Whispers

Larkwood Academy #2

by Jayce Carter

Escape or die—Larkwood Academy isn’t for the weak.

When I first arrived at Larkwood Academy, I was sure someone would rescue me. After months here at the mercy of the guards, the other residents and even the warden, I’ve realized the only person who can save me is myself.

In order to escape, I’ve teamed up with three other shades—Wade, a young and carefree void, Knox, an incubus afraid of his own powers and Brax, a berserker who seems to hate me as much as he wants me. Meanwhile, we have to hide our plans from Deacon, a guard who isn’t quite human or shade, and Kit, an adjunct professor with a terrifying power and far too much connection to the warden.

Even as I uncover the truths behind the secretive and dangerous North Tower, as the warden takes an ever-increasing interest in me and my powers and as I search desperately for a way out, I realize I'm out of options.

Escape or die, and I’m not ready to die…

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Romantasy, Paranormal Romance

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2022

About the author

Jayce Carter lives in Southern California with her husband and two spawns. She originally wanted to take over the world but realized that would require wearing pants. This led her to choosing writing, a completely pants-free occupation. She has a fear of heights yet rock climbs for fun and enjoys making up excuses for not going out and socializing.

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main thing im loving the most about this series is how Hera (FMC) is growing as a character as the books have progressed. She definitely learnt to harness her powers more in this book and that in turn gave her much more confidence i thought but also brought her to the attention of the Warden. Her dynamic with the guys changed too. Especially an off of the charts hot scenario between her, Wade and Knox. So flaming hot!!!! To me we get more book time with each Brax, Kit and Deacon which i liked. We get to find out more backstory about Kit. We needed that i think.

Some cracking plot twists were in this book though and a brilliant kinda cliffhanger-ish ending. Im looking forward to seeing where that goes?? This series is just getting better and better

[Kelly Eudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10⭐️
2/5🔥

MFMMM(mostly MF with one MFM scene)/multi POV/minor cliffhanger/paranormal

Book two of the Larkwood Academy Series and must be read in order.

Whispers picks up right where Silenced left off. Hera, Wade, Knox and Brax have decided they want to escape Larkwood Academy. They have a few obstacles they have to face as they make their plan. When she gets called into medical again, she tries to gain as much information as she can. Hera knows her only option to even attempt escaping is to make it into the North Tower, even thought everyone keeps telling her its the last place she wants to be. Kit and Deacon are aware that Hera seems to be planning something but neither know what, and both are worried she’s just going to get herself killed.

We learn more about Kit’s background at Larkwood in this book, and we don’t see much of Deacon. There’s still a bit of a divide in the group, mainly just because they are all in different positions at the academy, but you do see the guys accepting the others place in Hera’s life. Wade and Knox are still kinda scared to be with Hera due to Knox’s power and Wade’s inexperience… but they come up with a spicy plan that works for the 3 for them 😉

This book was a good continuation of Hera and her guys’ story. I wish there was a little more ‘spicy’ action going on between them, but with all the plans they’re making, I can see where there’s limited time to fit that in. Overall I am still enjoying the story and am excited to see the conclusion in the next book!

-ARC Review-

[rumple · Rating 2 out of 5]

not one of the mmc’s daughter being the same age as the fmc

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read but a bit of a disappointment after the first book.

I liked that the story was a nice balance of romance and plot, though the pacing felt rushed. The book already has a short page count and then the last 7% (22 pages on my device) were made up of an excerpt from the next book and end matter. It left me feeling like the series would have worked better as a duology rather than a trilogy. At least, I'm assuming it's going to be a trilogy? Either way, how the books have been broken up left this one feeling lacking, despite the fact it had some important plot and romantic relationship developments.

The editing was also really rough and could definitely have used some work. At one point there was a "to" written with a 0 instead of an o, how does that even happen??

Also the lack of security measures in the North Tower was WAY too convenient. It was supposed to be even more brutal than Larkwood but Hera gets around no problems. I had been really looking forward to what we would see from the North Tower and was sure that there was going to be some tension from Hera getting trapped there but nope? The whole escape at the end was super anticlimactic. Especially the way Hera didn't even try to convince Deacon and Kit to join her! I understand not wanting to tell them the plan so they wouldn't stop her, but surely once the plan was already in action and it was clear Hera was leaving regardless she would try to bring them along? I so expected a scene where she was like "I can't leave without them, we need to find them" and that would add to the tension of them running out of time to escape. Instead Deacon is right there and she still doesn't even try to get him to come with them. Blegh.

I liked the way the relationships developed with the other guys at least, though I wish we'd had a bit more time with them all, especially Brax. The spicy scene between Knox and Wade was super hot, though.

A small thing, but I liked that Hera is actually afraid of Kit's Wendigo form, it's a nice change of pace from the "I wasn't afraid of that side of him because I knew he'd never hurt me" take that you usually read in this type of scenario.

At least the next book comes out soon, I'm not sure I'd stay invested in the series long enough to finish it if I had to wait months for the next one.

[°˖✧˚lindsay˚✧˖° · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing style depleted. Each sentence hinged on itself like a really long, bad poem.
Hera is a travesty to her namesake.
She’s such a weenie!
Every time Kit does something cool with his wendigo powers, she runs away nauseous or crying.
How is this the person he’s attracted to?
Move aside, lady.
Let the real monster lovers handle this one.

‘Still’ is used 165 times in this one.
Give it a rest.

Why are there so many books about mute girls attracting groups of men literally without a word, by the way?
Why isn’t she trying to get her voice back when it sounds as if it’s possible?
The initial removal was so similar to assault and I hate that it’s a result she just accepts rather than working to surmount.

Anyway. The guys all say the same things.
They all liken her to a drug.
Their favorite drug, but a drug nonetheless.
They even remark on how the other guys say things that echo their own thoughts that we’d just read.

They shouldn’t think alike!!!
That’s boring!!!

They also all say touching her makes them feel like a virgin/fumbling teenager.
Unappealing either way.

For her, it’s over and over again with the wolf/puppy tiger/cat metaphors, comparing her and the men.
We get it! Everyone’s a predator!
You would be, too, if you weren’t so obsessed with chasing boys.

She’s told something important is on the fourth floor but she later goes to the third for it? Whatever.

Spelling mistakes galore.

Integral information, if delivered, would’ve changed everything and given them a formidable ally.
It’s so ridiculous to keep it to herself just to have something for the next book.
The very book we suddenly have to pay for?
No, thanks.
I’m all about supporting authors, but the degradation in quality doesn’t bode well for investment.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.


I’m loving the storyline. I was worried the way it was going it might actually be the last book but I’m so glad it’s not.

Everything that happens throughout Whispers left me with sooo many questions to be answered (hopefully in Screaming) and it allowed me to delve so deep into the storyline. I feel like I’m caring more about some of the characters that I was rather iffy about.

You see a lot more relationship development this time around. You start to know the characters a bit more and I love it. Brax, Knox, Wade, Kit and Deacon are all great characters with varying backgrounds but you’ll learn a few things about some of them you didn’t know before!

One thing I wasn’t fond of was how Hera went from working with these guys, sleeping with some, to being in love with them. It’s like a switch flipped and I would’ve loved a bit more of her realization of all of this.

I’m so excited to read Screaming when it comes out. I’m hoping this will either end with a HEA for all shades or at least open up for some side stories from other characters.


I’d love a side story from Lilianna if her story isn’t completed with what happens in Screaming. There’s no way she dies, that’d be cruel to Kit. Give her a harem (or make it an MF story) cuz so far she’s a brilliant character that I need more of.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Q: Does this make us, like, brothers of some sort? I feel like sleeping with the same woman together creates some sort of bond. Spelunking buddies? Cave-diving cousins?” Knox just stared at me as if he couldn’t quite get a grip of the stupidity I was saying, but I couldn’t help it… “Vagina twinsies?”

Whispers is the second book in the Larkwood Academy series. I was already finished with this book when I realized how well the title fits the content of this second book. This one is all about Hera finding her voice again (metaphorically speaking), coming up for herself and those she loves and taking life in her own hands again. I'm really enjoying the opportunity to see Hera grow into the awesome woman she might have never been if she hadn't turned into a Siren.

In Whispers Hera grows closer to some of the men living in Larkwood with her. The harem she is gathering around her is perfectly balanced, with some cute guys, an alphahole and a few tortured souls. The different connections she forms with each of the men absolutely make this book more interesting, and I'm curious to see where it will ultimately lead them. The suspense in this book is perfect and builds up to a great ending. I'm looking forward to the final book!

[Vale · Rating 1 out of 5]

Este libro me decepcionó muchísimo. Al principio iba bien, pero en cierto punto la historia comenzó a sentirse apresurada, como si estuviera escrita a toda prisa. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️Todo sucedió demasiado rápido y, lo peor de todo, de una manera muy anti-climática. Muchas situaciones no tenían sentido, y en general, el mundo y el contexto parecían poco desarrollados.

Además, la “conexión” entre la protagonista femenina y los protagonistas masculinos era prácticamente inexistente. Parecía que ella estaba ahí solo para arreglarlos con la pureza de su corazón, sin una construcción real de relaciones. Un ejemplo claro de esto es la escena en la que escapa y deja atrás a los otros dos personajes. ¿Por qué no los llevó con ella? Le cerró la puerta en la cara.

Otro aspecto que me resultó muy incómodo fue que uno de los protagonistas tenía una hija de la misma edad que la protagonista, lo cual me pareció innecesario. Además, otro de los protagonistas era claramente gay y le era infiel con otros hombres (fuera del harem), algo que la autora pudo haber aclarado mejor, especialmente considerando que hay lectores que prefieren evitar ciertos temas.

En general, siento que la historia tenía potencial, pero la ejecución dejó mucho que desear.

[ltfrom bc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait!

I have been eagerly awaiting this book as it is the 2nd in this series. The first booked ended with a cliff hanger so I was extremely pleased to see this book out so soon after the first one. I have been cheering on the shades from the start of book one! The shades have had no life outside of Lakewood Academy - hidden away from society, left to the abuses carried out by the staff all for nefarious reasons. But all it takes is one strong person to change that. Hera! While she cannot speak, she is able to build relationship with 5 other shades in the academy. Each of these shades have their strengths, their own fears, their jobs, but they all have in common, their care for Hera. The struggle of being in the Academy under the watchful eye of the Warden while trying to escape is going to be difficult. The author does an amazing job of telling their story as they attempt what has not been successful before. I loved this story. It is full of romance, action, and suspense as the story grows. Escaping Lakewood Academy will not be easy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Xime Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️1.5🌶️

Im still loving this but keeping in mind this is a series with only three books I think the development and depth I was hoping for is going to fall short.

This book was all about the plan of escaping and honestly it was a little boring, I was expecting more growth more action more change but it was slow going and predictable still, I can’t say I’m not hooked.

I was expecting more development with Kit and for him and Deacon to get included in the escape plan but I guess not.

I liked that she crossed the line with Wade and Knox but I also felt Brax was a little left out. So in the end although there was mention of sex the relationships didn’t grow or become more deeper.

I hated how she didn’t immediately tell Kit about Liliana I really hated her in that moment.

I’m really hoping she got rid of her ridiculous idea of going back to her life because that still annoying.

I was hoping to see more of her powers and strength but that didn’t happen.

There’s just one more book in the series and I feel all of it is going to finish in an anticlimactic way that feels meaningless.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the series must be read before starting this one. The one thing that stopped me from rating this book 5 stars was that I found some parts a bit slower than expected. However, I enjoyed this story as much as I did the first one. I absolutely still love all of the characters as much, if not more in this book. We are getting to see a more emotional side to them when it comes to Hera. She has a way of getting each of them to go against everything they know is right and do things for her the same way she would for them. I liked that we got to see the other sides of these characters and loved how the author described them in a way that allows us to visualize how they look. A plan is set i place, it just needs to be executed at the right moment and time. I know the Warden will not let things go, so I'm excited to see what she does about everything in the next book. This story has suspense, surprises, secrets, steamy scenes, love, romance, friendships, laughs and more. I'm excited to read the next book in this series.

[ttxsxffiaa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐

Al igual que el primero me cuesta decidir la puntuación, pero sin duda en este a sido peor.

Para empezar sigo sin sentir esa conexión entre los personajes, no termino de entender el como son ya "almas gemelas".
Tampoco entiendo el porqué de Kit y Deacon, siento que serían mejor que pareja de la protagonista, solo mejores amigos, no les veo como algo más de ella y tampoco es que la autora se haya esmerado en ello.

Por no hablar de que los diálogos son "no puedo estar contigo, nos vamos a hacer daño" y en la siguiente frase "eres mía, te quiero" y ponerse a besarse.
Es asqueroso y ridículo

Tampoco la trama es que me haya gustado, porque estamos ya en el segundo libro, quiero leer sobre los poderes de ella, sobre su aaaaltisimo nivel de poder, porque sigo sin verlo, me sigue pareciendo una chica normal y corriente.

Honestamente me a decepcionado bastante y no voy a continuar.
Otra definición de buena historia, mal ejecutada

[Tamara Ellen McCaffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I absolutely loved this book. I think it continued the storyline from the first book perfectly. Has plenty of plot twists, drama and action to keep your mind racing the whole way though. I really enjoyed watching the character growth in all the characters but especially the growth within the group dynamic and the one on one relationships. I’m not going to lie I think Kit has my heart although it’s very closely followed by everyone else. And that ending! I did not see that little plot twist coming. I can’t wait to read the next book and see how every the ing plays out. I know there is so much more to come. All my prayers going to Kit right now for the hope of a much needed reunion (if you’ve read it you know what I’m talking about)!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series, and I'm so happy that there's another book! I love that in Whispers we dive more into the characters and get to know them more. I also loved the growth that we saw in Hera with standing up for herself. She's taking back control and I am so glad that we get to see this and with the guys by her side.

The guys, I like that we have a variety in these guys, they've got different backgrounds, and personalities. We've got alphaholes, cause you know no group is complete without them lol. We also see the connections between Hera and the guys, and how they differ.

There's so much left to learn, and the suspense keeps us on the edge of our seats. I can't wait for the next book, it's going to be amazing!

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series! Hera is getting closer with Brax, Knox, and Wade while they figure out how to leave Larkwood Academy. Hera is also getting better with her Siren powers. Her relationship with Deacon is growing as well even though she knows she will be leaving him soon. This book was super exciting and steamy and we see all of the guys, even Kit, becoming for fond of Hera and their bond to her growing. The most excitement comoes at the end of the story and we are left with wondering what will happen in the next story. Can't wait to read Whispers!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a real treat of a find. Simply loved the characters and such an interesting take on the world of magical and mysterious identities (sirens, incubus etc). Not having read the first book in the series (yet) I still found I was able to navigate through the plot well enough to understand the overall storyline, but certainly looking forward to start at the beginning. I found the story had a great balance of mystery, mystical attributes, sexual tensions, comraderie, and a truly capturing strong female lead character. Definitely looking forward to the next instalment in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the men in Hera’s life are incredibly broody, overprotective and self loathing. Makes it very difficult to love or even like them let alone have any type of relationship. Yet these are her guys no matter how frustrating and they are the ones she plans her escape with. Because her life has gotten far more perilous with the interest of the Warden focused on her for unknown reasons. Escape has been a floating discussion for a while but now it’s time to get serious because staying is no longer an option.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonight There’s Going To Be a Jailbreak

Hera is planning her escape from Larkwood,, and with the help of Brax, Wade and Knox, they might actually stand a chance. As her relationship with Wade and Knox gets physical, her relationship with Brax remains argumentative - and what about her relationship with guard Deacon? And instructor Kit? The plot is getting thicker, and it kept me reading way past my bedtime. I loved how Hera is growing into her own as a shade with incredible powers, plus as a woman with multiple men. This book and this series has been just absolutely fantastic!

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hera continues to organize an escape from Larkwood. Hera becomes the focus of the Warden and she must make decisions on how to move forward. The connection between Knox, Wade and Hera grows more intense. Hera has to plan how to save Deacon and Kit from being accused of helping her. This book helps you understand how Hera has grown and become a strong woman with the desire to escape at whatever the cost. I look forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Booklvr89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the series and I personally think it is just as good as the first. However, this book is really slow to start; I kept finding myself putting it down and coming back to if later.

I love the romance between our leading lady and her four gentlemen and am rooting for an additional one soon!

Like I said, overall good book but if does start really slow and forewarning there is a doozy of a cliff hanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Domination of "Shades"

Lakewood Academy is dangerous. Maybe even more than it's residents. The Academy has found and destroyed many of them. They "teach" the most powerful to do their "dirty work" , in other words, kill for them. Some Shades are not the same, and work with the Warden. However, everyone has hidden depth.
Hera is determined to escape. Making friends, as well as taking lovers, allows her to concoct a plan of escape with their help. Will it work? Will feelings get in the way? You need to read to find out. I'm ready for what's next!

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is an emotional roller coaster of a read. Hera becomes closer to her gang of shades, despite the hang ups Wade and Knox have, and Brax becomes more of an emotional thing rather than purely physical. Kit and Deacon complicate matters somewhat, but the heart will not be ruled by the head. Action packed and full of surprises, I loved this one from start to finish and am looking forward to seeing where this is all leading to.

[Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for more. This easily has become one of my favorite series now. All the guys have drawn me in and her relationship with each one is so special and different. I found the energy and suspense of the story as it unfolded kept my attention throughout and was paced well.

I completely recommend this book if you like some steam with your suspense!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AshReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a page turner. A lot of stuff happened in this book. Hera, Wade, Know, and Brax start planning their escape. Hera’s relationship with Deacon and Kit is strained. Kit is developing emotions and Deacon still refuses to see Hera isn’t his past. Hera’s abilities are getting stronger. Let me just say this book was fantastic!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen Ritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the 2nd book in the Larkwood Academy series. Hera grew so much in her powers and also Grew so much with her connection with her boys: Wade, Knox and Brax who she works with to make a plan to break out of the Academy. She also becomes closer with Deacon and Kit. There were definitely some surprises in this book that I don't want to spoil. I absolutely can not wait until the next book comes out to see where this story goes!!

I Highly recommend this book!!.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book is really slow to read in the beginning. When you get to the last few chapters you will finily get to where you don't want to put it down. That being said it is about a 6.5 hour read. What will Hera, Wade Knox and Brax do to get away from Lockwood Academy? What will happen to Kit and Deacon who also care deeply about about her? Can she leave them behind?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second book in the series. Lots of progress is made within relationships and for Hera personally. We learn more about all of the guys, but Kit and Deacon? Oh man, broke my heart in so many ways. Especially that ending and where Deacon is at, I feel so badly for him, I just want to wrap him up and give him cuddles and hot chocolate. Can’t wait for book 3!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[P Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insane! The great escape...!

This second installment doesn't disappoint. The action and the twists with the deliciously steamy rendezvous is more than enough to keep you hyper focused. Rooting for them anticipating the possible problems had me holding my breath. I'm trying to tell you how great it is before I devour the third installment... its perfect read it meet me at the end of the next one!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful sequel to a world that I found fascinating and couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into once more. The story was filled with vivid imagery which brought it to life as I fell into their drama. Suspenseful and exciting, I loved every minute of this book.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raqualla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! 🤯

That was a really good read! It was a great 2nd book to this series..I love the characters and getting to know them more.. It kept my attention from start to finish.. and idk how that ending wowed me, and hurt me, and made me happy all at the same time! With all that being said I can't wait to read more!