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Remain Silent

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I didn’t mean to fall in love with the cop who answered my 911 call.
One minute I was a new mom with a crying baby and a bruised face, just trying to survive. The next, Officer Johnny Thorn was on my front porch—calm, controlled, looking at me like I was something fragile… and worth saving.
He takes me to the hospital. Tells me about his mother—about what domestic violence stole from him.
He swears no one will ever hurt me again.
And I believe him.
Until someone starts stalking me.
A masked man slips into my bedroom at night and handcuffs me to my own bed. He forces my wrists above my head and breathes my name like it’s a prayer—or a promise.
His hands are rough. Possessive. Intimate.
His words are terrifying… but somehow exhilarating.
He feels like Johnny.
He looks like Johnny.
But he isn’t Johnny.
…Is he?
My sister whispers about fractured minds. Trauma splintering reality. Something called Dissociative Identity Disorder. I don’t know what to believe anymore. I only know the man who protects me in the daylight feels terrifyingly similar to the one who claims me in the dark.
They say don’t judge a book by its cover.
But sometimes the cover is flawless while the pages inside are warped, wicked… and rotting.
I don’t know if my story ends with a happy ever after…
Or in blood.

I just know I’m already too deep in the story to close it.

Paperback

Published April 13, 2026

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About the author

Lillith Abendroth

29 books57 followers

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5 stars
18 (43%)
4 stars
15 (36%)
3 stars
7 (17%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Shaye.
368 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 10, 2026
✨Dark Romance
✨Why Choose
✨Romantic Suspense
✨Morally Gray/Pitch Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark Romance, not a Red Riding Hood retelling, but definitely has Red Riding Hood theming throughout. I am an instalove/lust girl so this book had me from the beginning. I love the contrast between Johnny and the masked man but how they both want to protect Rose. The twists twisted multiple times and kept me on my toes. And the spice was spicing🥵. Honestly the only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was that it wasn't the HEA I would have liked.
Thank you Lillith Abendroth for the arc!
209 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 7, 2026
I am a fan of why choose books but hadn't realised this was definitely going to be a why choose going in, I had thought it was going to be a different trope. Having this be a non-traditional "why choose" gives this book an unique edge to it and the lead up gives different suggestions as to what the story can be about.

The main part of the story starts with Rose making the very brave decision of getting out of her abusive relationship and pressing charges against her violent ex. This shows how strong Rose already is and then you see her build that strength to do the right thing for her and her son's protection with the help of her sister, her sister-in-law and the cop who arrested her ex.

The book highlights Rose finding out things about herself she wouldn't have learnt before without the presence of both sides of the coin in the presence around her when near.

Whilst Johnny is deemed to be the "good" side sometimes he can be unreasonable and Kage can be the reasonable one.

The book was definitely not as dark as I was expecting and also not as dark as I have read but as always check your triggers before embarking on reading this book. I'd definitely recommend reading it. A solid story.

** I received my copy of this as an ARC and I’m happily leaving my review voluntarily **
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brittany Affeldt.
188 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 7, 2026
This book doesn’t just blur the line between love and danger—it obliterates it.

Remain Silent pulls you straight into a suffocating, emotionally charged spiral where safety and fear wear the same face. From the very first chapter, you’re thrown into the raw reality of survival, trauma, and vulnerability… and then it twists into something much darker.

Johnny Thorn is the kind of character that makes you question everything. Protector or predator? Savior or something far more broken? The tension between who he is in the light and what lurks in the dark is insane—and honestly, it had me second-guessing every scene.

The stalking elements are deeply unsettling, but that’s what makes this story hit so hard. It leans into psychological darkness, obsession, and the complicated ways trauma can reshape reality. The DID aspect adds another layer of confusion and intrigue that keeps you constantly off balance.

And let’s talk about the tone—this is not a light read. It’s intense, consuming, and at times uncomfortable in a way that feels intentional. If you love dark romance that pushes boundaries and leaves you questioning your own morals… this one delivers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, twisted, and completely addictive.

**Check trigger warnings before reading. This one goes there
Profile Image for Rae.
60 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 29, 2026
Storyline - Rose finally calls the police on her abusive partner. Then she catches the feelings for the officer looking after her. But then a masked stranger comes into her room at night and she catches feelings for him as well.

I was so disappointed that this sort of ended on a cliffhanger. I kept swiping on my kindle for the next page but the next page never came. It's no joke about trigger warnings. Check all of them, twice, just to be sure. Cause there's some stuff in this book.

I loved how Rose started standing up for herself, the scene in the shopping centre check out. Yes. You go, Rose. She grew as I read along. But don't get me wrong, she's not this shy, innocent girl working herself out. She's a dirty freak letting her freak flag fly.. and working herself out.

Is THE scene the donut? Is that the one we would be going crazy over from the author's emails?
Profile Image for Nicole Wolstenholme.
93 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2026
I received this amazing book as an ARC from Lilith Abendroth and it just blew me away!! Remain Silent was like a Little Red Ridding Hood retelling, but it’s definitely the story you remember. This book does have a darkness to it so please check the trigger warnings.

So the book takes place in a small town called Council Grove that’s in Kansas. The book starts off with Red(Rose) talking to the police while watching her husband being taking to the back off a cop car. She is talking to Hunter(Johnny) about what happened with her husband and after talking to her he starts to see a similar relationship between Red and her Husband that was similar to his mothers relationship with his dad. Hunter instantly becomes attracted to her and feels the need to not only protect her but make her his. Well it’s not just Reds husband he has to worry about, it’s also Wolf(Kage). Wolf is darkness and Red is attracted to the darkness, but there are secrets that come with both Hunter and Wolf!
Profile Image for Norma.
71 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2026
ARC Reader Review

Intense is the first word that comes to mind when I think of what I just read. The violence that Rose endured at the hands of her abusive partner, that was a lot.

But… the roller coaster of emotions that she felt from the masked man in her bedroom to the cop trying to protect her, it was a lot to read. If you’re not into very detailed and graphic descriptions then this book isn’t for you. If you know how to disassociate a book from real like (although these things happen all the time) then this book isn’t for you. There were times I had to stop reading to catch my breath but I kept going. The story was intriguing yet disturbing and I needed to know how it ended.

Great read if you can handle all the triggers listed in the front of the book. It dragged me through so many emotions that it was a bit overwhelming but it was a great read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Writing Wormhole.
29 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 27, 2026
This is my first experience with a “ why-choose” story and I'm really glad I didn't know going in because I don't think I would have been as open to reading it if I knew beforehand. While this trope is still not my cup of tea, I can completely understand why people are huge fans of this trope. Abendroth does a really great job of making both the MMC’s distinct and lovable in their own ways. I found myself really happy with the ending because I had no idea how she was going to choose. I liked them so much equally and it's very clear that it would have been a hard ( no pun intended) decision for Rose.

Now all the steaminess aside, I really really loved how deep down it was a story of growth and belief in yourself. Rose was making a choice to break the cycle and that takes a strength not a lot of people have. We as the audience got to see first-hand her path to Healing and her regaining of confidence, almost in a way that we see her change in such a beautiful way. The care Abendroth displayed with Rose's (and in a way her own) story is astounding and I am so glad I was lucky enough to experience it before the world. Thank you to Lilith for sending me this ARC and letting me experience Kage and Johnny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amber.
385 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 13, 2026
*throws phone across room*

What did I just read!? 🥵😭

Remain Silent by Lillith Abendroth is a deliciously dark psychological read that will have you questioning everyone and everything, including your own morals.

From the very beginning, you are pulled into the harsh reality of trauma. At times, I felt like the author was telling my own story, through Red. The story quickly morphs into something more darker and twisted, the author has you gripping on for dear life as the lines begin to blur, before consuming you whole.

This book is not for the faint-hearted. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. Your mental health matters. 🫶🏻
Profile Image for Susan Van Horn.
9 reviews
March 15, 2026
****ARC Read review****

Ho-lee shit. This book was a roller coaster. Hot, sweaty, steamy, like you just locked yourself in a sauna that’s been turned all the way up and had the dial broken off. Twist, turns. And man. The ending?! Made me wanna spiral. Totally unfair. But I loved it so much. It’s dark and twisted and fucked up on a lot of levels but it’s captivating and intriguing. I read it in a total of two days because I couldn’t put it down. This is a must read and I can’t wait for it to be fully released.
Profile Image for Hallie Raine.
122 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 17, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨

i loved the mmc’s. one more than the other🤭 johnny started getting annoying at the end but “protect and serve” right?

cage is literally my favorite character. his character is so complex and he owns his morally grayness😂

the fmc literally drove me crazy throughout this book. HOW ARE YOU THAT STUPID GIRL!!?

but all in all it was a GREAT book that kept me on my toes and needing more. don’t miss it

i’m hoping there’s a second book cause i need more of cafe and to see if johnny got over himself.

be sure to check it out 4/13!!

252 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 11, 2026
WOW. I was an ARC reader for this book and I’m not usually triggered by anything, so I don’t bother to read warnings before I dive into a book. I will say, first and foremost, if YOU have triggers, please read the warnings, because this book is INTENSE. From the very first chapter, it gets to the meat of trauma, survival, evolution, trust, brokenness, stalking, obsession… This story isn’t just morally grey, it’s pitch black. It pushes all the boundaries. And you’ll never look at a doughnut the same way.
Profile Image for Tracy McDonell.
296 reviews9 followers
April 16, 2026
Thank you to Lillith Abendroth for sending an ARC of Remain Silent. This was the first book I have read by this author and I hope to read others by her.

I love the twisted darkness that kept the pages turning. However, there were times that I needed to go back and reread parts because it was hard to follow because of missing plot… the holes.. this could have been fixed at the alpha or beta level reading.

I enjoyed the characters, the story line, and continued to want more. I love dark romance, but my first love was mystery and suspense, this covered a little of all of it.
Profile Image for Jessie Hutchison.
5 reviews
April 23, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and wow! I was sucked in, shocked, and left wanting so much more 🥵 This was my first time reading a why choose and reading one of Lillith Abendroth’s books and I was so pleasantly surprised. I loved the nod to Little Red Riding Hood and all the twists kept me on my toes. I couldn’t put it down. 😍

The spice was top tier 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and the plot was so good. I recommend anyone looking for a wild ride to pick this one up, but be sure to check out those triggers. This one is dark.

Also, that scene!!! 😳😳😳 When you get there, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
30 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2026
Rose (aka red) has gotten herself in a predicament. Not only is she in an abusive relationship but trying to get out she seeks comfort in the local cop helping her and also a mysterious lover as well. Rose is now the center of 3 men’s attention. There are highs there are lows and you will be on the edge of your seat wanting to know what’s next or who . Make sure you check trigger warnings and enjoy!
Profile Image for Jess Stultz.
4 reviews
March 22, 2026
**ARC Read Review** This book was like a Little Red Riding Hood reimagined, mixed with a good cop/bad guy vibe. This book sucked me in and I finished it in 4 days. Would have been less.. but work calls. It had a good plot and the spicy scenes were on point! Is it bad that it hasn’t even been released and I’m hoping for book 2 already? I need to see where this goes from here.. Would definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Liz Ranne.
1,316 reviews29 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 27, 2026
I liked this! She's a new to me author & this is Rose & her guys' story. She's in a very abusive relationship & is finally able to break free. She doesn't expect to have feelings for 1 of the cops helping her. But she also has a stalker & he doesn't like sharing. This book had some twists & turns that I did not see coming! I loved the dynamic between them all & the spice was fantastic! Loved the story & recommend this book & author!
Profile Image for Candace Johnson.
41 reviews
April 7, 2026
Lillith Abendroth’s books always keep you guessing. Throughout this book I kept wanting to see how the story would end. For some reason I didn’t love one of the MMC and I think that is why I didn’t rate this one higher but still enjoyed it! I am not really into why choose and I just kept rooting for Johnny! I did like the progression of the MFC and her journey through finding herself after an abusive relationship. Love Lillith’s writing style and always love reading her books!!!
Profile Image for Danielle Lawson.
566 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
April 12, 2026
This one was a roller coaster for sure. I kept holding on to see where this was going and practically got whiplash from the twists. There were a few plot holes that kept me from becoming fully invested in their journey, which is what kept me rating this one lower. It was all and all a great read it just missed something for me. This spice was definitely spicy 🌶🌶🌶 but definitely check those trigger warnings before jumping in to this one.
12 reviews
April 14, 2026
Once again Lillith Abendroth comes through with a story that'll have you clutching your pearls and panting for more! Just when you think you've got it all figured out you will realize you're so very wrong! Make sure to check your triggers and hold on for the ride! If you love dark romance with twists and turns that'll leave you gasping and unsure whether to yell at the characters or cheer them on (likely both!) this is the book (and the author) for you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Kira.
353 reviews
July 25, 2026
“He ain’t gonna hurt you. No one is going to hurt you ever again. I’ve decided that you’re mine now.”

This story is crazy, wild, insane, spicy, gut wrenching and so much more.Rose has been beaten down and worn thin, but still has her fighting spirit. I feel so bad for Johnny and Kage and we barely touched on their trauma. And that cliffhanger WTF. I need more. What happens next. There are still so many unanswered questions.
64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 19, 2026
Make sure to take the trigger warnings seriously!
I don’t have triggers, but I can definitely see how this could cause them. Some places made me cringe, but overall it was great. The ending makes me hopeful for a sequel! Does Rose choose? Protect and serve, right?
Wonderfully written. The story-telling is top notch. Very dark and very spicy! Hot, hot, hot! #ARC
Profile Image for Ali McMillin.
25 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 29, 2026
This story will have you wanting more and on the edge of your seat the entire time. The chemistry between the characters (don’t want to give anything away) was off the charts and at a certain point I was jumping with joy! I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait to read the next one!! 😍❤️ must read!!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
196 reviews
April 5, 2026
Deep, powerful, twisted.
A brilliant read with twists and turns that get you at the edge of your seat.
And an ending that got me screaming!

The characters are sublime and their relationship unique. The spice unmatched! 🥵
The story is compelling and well written, definitely a must-read.
*Always check the triggers first!

Loved Rose healing process and standing for herself. ❤️‍🩹
266 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2026
Wow! 🤯 As always check your triggers. Just as soon as you think you have this figured out you realize you don’t. This book was another wonderful book.! Rose and her men were just immaculate and how they were written. Rose calls the police against her ex and meet someone who will then be her protector or maybe two protectors(little does she know). She’s also gained a stalker.
Both of them will protector till they’re dying day and they’re connected. But that’s all I’m gonna say..
It was absolutely wonderful and I highly suggest it!!


I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
200 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 13, 2026
Remain Silent was absolutely wild. Kage is everything I adore in an unhinged, possessive MMC, and Johnny brings that “good guy with a dark edge” energy that makes their dynamic addictive. Rose was tricky at times, but trauma changes you, and together the three of them just worked. That ending was NOT fair, and now I desperately need the sequel to see what happens next.
125 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. It had me from.the first page all the way til the end. Trying to figure out who the Mask man was so intriguing. Definitely check your triggers for this book. I personally loved that the men where not perfect that they had a dark side. I can not wait for the next book. The spicy scenes where definitely hot.
Profile Image for Daphney.
47 reviews
April 21, 2026
WOW!!! This book was good!! This is a dark romance, so please check your trigger warnings!! The twists and turns in this book had my head spinning!! 😏😏I need more!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Lilith!!! Please!!!! lol! And that cliffhanger??!! Like what??!!! Noooo! I need to know now!! I enjoyed this book immensely!! Well done!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽😮‍💨😮‍💨🥵🥵🤤🤤🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🖤🖤🖤🖤❤️❤️❤️❤️
416 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2026
Review of ARC copy.

I initially really enjoyed the story, I do feel the ending kinda fell out without much further explanation as to the mother’s story or what happened right at the end with the police. I would read another story from the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jkirstyj.
213 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2026
Wow this was so gripping the the twists and turns keep you on the edge of throughout the whole story




Mplease tell me there is a second book coming
1 review
May 26, 2026
Even though I felt it was “unfinished” & some plot holes not explained I still really enjoyed this story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews