Silencing Joy

by Amy Rachiele

I scream. I couldn’t help it. I jump up and whack my head on the bottom of a bleacher. My hand flies immediately to the lump forming. I start running while bent in half. I try to get out.
I don’t.
Suddenly, my hair is yanked back. I shriek as my hands automatically go to the back of my head. My heart races in terror. I bend backwards from the yank and then fall to my knees.
~Joy, Silencing Joy

Joy is the type of person that goes about her business, stays out of people’s way, and keeps to herself. Everything changes one night at a football game.
Have you ever been in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Follow Joy as she discovers what wrong place and wrong time actually mean.

Kara shifted in her seat and her foot slipped. Something pulled on it.
A hand came around her mouth and she was falling. Kara found herself flat on the ground in the dirt and trash under the bleachers.
A cloth was slipped over her mouth and tied behind her head. Someone flipped her over like a hog, tying and dressing it for a roast over a spit. Kara’s hands were yanked and bound behind her back with thick rope.
~Kara, Silencing Joy

Genres: New Adult

ebook

First published August 7, 2013

About the author

Amy Rachiele is a Reader, Writer, Tea-er, Werewolf-lovin', Sci-fi Junkie, who won't survive the apocalypse... unless she has a tailor made Iron Man suit.

Amy is a widowed military spouse and brat who spent many years volunteering and on staff for the Army National Guard, and who has a propensity for writing about alpha-male mobsters. Her first self-published book is Mobster's Girl and it made it to the amazon's bestseller list for romance and family saga.

She devoted 10 years to teaching at-risk students at the secondary level and watching reruns of Star Trek. She holds a Master's degree from Rhode Island College in English and Secondary Education. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, BroadUniverse, Writer Unboxed and sits on the board for the Historical Writers of America. Besides writing, she enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, traveling, and pretending to know how to knit. Amy lives in Massachusetts with her son.

***Newest Release is Mobster's Gamble: Book 1 in the Chicago Mob Series.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a fan of Amy Rachiele's previous work, I went into Silencing Joy with high expectations. I was definitely not disappointed. Silencing Joy is an intriguing, complicated story. Through most of the story you have no idea who you should really be trusting and who is double-crossing. The good guys seem trustworthy, but then something happens to make you question them. It definitely makes you want to keep reading!

Joy is an art student, a photographer, who normally stays out of the spotlight and keeps people at a distance. After witnessing something she was not meant to see, Joy goes home feeling shaken but determined to put it behind her and forget it - until a few nights later when she returns home to find someone in her apartment. Now on the run for her life and not knowing who she can trust, Joy's world is flipped upsidedown and she is introduced to a whole new scene she never wanted any part of.

Each of the characters was well written and each brought their own personality to the story. Joy was a bit shy and reserved, but she was able to come out of her shell when a situation called for it. Her friend Jen was a lot of fun. She was loud and outspoken and was not afraid to let everyone know what was on her mind. She was also a great friend, standing by Joy when she needed her. The guys were all great, too, but I don't want to say too much about them for fear of giving away part of the plot!

The overall tone of this story was a bit on the darker side, touching on subjects such as drug use and human trafficking. The author did a great job, though, of incorporating these ideas into the storyline without making it somber. Though there was a lot of danger and suspense, there were moments that had me smiling and laughing as well. Overall, the story was well thought out and believable.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[P.A. Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review of Silencing Joy.

This was quite the action packed story.Joy minds her Ps and Qs and worries only about herself.While at a football game something goes horrible wrong.Joy is at the wrong place at the wrong time.She witnesses something brutal happen not once but twice. Unfortunately that puts her right into the middle of Witness Protection.
I enjoyed reading this.The writing was great!I had some issues with Joy.I've read every book Amy has written and Joy just wasnt up there with her other characters.Im not sure why.We just didn't click.Does this make a bad book?NO.It just means Joy and I need to have a talk.I digress.Silencing Joy was action packed and very well written.The story flowed extremely well.I enjoyed the secondary characters as well.As always I love the way Amy writes.Be sure to check out Silencing Joy on Amazon and Smashwords!!!

[Jane Granatino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the book last night, loved it. Some authors have the gift of crafting memorable characters, other novels are largely plot-driven but Amy melds the two so beautifully. I like the way she uses the different POVs (points of view) and different type faces to highlight whose voice is in play. As a librarian and Readers Advisor, I would even recommend this book to those who are reluctant readers - the format would appeal as well as the fast-paced action. Personally, I would love to see what happens next with Joy and Will, or with Kara and Derek. I see a sequel (or two!) coming! And I really love the cover, very menacing.

[Amy Rachiele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published August 8, 2013 It is now live on amazon and smashwords.

[Sibylla Matilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Action packed and unique storyline. GREAT JOB, AMY!

[Yanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.**

Joy is the type of person that goes about her business, stays out of people’s way, and keeps to herself. Everything changes one night at a football game.
Have you ever been in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Follow Joy as she discovers what wrong place and wrong time actually mean.

The book was a thrill ride. Towards the end, I thought that the resolution came rather fast paced, but it all worked out for the best. Overall, I enjoyed the book and give it a 4/5 stars. I think the story itself was great, the bits of suspense, the thrills, the adventure, and the romance all came in together to form a great story.

It is not really chick-lit. I am not too big on the suspense books, because it is not my type of book, but this wasn't so bad that I could not handle it. I would highly recommend this book. It was an easy read, with a flow. You can read this at a sitting. The description of the book really caught my interest, and I was not disappointed.

[Jax O · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I must mention that this description above was what had me hooked. After the Mobster’s Girl series by Amy Rachiele I knew that I wanted to keep my eyes open for new titles, but when I read the description for Silencing Joy I was instantly enthralled. Like curiosity with the Cat, I just had to find out where this would go. I was not disappointed as this story unfolds into romantic thriller that had me hanging on to the last page. After the style in her past novels I am comfortable with Rachiele’s ability to run two romances at the same time, and was excited to see this same display of talent in this new storyline. Joy and Kara stories run simultaneously. Also similar resemblances were noticed with the action packed swift pace of this journey. Overall, this was another entertaining read that further enforces my love for this author talented style. I look for more of these great stories and characters. ~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachiele has a very personal and personable writing style. She tells a vividly raw and shockingly real story that you can’t help but get caught up in. This story is very emotionally charged. It’s cool & disturbing all at the same time. Her descriptions, as well as her storytelling, are understated yet won’t let you go. The story itself had me captivated. It’s vivid without being over the top.

Rachiele flips perspective between a variety of characters. With some you’re vey engaged and caught up in the tale. With others, it’s like you’re standing on the sidelines. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the tale. You get to know all of the characters in the story without leaving anyone in the dust.

Overall, this story was exhilarating, thought provoking, & thoroughly enjoyable. I didn’t ever want it to end.

Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Amy Rachiele's Mobster series, I went into this book expecting the best. I was definitely not disappointed. This author always manages to weave a story that is different from all the rest and each story casts unique, strong characters with very different personalities. Silencing Joy was full of action from the very first chapter. I loved Joy, Will, Jake, and the rest. I enjoyed watching Joy come out of her shell and loved the little bits of humor thrown into the interactions between characters. I can't wait to read even more work from Amy Rachiele in the future!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A natural storyteller, Rachiele creates a romantic suspense novel with so many twists and turns you won't want to stop reading. What I enjoyed most about this novel was the dialogue, which was funny and natural-sounding - so much so I could picture the conversations taking place in my head. I look forward to reading more of her books.

[100sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic story!!! I am blown away!!! Absolutely amazing!!! This author is for real guys. I am a huge fan of Ms. Rachiele's Mobster's series and I don't see why she can't make this a series as well. I really enjoyed the characters and of course the story was suspenseful, with great twists.

[Pamela Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different!
Great book! I really liked the shift in POV. It really worked well and kept the story moving.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really loved the author's mobster series so I was anxious to try some of her other books, even knowing they'd be in a different world (non-mafia). Also, the book was free from amazon, so that was a bonus.

The story was ok, but I found myself skimming quite a bit. I've tried to pinpoint what exactly about it didn't connect with me. I liked the characters. I liked the idea behind it and the synopsis had me moving this to the top of my TBR list. The writing was also well done.

I wish the focus had been on Derek and Kara. When the point of view switched to them from Joy, it was in italics and 3rd person. We read some backstory on them when they first met, but it seemed to jump a bit and we were back to present day. They intrigued me the most and I gravitated to Derek's intensity.

A lot of reviewers like Jen and her outgoing and loud personality. I think I liked her the least and thought she was more brash and obnoxious. I did come around a bit on her once her old neighborhood friend popped up. Coincidentally he is also FBI. I liked how he picked on her and it goes to that old idea that the more the little boy pulls your pigtails and picks on you the more he likes you. As long as Jen toned it down, I'd love to see more of them.

I think what kept me from connecting was the premise the men were all FBI agents, pulled in as part of a youth/high school crew, to infiltrate a "gang." I know this is a new adult (maybe more young adult on this one?) genre book, but I couldn't suspend disbelief on this one. Also, the ending felt rushed and after a lot of time that felt fluffy when it was just Joy/Will hiding out. Some of it was silly, but also likely reflects their age/maturity. I did love the strong and solid opening as well as the parts where Joy/Will were on the run.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the cover and the description, I anticipated this to be a dark, intense read. Instead, I got a YA romantic comedy crossed with a Scooby-Doo mystery.

This book is about teenage FBI agents (no, seriously) who are undercover in high school. The "gang" they are trying to get are into drug dealing and human trafficking. There is too much lightheartedness to take things seriously here.

Joy is a college photography student (who acts like a blushing 14 year old virgin) who gets some crime photos and is taken to a safe house. Will is the agent protecting her. Turns out he had a crush on her in high school and spends most of the book trying to make out with her. Never mind people are trying to kill them, it's flirting and blushing time!

There's a parallel storyline about Kara, a high school girl, and Derek, the FBI agent who's in love with her. Seriously, the Bureau wouldn't frown on this?

The action is cheesy, and doesn't make a lot of sense, even when it's all explained at the end. The FBI uses Joy and her friend, Jen, to help in a rescue (really!), and of course Joy goes "rogue" and eye-rolling abounds! At one point the villain is running after them yelling, "I'm gonna get you bitches!". Come on! Even Shaggy and the gang were more believable than this.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author tells a shocking and raw story of today world. It is shame we have come to this, sad but true. It’s a disturbing and emotionally charged book, with drugs and human trafficking, that the author put a lot of thought and time into. This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering where it would lead. As you read this book you wonder who you can trust and who you need to stay away from.

This story was on the dark side, when I read something of this nature I prefer it be true but it was a good read, with lots of twist and turns. The author will have you on the edge hanging on, wondering where she will take you next. It is a very fast paced with characters that make you happy you are home in your safe house with the biggest worry you have is how to pay your bills.

This book will keep you entertain all the way through to the end. This book in action packed and well written, is it believable? Just pick up a newspaper I am sure you will find something of this nature in it. Pick up a true crime and I know you will find something very close to this book.

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Silencing Joy was…

~ Compelling ~ Spellbinding ~ Intriguing ~

I found that once I started reading the author kept me so intrigued I had a hard time putting this book down.

This is not your usual dark read. The author changed things up which I found surprising and enjoyable.

I hate to give anything away in my reviews but I will say I felt I was told two stories in one book. Pure brilliance on the author’s part.

The characters were written with spot on perfection. You felt the essence of not only their physical sense but their emotional sense as well. I felt their pain, their intense desire, their hatred, the desperation and the love.

The surprises were many and unexpected which made this book so interesting. I have to say I found it hard to stay one step ahead of this author.

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the creativity behind the words, the ease at which the story read and the intensity that the storyline carried.

Silencing Joy was my introduction to author Amy Rachiele but I do plan to read all of the books she has published.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4. This is one of those books that reminds me of the "B" movies that Hollywood used to make. Writing, plot, cover (especially this one) not quite up to the grade of the "A" movie blockbusters, but still an interesting book. This one I enjoyed especially because I liked the characters and it read like a real action movie.

It follows a group of young FBI agents, hired both because of their youth and their spotty pasts so that they can easily infiltrate high schools and such to deal with drugs and human trafficking (think Crush).

There probably could have been a little more background to flesh out these characters a little more but what was there was enough to make the story very readable and enjoyable.

[Azra tariq · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line was good as it picked up pace but I really wanted to read more of Derek and kara's story's than joys whose story was ok.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Occasionally had to force myself to keep going. Characters weren't that well fleshed out. Story wasn't that interesting either.