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Fairhaven #2
Hushed
One perfect weekend. Two inconvenient truths. Falling in love was the easy part.
Sébastien Saint-Jacques no longer trusts his own judgment. An ethics investigation has made his compassion for combat veterans look dangerously like a pattern. Then a beautiful stranger gives him one reckless weekend to forget who everyone thinks he is.
Levi Knight has been looking for home his whole life. Fresh out of the Army, he keeps that part to himself and becomes just Levi from Tennessee. He agrees to Bastien's no-strings weekend, but by the end of it he knows exactly what he this man, for the rest of his life. All he has to do is play the long game.
When Bastien learns Levi is a combat veteran — repeating his pattern — his weekend doesn't seem so perfect.
Nine days after Bastien broke his heart, Levi walks into Fairhaven University. He doesn't expect to see Bastien teaching his Psych class.
What happens when a man who survives by walking away falls for one who makes himself impossible to leave?
HUSHED is a funny, steamy, deeply emotional MM romance about two men learning that the secrets you keep to protect someone can hurt them as much as the truth.
age gap, professor/student, forbidden romance, second chance, secret identities, a combat veteran hero, golden retriever/cautious analyst, pining, found family, hurt/comfort, a hero who will fall on a grenade for his man, high heat, and a hard-won HEA.
Welcome back to Fairhaven, where the truth can never be HUSHED.
Sébastien Saint-Jacques no longer trusts his own judgment. An ethics investigation has made his compassion for combat veterans look dangerously like a pattern. Then a beautiful stranger gives him one reckless weekend to forget who everyone thinks he is.
Levi Knight has been looking for home his whole life. Fresh out of the Army, he keeps that part to himself and becomes just Levi from Tennessee. He agrees to Bastien's no-strings weekend, but by the end of it he knows exactly what he this man, for the rest of his life. All he has to do is play the long game.
When Bastien learns Levi is a combat veteran — repeating his pattern — his weekend doesn't seem so perfect.
Nine days after Bastien broke his heart, Levi walks into Fairhaven University. He doesn't expect to see Bastien teaching his Psych class.
What happens when a man who survives by walking away falls for one who makes himself impossible to leave?
HUSHED is a funny, steamy, deeply emotional MM romance about two men learning that the secrets you keep to protect someone can hurt them as much as the truth.
age gap, professor/student, forbidden romance, second chance, secret identities, a combat veteran hero, golden retriever/cautious analyst, pining, found family, hurt/comfort, a hero who will fall on a grenade for his man, high heat, and a hard-won HEA.
Welcome back to Fairhaven, where the truth can never be HUSHED.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2026
About the author
Sam Drake
9 books4 followersFrom a young age, Sam Drake devoured stories in every form, until they came bursting out. He has a special love for fantasy and world building. Nowadays he sneaks away from works to dive back to his made up world and bring back any pearls he can find.
In September 2021 he published his first book "Starlit Path" on Amazon.
https://www.instagram.com/samdrakesg/
In September 2021 he published his first book "Starlit Path" on Amazon.
https://www.instagram.com/samdrakesg/
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this book!
Sebastian is a college professor who has been working with veterans for his dissertation when tragedy strikes and he is called to a hearing about how close he worked with veterans, he is also accused of having a relationship with one of them which he firmly denies since his never been romantically involved with anyone associated with any kind of army.
Levi was in the army, working at the Pentagon until something bad happened and he left the service.
They randomly meet and decide to just have fun for a few days without giving much info about their personal lives. When the fee days are over Levi is already in love with Bastien and Bastien sees the potential in Levi and they both want to continue their relationship until Bastien finds out about Levis army background and drops whatever they were building.
A few weeks later Levi starts his collage while still being hung up on Bastien and no way to contact him. Turns out, Bastien is his psychology professor and Levi decides on the spot not to give up on them. He is very passionate and hell bent to make their love story work while navigating a very tough set of circumstances
Sebastian is a college professor who has been working with veterans for his dissertation when tragedy strikes and he is called to a hearing about how close he worked with veterans, he is also accused of having a relationship with one of them which he firmly denies since his never been romantically involved with anyone associated with any kind of army.
Levi was in the army, working at the Pentagon until something bad happened and he left the service.
They randomly meet and decide to just have fun for a few days without giving much info about their personal lives. When the fee days are over Levi is already in love with Bastien and Bastien sees the potential in Levi and they both want to continue their relationship until Bastien finds out about Levis army background and drops whatever they were building.
A few weeks later Levi starts his collage while still being hung up on Bastien and no way to contact him. Turns out, Bastien is his psychology professor and Levi decides on the spot not to give up on them. He is very passionate and hell bent to make their love story work while navigating a very tough set of circumstances
Review of advance copy
With this book, Sam Drake has written a very beautiful story about processing events, being there for someone when they need you, and learning to give your feelings a place, so that you can move on with your future.
💞Thank you to the Author and GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
💞Thank you to the Author and GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
October 28, 2026
Review for (Fairhaven-2) Hushed by Sam Drake
Triggers/Tropes
Age gap
Full of steam
Professor/student
Hurt/comfort
Forbidden romance
Secret identities
Combat veteran hero
Found family
Second chance romance
Suicide of secondary character
Grief
I have to say I really enjoyed this story by Sam Drake. The story between Sebastien & Levi was so well written that I just couldn't put it down. I love stories that the author shares about the loss of people in their life. It makes it feel real and not just a story I read. The story of the pain Sabastien goes through, not being able to trust his own thoughts/judgment, was so sad but such a true feeling a lot of people feel. He has been thrown a twist in life when an ethics investigation has caused feelings he wouldn't have had about himself otherwise. I felt for him so much. But you know when things are going bad in life, just turn the corner, and here comes someone that is so beautiful and strange that gives him two days to show him things he has forgotten, along with others in his life. Levi was one of those people who loved others to need him; needing his help just made him feel fulfilled. He is out of the Army, which is so nice because now he just has to rely on himself; in the Army, he had to give so much of himself that it has been nice being out and just going with the flow. He finds that such a change has made him wonder who he is outside the army. The meeting of these two men was so well written I just couldn't stop reading. Levi sees a man who has taught himself to need no one. Things will change for both of them. After the weekend they spend together, he finds out that Levi was a combat veteran, which makes him feel he is just repeating past choices. After being hurt by Sebastien, it is now over a week later, and he walks into Fairhaven University to find that the man he spent the weekend with, Levi, is the one who will be teaching him in his psych class. If things couldn't have gone worse, he thinks. But things really start to change at this point in the story. I loved how Sam wrote the ups and downs of these two guys' relationship. Where it goes is up to these two men. I can't wait to read more in this series.
Nicole Harvey
Triggers/Tropes
Age gap
Full of steam
Professor/student
Hurt/comfort
Forbidden romance
Secret identities
Combat veteran hero
Found family
Second chance romance
Suicide of secondary character
Grief
I have to say I really enjoyed this story by Sam Drake. The story between Sebastien & Levi was so well written that I just couldn't put it down. I love stories that the author shares about the loss of people in their life. It makes it feel real and not just a story I read. The story of the pain Sabastien goes through, not being able to trust his own thoughts/judgment, was so sad but such a true feeling a lot of people feel. He has been thrown a twist in life when an ethics investigation has caused feelings he wouldn't have had about himself otherwise. I felt for him so much. But you know when things are going bad in life, just turn the corner, and here comes someone that is so beautiful and strange that gives him two days to show him things he has forgotten, along with others in his life. Levi was one of those people who loved others to need him; needing his help just made him feel fulfilled. He is out of the Army, which is so nice because now he just has to rely on himself; in the Army, he had to give so much of himself that it has been nice being out and just going with the flow. He finds that such a change has made him wonder who he is outside the army. The meeting of these two men was so well written I just couldn't stop reading. Levi sees a man who has taught himself to need no one. Things will change for both of them. After the weekend they spend together, he finds out that Levi was a combat veteran, which makes him feel he is just repeating past choices. After being hurt by Sebastien, it is now over a week later, and he walks into Fairhaven University to find that the man he spent the weekend with, Levi, is the one who will be teaching him in his psych class. If things couldn't have gone worse, he thinks. But things really start to change at this point in the story. I loved how Sam wrote the ups and downs of these two guys' relationship. Where it goes is up to these two men. I can't wait to read more in this series.
Nicole Harvey
October 26, 2026
Wow, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I was pulled in from the first page and couldn’t let go, I loved both Bastian and Levi and the connection they had from their first meeting — even before, as each had an awareness of the other before they even met. Their relationship was a whirlwind, but I know that can happen because mine was like that with my husband. These two were meant to find a home in each other through a messy and complicated process, but there was so much satisfaction for them (and me) at the end.
The blurb sets this story up well, the details are what make it so intriguing and engaging, the characters both had such charisma for me, I could vividly picture them in my mind. The world building and background in academia was spot on, and the problems faced by Bastian weren’t really that unusual, but I'm afraid in today’s political climate, they may be on the way to going back to being the norm in some places. I loved Levi’s fierce support and protection for Bastian, he was such a special young man, wise beyond his years in some ways, with an analytic and logical mind that was certainly a benefit to Bastian in his trials. On Bastian’s side, he had the insight with his background to understand things about Levi and his life from a young age through his Army service to know what was needed from him to support and love his man. I found myself close to tears in certain parts, angry in others with the treatment of Bastian by his colleagues, then uplifted by the support of students, his lawyer, and a few faculty members. Family was also supportive of both, and I enjoyed the collaboration of both families to pull off the impromptu wedding in such a short time. I was so invested in the book, I had a hard time putting it down to get a few hours of sleep before jumping back into this story that held my attention beginning to end. Now I want to go back and read book 1, Haunted, before book 3 comes out. I can definitely recommend this book and look forward to more from this new author. Grab a copy, I think you’ll be just as engaged in the story of Levi and Bastian as I was. Enjoy!
The blurb sets this story up well, the details are what make it so intriguing and engaging, the characters both had such charisma for me, I could vividly picture them in my mind. The world building and background in academia was spot on, and the problems faced by Bastian weren’t really that unusual, but I'm afraid in today’s political climate, they may be on the way to going back to being the norm in some places. I loved Levi’s fierce support and protection for Bastian, he was such a special young man, wise beyond his years in some ways, with an analytic and logical mind that was certainly a benefit to Bastian in his trials. On Bastian’s side, he had the insight with his background to understand things about Levi and his life from a young age through his Army service to know what was needed from him to support and love his man. I found myself close to tears in certain parts, angry in others with the treatment of Bastian by his colleagues, then uplifted by the support of students, his lawyer, and a few faculty members. Family was also supportive of both, and I enjoyed the collaboration of both families to pull off the impromptu wedding in such a short time. I was so invested in the book, I had a hard time putting it down to get a few hours of sleep before jumping back into this story that held my attention beginning to end. Now I want to go back and read book 1, Haunted, before book 3 comes out. I can definitely recommend this book and look forward to more from this new author. Grab a copy, I think you’ll be just as engaged in the story of Levi and Bastian as I was. Enjoy!
October 26, 2026
Hushed hooked me with its complex plot and heavy emotional stakes. We follow Sebastian, a college professor whose life is imploding after a tragedy involving his dissertation research with veterans. He is facing a harsh disciplinary hearing and stands accused of an inappropriate relationship with a subject—something he firmly denies, as he has a strict rule against dating anyone tied to the military. Enter Levi, a former Pentagon employee who left the service after a dark incident.
When Sebastian and Levi randomly cross paths, they agree to a brief, anonymous fling. Feelings develop fast, and both see real potential—until Sebastian discovers Levi’s military background. Terrified of the legal and professional fallout for his career, Sebastian abruptly breaks things off. The drama kicks into high gear a few weeks later when Levi walks into his new psychology class and finds Sebastian standing at the podium. Instead of backing down from the forbidden student-professor dynamic, Levi decides on the spot that he isn't giving up. What follows is a passionate, uphill battle. I loved watching Levi’s fierce determination to win Sebastian back while navigating an incredibly stressful, high-stakes situation. The angst and tension made this an absolute page-turner!
When Sebastian and Levi randomly cross paths, they agree to a brief, anonymous fling. Feelings develop fast, and both see real potential—until Sebastian discovers Levi’s military background. Terrified of the legal and professional fallout for his career, Sebastian abruptly breaks things off. The drama kicks into high gear a few weeks later when Levi walks into his new psychology class and finds Sebastian standing at the podium. Instead of backing down from the forbidden student-professor dynamic, Levi decides on the spot that he isn't giving up. What follows is a passionate, uphill battle. I loved watching Levi’s fierce determination to win Sebastian back while navigating an incredibly stressful, high-stakes situation. The angst and tension made this an absolute page-turner!
October 29, 2026
I really enjoyed the emotional journey in this story. Bastien is carrying so much pressure from his work and the investigation hanging over him, so it was lovely to see him let his guard down during his weekend with Levi. Levi won me over with his warmth and determination, especially when it becomes clear that he wants far more than a brief fling. Their chemistry is strong, but it’s the feelings developing beneath the surface that make their relationship so compelling.
Of course, their reunion as professor and student makes everything much more complicated! I liked how the story explores trust, the fear of getting hurt, and the difference between protecting someone and shutting them out. Both men have plenty to work through, and there are moments when you want to give them a hug and tell them to just talk to each other. A steamy, heartfelt romance with plenty of angst, humour, and a satisfying journey towards love.
I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.
Of course, their reunion as professor and student makes everything much more complicated! I liked how the story explores trust, the fear of getting hurt, and the difference between protecting someone and shutting them out. Both men have plenty to work through, and there are moments when you want to give them a hug and tell them to just talk to each other. A steamy, heartfelt romance with plenty of angst, humour, and a satisfying journey towards love.
I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.
October 24, 2026
Such a great book! Sébastien is hanging by a thread. A professor and researcher, he's devoted his life to helping veteran's combat PTSD. When a solider he was helping does the unthinkable, his professional reputation and his life's work are at stake. Ordered to keep his nose clean as he starts a new job at a college in VA, the last thing Sébastien needs is to fall in love. So, of course, that's exactly what he does when he has a whirlwind romance with Levi that was only supposed to last 3 days.
When the two men part ways after their 3 days together, they never expect to see each other again- and they certainly never could have known just how complicated their lives would become when fate has other plans for them.
Well-written, and well-paced, this book was a wonderful read! Both Sébastien and Levi are characters that you want to coddle and strangle at the same time as they navigate their time together. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
When the two men part ways after their 3 days together, they never expect to see each other again- and they certainly never could have known just how complicated their lives would become when fate has other plans for them.
Well-written, and well-paced, this book was a wonderful read! Both Sébastien and Levi are characters that you want to coddle and strangle at the same time as they navigate their time together. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
October 30, 2026
When research that Sebastian is doing leads to him being called in and cautioned not to get close to his subjects because something went wrong Sebastian feels he needs to be cautious. An academic who cares deeply about his research, he nonetheless realizes that he has to be careful moving forward if he is going to save his professional life. He definitely does not need to fall in love but a fling with Levi that was supposed to last only 3 days winds up turning into more when they wind up meeting again. There are reasons that being together is complicated but these two seemed destined to be together despite that. Their story was engaging and now I am looking forward to future stories in this series.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2026
Let me say I feel hard for this book. A great story of two likable characters. There is much happening in this book but it is so realistic and fun to read. Seems Bastien has spent entire life helping vets till an accusation (and it isa life altering one) results in him swearing off vets. He randomly meets Levi and they set out to have fun three day adventure. Once Bastien learns Levi is vet, he breaks his heart and moves on. Levi wants to reach out but not sure how till he shows up one day for class and Bastien is his instructor. For me this is when the book got real and got real fun and enjoyable. I love this series as it is spicy, edgy and moving.
October 27, 2026
Life is complicated and not always a joy to live. Bastien and Levi seemed to live this on repeat. They both carried the heavy weight of external problems, family baggage and other very real, life problems on their shoulders. Then one weekend they meet and the amount of joy they experience within each other is absolutely beautiful. I'm a sucker for an instalove romance and this one definitely got me. Was their love easy? No. Did it make their already complicated, heavy burdened lives less? No. But they both found a safe space. Their story is passionate and chaotic and wonderful.
October 27, 2026
Excellent book with a great plot and added spice. This would be a good novel even without the spice, and I don't say that often. The spice makes it even better. And it is believable. All the maneuvering and scheming going on is so true to life. Bastien and Levi have full lives to deal with that may force them apart. Excellent journey following them through the ups and downs and changes in priorities.
Review of advance copy
*** ARC ***
I enjoyed this book so much that it only took me one day to read!!
Levi is something else, but in a good way !! Very take charge kinda guy!
Then you have Bastien. Not so much a ta k e charge kinda guy. Until he gets mad!
Loved the French language and the veterans. Side characters were great as well
I enjoyed this book so much that it only took me one day to read!!
Levi is something else, but in a good way !! Very take charge kinda guy!
Then you have Bastien. Not so much a ta k e charge kinda guy. Until he gets mad!
Loved the French language and the veterans. Side characters were great as well
October 30, 2026
Hushed is the second book in the Fairhaven series and can be read as a standalone. This is a forbidden, professor/student, age gap, hurt/comfort, found family read about Levi and Sebastian. I just loved this book and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Did Not Finish
October 26, 2026DNF @ 49% - This has just gone completely off the rails and I am not here for it.
October 26, 2026
I loved this read. It was beautifully written.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews