harm lost his voice and he felt bad for himself. He just needed a little push to understand that his life didn't stop and he could still talk, just not with his voice.
Derek was a good person and he sae that Harm needed someone to show him that he was stil worth it.
I loved them, they made an amazing couple
Harm lost his voice and he felt bad for himself. He just needed a little push to understand that his life didn't stop and he could still talk, just not with his voice.
Derek was a good person and he sae that Harm needed someone to show him that he was stil worth it.
I loved them, they made an amazing couple
March 28, 2026
Every book I read by Andrew Grey, brings me a wonderful memory!
I've been reading since I learned to read, going on 66 years. I love to read and it doesn't matter what the book is about. I read what the storyline is about and if it catches my attention I read it. I don't do spoilers in my review, but this author hits every emotion out there, that doesn't happen very often to me.
THANK YOU, ANDREW! PLEASE KEEP WRITNG! ENJOY!
I've been reading since I learned to read, going on 66 years. I love to read and it doesn't matter what the book is about. I read what the storyline is about and if it catches my attention I read it. I don't do spoilers in my review, but this author hits every emotion out there, that doesn't happen very often to me.
THANK YOU, ANDREW! PLEASE KEEP WRITNG! ENJOY!
March 14, 2026
i really really really liked all the tropes in this book and the whole idea BUT as much as i liked the characters, it got a bit repetitive and boring and tiring after a while.
the whole william thing dragged for tooooo long.
i feel like it could be so much shorter and still very very cute.
i did enjoy harm and derek's characters though.
what i didn't enjoy very much was joe's pushiness for harm to go to college, WE GET IT, DEREK IS NOT HOLDING HIM BACK JESUS!
lastly, i would have liked to learn some of harm's army days...
the whole william thing dragged for tooooo long.
i feel like it could be so much shorter and still very very cute.
i did enjoy harm and derek's characters though.
what i didn't enjoy very much was joe's pushiness for harm to go to college, WE GET IT, DEREK IS NOT HOLDING HIM BACK JESUS!
lastly, i would have liked to learn some of harm's army days...
April 19, 2026
The Army Veteran and a Librarian make it work!
The Army Veteran, Harmon/Harm, had his voice taken out by a single bullet. He’s coming to terms with this new life.
Derek loves his job running/working the
small town Library.
Derek knows ASL, American Sign Language, which comes in handy when the staff realizes the big, tough scary guy in khaki’s is mute. Derek can help, and he does.
We see these guys become fast friends as Derek’s stalker gets to be an escalating problem.
This is a sensitive tale of disability turning a life upside down. The romance of our men and how folks can step up for their community.
Sexy times are scorching hot, and the emotions are intense.
We see the investigation, the family, the many lively characters, misunderstandings, and justice for the psychotic, evil intent of this stalker.
We get a great wrap up with an HEA.
ENJOY !
=====
The Army Veteran, Harmon/Harm, had his voice taken out by a single bullet. He’s coming to terms with this new life.
Derek loves his job running/working the
small town Library.
Derek knows ASL, American Sign Language, which comes in handy when the staff realizes the big, tough scary guy in khaki’s is mute. Derek can help, and he does.
We see these guys become fast friends as Derek’s stalker gets to be an escalating problem.
This is a sensitive tale of disability turning a life upside down. The romance of our men and how folks can step up for their community.
Sexy times are scorching hot, and the emotions are intense.
We see the investigation, the family, the many lively characters, misunderstandings, and justice for the psychotic, evil intent of this stalker.
We get a great wrap up with an HEA.
ENJOY !
=====
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026DNF at 19% - no rating
It’s a me thing. I don’t like, when authors don’t keep attention to things they’ve already written. In this case - in one chapter Derek has a little sister. In the next she is older by two years. And mind you - it was litterally in the next chapter. It’s a small thing but tells a lot.
The writing also isn’t my thing, so stopping now.
It’s a me thing. I don’t like, when authors don’t keep attention to things they’ve already written. In this case - in one chapter Derek has a little sister. In the next she is older by two years. And mind you - it was litterally in the next chapter. It’s a small thing but tells a lot.
The writing also isn’t my thing, so stopping now.
April 20, 2026
Should've been good, but instead I skimmed a lot. The prose is repetitive, the author included a lot of unnecessary mundane stuff, and I was bored a third of the way in. Also, the one with the stalker was careless, more than once, after his stalker proved dangerous. At least give your character a sense of self-preservation, author. Otherwise it sure looks like manipulating events to meet your word count.
March 17, 2026
4 – 4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book and the gentle giant that is Harm – he totally won my heart! And you add in sweet Derek and he’s the perfect match for him creating a sweet and touching read!
Derek is a librarian hoping to get a promotion to director, he cares about his library, the people around him and his community in general. One day there’s a patron at library everyone seems to be afraid of, he’s a giant of man with a scary scowl and he doesn’t say a word. But Derek notices more than just the scowl and the silence. Harm is a wounded veteran who has lost his ability to speak and is now trying to rebuild his life away from the Army. He likes to go to the library and find books to lose himself in. People treat him differently because of his size and because he can’t speak, but when he meets Derek it’s different and he seems to see him.
I really liked how things developed between these two, it’s sweet but also feels real. I liked that Harm’s challenges and struggles weren’t just brushed aside but really felt and discussed. I also loved how much heart these two had, not just for each other but for those around them too. They are so perfect for each other and fall easily but that doesn’t mean the journey is easy for them. Harm is healing and finding his place and Derek has a problem with a stalker so these two really come together to support each other.
Overall, I really did enjoy this, it was a great mix of sweetness, heat and a bit of drama but overall finding love and happiness. I really adored both Harm and Derek and really loved seeing them find such wonderful happiness together. It’s an easy read and one that will definitely leave you with a smile and a happy heart!
I really enjoyed this book and the gentle giant that is Harm – he totally won my heart! And you add in sweet Derek and he’s the perfect match for him creating a sweet and touching read!
Derek is a librarian hoping to get a promotion to director, he cares about his library, the people around him and his community in general. One day there’s a patron at library everyone seems to be afraid of, he’s a giant of man with a scary scowl and he doesn’t say a word. But Derek notices more than just the scowl and the silence. Harm is a wounded veteran who has lost his ability to speak and is now trying to rebuild his life away from the Army. He likes to go to the library and find books to lose himself in. People treat him differently because of his size and because he can’t speak, but when he meets Derek it’s different and he seems to see him.
I really liked how things developed between these two, it’s sweet but also feels real. I liked that Harm’s challenges and struggles weren’t just brushed aside but really felt and discussed. I also loved how much heart these two had, not just for each other but for those around them too. They are so perfect for each other and fall easily but that doesn’t mean the journey is easy for them. Harm is healing and finding his place and Derek has a problem with a stalker so these two really come together to support each other.
Overall, I really did enjoy this, it was a great mix of sweetness, heat and a bit of drama but overall finding love and happiness. I really adored both Harm and Derek and really loved seeing them find such wonderful happiness together. It’s an easy read and one that will definitely leave you with a smile and a happy heart!
April 15, 2026
Harm is out if the army after medical discharge. He can no longer talk and feels a drift in a way. He's trying to figure what to do now but not being able to talk is rough on him. He's mostly staying in or going to library.
Derek is librarian and he's the only one who approaches Harm asking if he needs help. Because of Harm's size everyone else is scared. Derek discovers what's wrong and things change for both of them.
Harm's world opens up more with a class that Derek starts plus he starts putting himself out there even gets a job where they work with his way of communicating.
I loved the side characters we get. Harm's foster dads who now live in Arizona, Derek's sister who is also an inspiration to some ideas. People need to think before judge because we get that in here with people being scared of Harm until know what's going on.
There is also a stalker who doesn't understand no. Person actually thinks they can show up Thanksgiving dinner. Thankfully that's dealt with but does take most the book. We get to see Red and Carter again which I always love.
A great start to new series. Sweet romance for sure. Derek and Harm have their own way communicating through this which is great. Steamy too.
Derek is librarian and he's the only one who approaches Harm asking if he needs help. Because of Harm's size everyone else is scared. Derek discovers what's wrong and things change for both of them.
Harm's world opens up more with a class that Derek starts plus he starts putting himself out there even gets a job where they work with his way of communicating.
I loved the side characters we get. Harm's foster dads who now live in Arizona, Derek's sister who is also an inspiration to some ideas. People need to think before judge because we get that in here with people being scared of Harm until know what's going on.
There is also a stalker who doesn't understand no. Person actually thinks they can show up Thanksgiving dinner. Thankfully that's dealt with but does take most the book. We get to see Red and Carter again which I always love.
A great start to new series. Sweet romance for sure. Derek and Harm have their own way communicating through this which is great. Steamy too.
April 26, 2026
This had potential, but I found a lot of the writing repetitive, and there was a lot of inner monologue that didn't allow me to have enough buy in to Harm and Derek's "insta love/insta connection" when initially, Harm couldn't communicate super well. Also, the minute a p€nis is called a "rod"...ICK.
This had the bones of a really nice story, and I enjoyed the initial concept. I definitely don't think that we needed the whole stalker plot, but that's a personal thing maybe? I felt it took away from the central relationship, and I kept wanting to scream "WHY AREN'T YOU RECORDING ANY OF THESE CONVERSATIONS?!?"
Generally, it's not my favorite read, but it's also not my least favorite, and you could do worse than spending an afternoon with this novel!
This had the bones of a really nice story, and I enjoyed the initial concept. I definitely don't think that we needed the whole stalker plot, but that's a personal thing maybe? I felt it took away from the central relationship, and I kept wanting to scream "WHY AREN'T YOU RECORDING ANY OF THESE CONVERSATIONS?!?"
Generally, it's not my favorite read, but it's also not my least favorite, and you could do worse than spending an afternoon with this novel!
April 29, 2026
I really like the idea of gentle giants. It's a great concept for the main characters in a romance book series.
I also liked how this book reminded us not to judge a person for their appearance. To not have prejudice without knowing the full story. Almost everyone but Derek was afraid of Harm because of his size and his silence, even if he was gentle and protective. Don't judge a book by its cover is very much applicable to people as well.
I have read several books in the past with hard-of-hearing characters, but this was the first book I've read where one of the MCs is mute, which showcased a different side of the use of sign language. I really liked how that was an arc, how the use of ASL was opening a door for inclusion in society for Harm. It was great how the library was a meeting place and used to really involve and expand the community.
I liked the storyline with the stalker, I think it was not just there to create drama, but it was thought out and had a realistic way of escalating. It was not just a bad antagonist, but it was acknowledged that it was someone with mental health issues who needed help.
With that said, I almost hoped it would have gotten even further. That it ended with him just confessing, which felt a little anticlimactic. I would have liked maybe something more dangerous/action-filled end to that escalation. There was an opportunity for some thrilling/tense scenes that were not entirely realised.
Even if I really liked the big plot points and the characters, I wasn't crazy about the writing itself. I can't say why exactly, it just felt a bit unpolished or as if it lacked editing. Still a satisfying and inspiring read.
I also liked how this book reminded us not to judge a person for their appearance. To not have prejudice without knowing the full story. Almost everyone but Derek was afraid of Harm because of his size and his silence, even if he was gentle and protective. Don't judge a book by its cover is very much applicable to people as well.
I have read several books in the past with hard-of-hearing characters, but this was the first book I've read where one of the MCs is mute, which showcased a different side of the use of sign language. I really liked how that was an arc, how the use of ASL was opening a door for inclusion in society for Harm. It was great how the library was a meeting place and used to really involve and expand the community.
I liked the storyline with the stalker, I think it was not just there to create drama, but it was thought out and had a realistic way of escalating. It was not just a bad antagonist, but it was acknowledged that it was someone with mental health issues who needed help.
With that said, I almost hoped it would have gotten even further. That it ended with him just confessing, which felt a little anticlimactic. I would have liked maybe something more dangerous/action-filled end to that escalation. There was an opportunity for some thrilling/tense scenes that were not entirely realised.
Even if I really liked the big plot points and the characters, I wasn't crazy about the writing itself. I can't say why exactly, it just felt a bit unpolished or as if it lacked editing. Still a satisfying and inspiring read.
April 30, 2026
The book goes exactly as it says in the blurb with no surprises. Derek and Harm make a good couple. It isn't exactly love/lust at first sight, but it is close. I like that it takes a while for them to act on it.
If you are looking for a low angst, med heat read, this book might be for you.
There were 2 things that I was wondering about:
angst 1.5/5
heat 3/5
story 3.5/5
POV dual
break up no
If you are looking for a low angst, med heat read, this book might be for you.
There were 2 things that I was wondering about:
angst 1.5/5
heat 3/5
story 3.5/5
POV dual
break up no
March 6, 2026
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes:
🏷️MM Romance
🏷️Mute MMC
🏷️Strangers to Lovers
My Review:
Harm and Derek were amazing. People were scared of Harm because he was intimidating looking and mute but Derek saw past that. He taught him ASL and how to communicate changing his life. I loved them so much. They were so good together. This was a short and sweet low angst MM book and I could recommend it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes:
🏷️MM Romance
🏷️Mute MMC
🏷️Strangers to Lovers
My Review:
Harm and Derek were amazing. People were scared of Harm because he was intimidating looking and mute but Derek saw past that. He taught him ASL and how to communicate changing his life. I loved them so much. They were so good together. This was a short and sweet low angst MM book and I could recommend it!
March 10, 2026
A very enjoyable story about a wounded veteran, Harm, who has lost his voice and his path to a better life. Harm feels disconnected and alone, but he loves to read. At the library, he meets librarian Derek. Derek is dealing with a stalker while trying to be appointed as the new library director. Derek is familiar with sign language and begins to show Harm ways that he can learn to communicate. This is a wonderful journey toward healing, passion, and love. I look forward to Bk 2 in the series.
April 3, 2026
A Different World
This is not a simple storyline, it has a creative approach to handling disability and presents a forgotten aspect of local libraries, that of community service and support. Good character development and a plot with some drama but which provides a settled resolution by book’s end.
This is not a simple storyline, it has a creative approach to handling disability and presents a forgotten aspect of local libraries, that of community service and support. Good character development and a plot with some drama but which provides a settled resolution by book’s end.
April 11, 2026
Wonderful
Wonderful start to another Carlisle city series. How fun to see crossover characters too. Loved this heartwarming tale between librarian Derek and the silent giant Harm, injured in the service.
KU, contemporary, book in a series, standalone, disability, librarian, sign language, stalker
Wonderful start to another Carlisle city series. How fun to see crossover characters too. Loved this heartwarming tale between librarian Derek and the silent giant Harm, injured in the service.
KU, contemporary, book in a series, standalone, disability, librarian, sign language, stalker
April 18, 2026
What a sweet, kind book. An armed service veteran who can't speak because of a war wound. And the interim library director that sees his pain and helps with ASL classes that help Harmon and the community as well. The book shows how to show disabilities in a positive light both mutism and Deafness. It also shows how not to "judge a book by its cover" (pun intended) Respect is the main theme and I hope there are more books in this Gentle Giant series.
April 3, 2026
This was a quick, heartfelt read about Harm, an Army vet who lost his voice in the line of duty. When he starts visiting the library, a sweet librarian, Derek, sees past his intimidating exterior and connects with him in the most genuine way through books of course. Their relationship unfolds through ASL, shared notes, and the tension of an unwanted stalker that pushes them closer, faster. I also loved seeing familiar characters pop up, adding an extra layer of connection to the story.
April 1, 2026
Great start to a new series. I have been reading this author's book for years and have already finished the book satisfied. Harm and Derek were wonderful characters and hope I see them together in another book. Recommend reading.
March 5, 2026
3,25⭐️
March 6, 2026
I really liked this book.
The MCs were both so sweet and I learned a lot about being deaf or not being able to talk.
The MCs were both so sweet and I learned a lot about being deaf or not being able to talk.
Read
March 15, 2026The premise sounded like it might be nice but the writing was very flat.
April 10, 2026
Only a few words: IT WAS AMAZING
April 13, 2026
Good story and author
Good story and author. It's worth reading this book and all of his other books too binge read everything enjoy 🥂🌻😉
Good story and author. It's worth reading this book and all of his other books too binge read everything enjoy 🥂🌻😉
April 14, 2026
Good.
April 17, 2026
Mostly Enjoyed
I enjoyed the interaction between the principal characters but I found the tension in the subplot very distracting and annoying.
I enjoyed the interaction between the principal characters but I found the tension in the subplot very distracting and annoying.
Did Not Finish
April 22, 2026DNF at 32% - had so much potential, but stalker story didn't fit the vibe and most of the library female characters were awful.
May 4, 2026
3.5⭐️
April 23, 2026
**Warning: stalker*
Harmon (Harm) and Derek were the cutest pair. Harm really was the definition of a gentle giant. This book was a good representation of disability, trauma, and how society should provide more resources. Despite being a gentle giant, Harm is an army man and a protector who would do anything for his little librarian man Derek. Derek was so patient and non-judgemental. I was so annoyed with all the other library employees for the way they feared Harm when time and time again, he did nothing but read. Derek's stalker, William, frustrated me to no end. I am happy with the justice we got. A quick and happy read.
Instagram: @goodgirlsbookshelf_
April 27, 2026
I was so excited for this one because it has some tropes I really love, but there was not enough to the romance for me to really get into it. Solid “okay”.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews