Hushed

by Lauren Smith, Ramona Master (Narrator)

There were three things Henley Cunningham knew about Russell Rawlings:

1. He was gorgeous. He was the kind of hot and sweet sort of golden boy that made a girl simultaneously want to dance and sing like she was in an old-time musical number and drop her panties.

2. She hadn’t seen him since she was fifteen.

3. He was her stepbrother. But looking at him now and remembering all of the things she’d wanted him to do to her... her infatuation had been the worst idea in the history of ideas.

He’s home for the summer after her first year of college and the last thing she needs to do is let her childhood crush cause trouble...but that’s just what Russell Rawlings is...TROUBLE.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Short Stories, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Audiobook

First published February 8, 2021

About the author

Lauren Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling author and an Oklahoma attorney. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com or twitter at @LSmithAuthor.

Reviews

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the professionally narrated audiobook on the Read Me Romance Podcast for FREE!

Read Me Romance FREE Audiobooks ➝ https://bit.ly/2PzD65g

Listen for FREE here:
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[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the story to be a short quick read. The drama moments I enjoyed reading.

[Leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intressting concept and decent writing but didn't love the story. Stepbrother romances don't to be my cup of tea, but I would read something else by this author though

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to romances, I don't really get the whole stepbrother thing. In this case, although their parents are married they haven't seen each other in years and they didn't grow up together. It does give an interesting and plausible reason why they are suddenly living together in the house for a month or so. It might not be my first choice for a theme, but it worked here.
Henley has always had a bit of a 'thing' for older stepbrother Russell, but on the few occasions that they've spent time together, she's never been anything more than a kid to him. Now she's all grown up and they're going to be living alone in the same house for a while.
This was a fun and quick romance. I liked both Henley and Russell. The whole story unfolds over a number of 'incidents.' From flooding the kitchen to a powercut and fun in the pool, everything seems to be pushing them together until there's just no resisting. A very entertaining little read.

[Tahshae Catching · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a four hour drive back home this book made half my trip entertaining. Now this is my very first book listened to by Lauren Smith on the Read Me Romance podcast and it took me a second. Normally I love when they get two people to read for the main characters but boy oh boy was I impressed by the way she wrote the story to where it flowed into the next character. First when he came through the back door I was terrified like who in the heck leaves the doors unlocked. My biggest fear came to life when she tried and attack Russell and couldn’t even land the punch. I was happy that their relationship kicked off so fast and at first I thought I would be left on a cliffhanger. But I wasn’t at the Instant I thought it was going to be a fairytale $h!t hit the fan. The parents!!!!!!! I honestly thought he would treat her differently but my overly romantic heart was extremely grateful when he tiptoed into her room.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henley Cunningham is home from college for the summer & has the house to herself whilst her mum & stepfather are travelling in Europe. Then one night she's woken by someone trying to break in only to find it’s her stepbrother Russell Rawlings who she hasn't seen for four years as he's been away studying to be a doctor
Henley has had a crush on Russell for like forever & he’s even more gorgeous now. He's always thought of her as a kid but now realises she's all grown up. Now they’ve to spend a month together.
A quick read ideal for whiling away an hour. A well written story with lovely characters, I loved both Russell & Henley & how their relationship changed. Their attraction sizzled & it took a couple of household problems to through them together. I loved the epilogue which rounded off the story perfectly
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Christi Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Hushed
Author: Lauren Smith J. Smith?)
Format: Audio
Narrator: Ramona Masters
Genre : Romance, Stephanie
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: no (I don’t think so)
POV: Henley, Russell
Steam Level: slow burn to steamy
4/5

I listened to this on the Read Me Romance podcast. Hushed was okay. Cute reconnecting as adults. As someone who usually avoids the stepbrother trope, I thought this one was kinda cute. Henley and Russell didn’t grow up together and haven’t seen each other in five yeasts. Not growing up together is one of my exceptions to this trope that makes it more safe I enjoyed the push/pull and banter as they got to know each other again and relearn their dynamics together.

[Moonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook from the Read Me Romance Podcast. It was second person, dual pov which I liked. The type of taboo featured in this book is not my thing but I actually liked this one especially because they're both adults and never really even grew up together. This had great writing and I'm interested in reading more of Lauren Smith's books. There were times I would think "but how" or "why" or "that doesn't make sense" BUT THEN the author would explain the reasons why something happened and there were not plot holes, even minor ones! I thought this was realistic, as much as a romance book can be, and enjoyed it. Also note that this isn't not as steamy as it appears to be.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, heartwarming romance between Henley and her stepbrother, Russell. Their sizzling chemistry and strong connection are undeniable as they navigate the bumpy road to their forever after. With snappy dialog, loads of humor, crackling chemistry, family dynamic, and tons of heart, this book will brighten a cloudy day and lift a weary heart. Seriously entertaining, it has just the right amount of everything - sex, humor, drama, and happy ending.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story started out with a bang, and I was totally into it! Unfortunately, the initial excitement quickly wore off for me, and it just became another step-sibling romance, one that isn't too discernable from any others. Another negative for me was the narrator. She is great, I absolutely LOVED her doing the BB Easton 44 Chapters series, but it just didn't work for me here, and I'm not sure why. Overall, an okay read, but nothing that I'll remember.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, a standalone contemporary romance about Henley and Russell, step-siblings. It was short and cute, with likable characters and an amusing plot. Character development was minimal, but adequate. It jumped from the main part of the story to the epilogue three years later a bit abruptly, but other than that, I enjoyed it.

[v'sreadingjourney · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Method: audiobook
Rating: 3/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Russell
h rating: 4/5 - Henley
Drama: 3/5
Thoughts: Loved this! Will be listening to more RMR podcast stories!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️s! I listened to this on audio, and the narrator was SO good!! Not cringey at all. Cute, quick, steamy. Would’ve loved a longer story but I think the author did a good job giving us substance in a short story, which is definitely not easy.

[Aldii - perfectioninbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Read Me Romance Audiobook*

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, just not a fan of the trope.

[Carissa Janes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on Read Me Romance podcast. Cute story and super hot!

[JB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!

[Slick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on the read me romance podcast ep 118

[Laura Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute sweet

A cute sweet appetizer of a book. A forbidden romance but with chemistry since they were not related, but their parents had married.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I 100% blame my step siblings button on all the Harlequin Presents I read in my teen years.

Listened to on Read Me Romance podcast.

[Danae Moffat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story quite a bit. Very steamy and very HEA!

[Paulina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook, it was a quick and light read, good for washing dishes or doing chores around the house (use headphones if others are around lol).

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook on Read Me Romance Podcast 🎧