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Guilty Silence
Not yet published
Expected 9 Feb 26Bess Choi is proud of what she’s accomplished. Owner of Strange Brew, a popular coffee shop in Silence, she’s worked hard and has overcome many obstacles to build the life she has. It’s a good life, one that includes work she loves, an apartment to call her own, and plenty of good friends.
But an unexpected phone call comes as a brutal reminder of a time she thought she’d left far behind. Suddenly, she’s faced with the choice to turn her back on the beautiful life she created, or break her guilty silence.
Chief Deputy Hugo Alexander isn’t sure when exactly he started seeing the quiet coffee shop owner as more than simply a good friend. It’s hard to pinpoint the moment when she went from a supportive friend to him and his teenage son, to the woman who features in his dreams and fantasies.
Unfortunately, Bess Choi seems to have him firmly locked in the friend zone, and it’s not until worrisome things start happening around her, she cautiously starts lowering the barriers.
But when he discovers she might be in far more danger than she’s been willing to let on, he’s done tiptoeing around.
But an unexpected phone call comes as a brutal reminder of a time she thought she’d left far behind. Suddenly, she’s faced with the choice to turn her back on the beautiful life she created, or break her guilty silence.
Chief Deputy Hugo Alexander isn’t sure when exactly he started seeing the quiet coffee shop owner as more than simply a good friend. It’s hard to pinpoint the moment when she went from a supportive friend to him and his teenage son, to the woman who features in his dreams and fantasies.
Unfortunately, Bess Choi seems to have him firmly locked in the friend zone, and it’s not until worrisome things start happening around her, she cautiously starts lowering the barriers.
But when he discovers she might be in far more danger than she’s been willing to let on, he’s done tiptoeing around.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 9, 2026
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Freya Barker
85 books1,908 followersUSA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy
We are back in Silence where another mature couple finds their HEA. But to get there, many obstacles as well as danger, have to be overcome.
Bess Choi, owner of Strange Brew, loves the town, the life she has in Silence and the town loves gathering in her shop.
Widowed, single dad , Deputy Sheriff Hugo Alexander has been friends with Bess for a long time and nowadays, he’s ready for more. But Bess is very cautious . When it seems he’s moving forward, Bess receives a call that spooks her.
Her brother and only living relative , Ken, has been in jail for the past twenty years. He made her keep a secret and now that he’s out on parole and asking Bess for help due to the danger he’s in, everything Bess has worked hard for seems to be unraveling.
When a fire, likely arson, causes extensive damage to Strange Brew, Hugo is determined to find out her secret, and keep her safe.
Will Hugo be able to keep her safe from the danger that surrounds her? Can he show her they are stronger together? If they survive the danger, will they find their HEA?
The story was engaging from the first page to the last. Hugo and Bess are well developed characters and perfect for each other. They both have history that has taught them how fragile life is.
One of the things I love most of the stories by this author, is that the main characters have lived life, and are mature.
This was another winner in the series and one that has this reader eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Buoni Amici Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Bess Choi, owner of Strange Brew, loves the town, the life she has in Silence and the town loves gathering in her shop.
Widowed, single dad , Deputy Sheriff Hugo Alexander has been friends with Bess for a long time and nowadays, he’s ready for more. But Bess is very cautious . When it seems he’s moving forward, Bess receives a call that spooks her.
Her brother and only living relative , Ken, has been in jail for the past twenty years. He made her keep a secret and now that he’s out on parole and asking Bess for help due to the danger he’s in, everything Bess has worked hard for seems to be unraveling.
When a fire, likely arson, causes extensive damage to Strange Brew, Hugo is determined to find out her secret, and keep her safe.
Will Hugo be able to keep her safe from the danger that surrounds her? Can he show her they are stronger together? If they survive the danger, will they find their HEA?
The story was engaging from the first page to the last. Hugo and Bess are well developed characters and perfect for each other. They both have history that has taught them how fragile life is.
One of the things I love most of the stories by this author, is that the main characters have lived life, and are mature.
This was another winner in the series and one that has this reader eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Buoni Amici Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Review of advance copy
Guilty Silence
Silence Series Book 3
By Freya Barker
This author had me invested in her Silence Series with book one Finding Silence.
Inside Silence had me on the edge of my seat and I had to wonder what will she bring to book three. Take my word for it she stepped up and brought her readers back to Silence to show us little towns aren’t quiet and holding back information could get you between that rock and hard place, the place where danger lays.
Bess Choi is the owner of the Strange Brew coffee shop on Main Street. She’s quiet, shy and if she thought she didn’t have many friends she needed to open her eyes. She also has an admirer. A man that would stand beside her forever if she would acknowledge that she had feelings for him as well.
That admirer is Deputy Chief Hugo Alexander, single father to a teenager and a man who takes this job seriously. It isn’t until the day that Main Street Mechanics blows up, putting Bess and Hugo in the situation that would end up breaking down walls, building trust and eventually finding out what was holding Bess back.
There was danger, lies of omission and layers of history to get to why Bess was in danger.
The story line is strong! Guilty Silence is full of emotion and history for both Bess and Hugo. It held my attention and I could not put this book down! I give Guilty Silence 5 gold stars and I’m very much looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
Silence Series Book 3
By Freya Barker
This author had me invested in her Silence Series with book one Finding Silence.
Inside Silence had me on the edge of my seat and I had to wonder what will she bring to book three. Take my word for it she stepped up and brought her readers back to Silence to show us little towns aren’t quiet and holding back information could get you between that rock and hard place, the place where danger lays.
Bess Choi is the owner of the Strange Brew coffee shop on Main Street. She’s quiet, shy and if she thought she didn’t have many friends she needed to open her eyes. She also has an admirer. A man that would stand beside her forever if she would acknowledge that she had feelings for him as well.
That admirer is Deputy Chief Hugo Alexander, single father to a teenager and a man who takes this job seriously. It isn’t until the day that Main Street Mechanics blows up, putting Bess and Hugo in the situation that would end up breaking down walls, building trust and eventually finding out what was holding Bess back.
There was danger, lies of omission and layers of history to get to why Bess was in danger.
The story line is strong! Guilty Silence is full of emotion and history for both Bess and Hugo. It held my attention and I could not put this book down! I give Guilty Silence 5 gold stars and I’m very much looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ordinary people, extraordinary circumstances. Ms Barkers books always fit into the realms of reality. The story is never so far-fetched as to be unbelievable. Deputy Sheriff Hugo and coffee shop owner Bess are two rather ordinary people, friends who are slowly evolving into something more. Bess is a helper. She helped Hugo and his son after the loss of his wife a few years ago. She's happy with the life she built for herself in Silence, living above her coffee shop, steadily building her business. The disaster strikes in the form of events from her past rearing their ugly head. Caught between a rock and a hard place the secret she's harbored for a couple of decades comes back to haunt her. Hugo is ever the protector and knows there's a problem. Gradually, as they grow closer, and in the wake of a fire at her business she opens up to him, and to her best friend the sheriff. Follow along as Hugo moves to keep her safe and eliminate the threat. As things evolve there's still some heartbreak ahead, and a surprise visit. It's such a great story I don't want to give anymore away. Ms Barker never disappoints. In the 8 or so years I've been reading her books I haven't found a bad one in the bunch. Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Guilty Silence
Book Three
Once again Freya Barker’s writing does not disappoint. Bess and Hugo’s story, from ‘good friends’ to ‘more than just good friends’, is just one of the storylines in Guilty Silence, which drew me in. All the characters become family and I felt that I was an actual resident of Silence.
Bess Choi owns Strange Brew, the coffee shop in Silence. Hugo Alexander is the widowed Chief Deputy with a teenage son named Carson. Both Bess and Hugo have feelings for each other but neither have acted on them. Then comes the telephone call.
Ken, Bess’ half-brother, has been in prison for the past twenty years. He reaches out as he is desperate for money and Bess’ world begins to unravel. She has kept a secret for 20 years and now members of Ken’s former gang, the Lotus Squad, are after Bess in order to find Ken. Danger brings Bess and Hugo together.
Will the Lotus Squad find Ken and Bess? Will Hugo be able to keep Bess safe? Who set the two arsons in Silence? Will Bess and Hugo get their HEA?
This story is well written and entertaining. While this book is a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the entire series. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Book Three
Once again Freya Barker’s writing does not disappoint. Bess and Hugo’s story, from ‘good friends’ to ‘more than just good friends’, is just one of the storylines in Guilty Silence, which drew me in. All the characters become family and I felt that I was an actual resident of Silence.
Bess Choi owns Strange Brew, the coffee shop in Silence. Hugo Alexander is the widowed Chief Deputy with a teenage son named Carson. Both Bess and Hugo have feelings for each other but neither have acted on them. Then comes the telephone call.
Ken, Bess’ half-brother, has been in prison for the past twenty years. He reaches out as he is desperate for money and Bess’ world begins to unravel. She has kept a secret for 20 years and now members of Ken’s former gang, the Lotus Squad, are after Bess in order to find Ken. Danger brings Bess and Hugo together.
Will the Lotus Squad find Ken and Bess? Will Hugo be able to keep Bess safe? Who set the two arsons in Silence? Will Bess and Hugo get their HEA?
This story is well written and entertaining. While this book is a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the entire series. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Widower Deputy Sheriff Hugo Alexander has struggled with his son since he lost his wife the guilt of putting his career first only becoming the husband she deserved when she was sick ways heavy on him, after finally getting on with his life he decides that the friendship he has with Bess could be much more, Bess the owner of Strange Brew returned to Silence years ago to escape the horror of her past and is happy, she has been friends with Hugo for years and has harboured feelings for him for a long time, taking his son under her wing at the coffee shop inevitably means Hugo is around more, when mysterious fires start happening which include the coffee shop Bess realises that they are connected to her brother who just got released from prison after 20 years , needless to say thing are not straight forward and as secrets come out the extend of the threat becomes intense , this is a great addition to the Silence series and as you would expect from this author there are favourite characters from the previous books and new ones with twist and turns in the life or ordinary people with problems this is one to not put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Outstanding suspense, scintillating plot, and a group of tenacious characters, this book is not to be missed. I was enthralled from beginning to end!
Chief Deputy Hugo Alexander and coffee shop owner Bess Choi have known each other since they were kids and have been friends for years. She helped get him through the loss of his wife. He isn’t exact sure when he started seeing the sweet coffee shop owner as more than a supportive friend to him & his teenage son but his feelings have definitely changed. He just has to get Bess to see him as more than just a friend. When dangerous events seem to surround Bess, Hugo’s instincts to protect go into overdrive.
Bess is sure her friend and secret crush, Hugo, has her firmly in the friend zone. It’s not until worrisome things start happening around her that she cautiously begins to lower her barriers with him. He’s the only one she trusts to keep her safe. But when she finally reveals all her secrets will he ever trust her again?
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
Chief Deputy Hugo Alexander and coffee shop owner Bess Choi have known each other since they were kids and have been friends for years. She helped get him through the loss of his wife. He isn’t exact sure when he started seeing the sweet coffee shop owner as more than a supportive friend to him & his teenage son but his feelings have definitely changed. He just has to get Bess to see him as more than just a friend. When dangerous events seem to surround Bess, Hugo’s instincts to protect go into overdrive.
Bess is sure her friend and secret crush, Hugo, has her firmly in the friend zone. It’s not until worrisome things start happening around her that she cautiously begins to lower her barriers with him. He’s the only one she trusts to keep her safe. But when she finally reveals all her secrets will he ever trust her again?
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
Review of advance copy
Hugo is a widower, single father to a teenage son and a deputy. Bess is independent and the owner of local bakery/coffee shop "Strange Brew". We got a little peak into the tension building and friendship between these two in the previous books in this series. Hugo and Bess have fallen into the friendzone with neither one sure how to move out of it or if the other wants to. Bess gets a phone call from her brother who she hadn't talked to in years which threatens to not only implode her new life but put her in danger. When recent events prove that tomorrow might not be guaranteed Hugo and Bess start to open up about how they're feeling and their pasts. I absolutely was cheering on this couple and was surprised as they started opening up to each other what they both had been through. I was quickly invested and couldn't put down this romantic suspense until I knew how it ended. I really enjoy seeing all the characters from this series as they interact, assist and support each other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Silence series by Freya Barker just keeps getting better and better! Guilty Silence is full of action, romance, and suspense.
Bess Choi and Hugo Alexander are both Silence natives although Bess spent part of her growing up years in Seattle. Now she's home and running her coffee/bakery/sandwich shop, Strange Brew. It's been over twenty years since she talked to her criminal brother, Ken. Hugo is the Chief Deputy for the county sheriff's office and single father to his teenaged son after his wife's death. Both don't realize the love each has had for the other for several years.
Ken gets out of prison and his former gang is out for blood...not only his, but Bess' as well. There's plenty of action and suspense as Hugo and Bess attempt to stay one step ahead of the gang.
I've read all of Freya's awesome stories and can't wait for the next in the series, Cold Silence.
Bess Choi and Hugo Alexander are both Silence natives although Bess spent part of her growing up years in Seattle. Now she's home and running her coffee/bakery/sandwich shop, Strange Brew. It's been over twenty years since she talked to her criminal brother, Ken. Hugo is the Chief Deputy for the county sheriff's office and single father to his teenaged son after his wife's death. Both don't realize the love each has had for the other for several years.
Ken gets out of prison and his former gang is out for blood...not only his, but Bess' as well. There's plenty of action and suspense as Hugo and Bess attempt to stay one step ahead of the gang.
I've read all of Freya's awesome stories and can't wait for the next in the series, Cold Silence.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Freya’s stories get better and better each time she writes a new one! Every time I think ‘this one’ is my favorite she outdoes herself on the next one!
I absolutely love Hugo and Bess!
If you’ve read the other stories in this series then you’ve already met both of these characters. Bess is best friends with Savvy and Hugo works in the same sheriff’s office as Savvy. This means we thankfully get a lot of Savvy too whom I also greatly enjoyed.
Long story short, Bess has had fantasies about Hugo for YEARS and Hugo is just realizing he wants her as more than a friend. And don’t forget his sweet son Carson.
I’m a sucker for a single parent!
Hugo decides to bring Bess into his home when something happens and he knows he doesn’t want her to leave. Ever!
This is a great love story mixed in with some suspense which, to me, is an awesome combo. You’ll for sure enjoy this one!
I absolutely love Hugo and Bess!
If you’ve read the other stories in this series then you’ve already met both of these characters. Bess is best friends with Savvy and Hugo works in the same sheriff’s office as Savvy. This means we thankfully get a lot of Savvy too whom I also greatly enjoyed.
Long story short, Bess has had fantasies about Hugo for YEARS and Hugo is just realizing he wants her as more than a friend. And don’t forget his sweet son Carson.
I’m a sucker for a single parent!
Hugo decides to bring Bess into his home when something happens and he knows he doesn’t want her to leave. Ever!
This is a great love story mixed in with some suspense which, to me, is an awesome combo. You’ll for sure enjoy this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Guilty Silence features Hugo Alexander Deputy Chief and Bess Choi owner of Strange Brew, the heart of Silence. Hugo is completely taken with Bess, but she’s a little more reserved and is guarding two deeply personal secrets that could have devastating consequences. Their romance is a long time coming but Bess just needs a little more convincing. Hugo however, is all in and is only too willing to show her just how much she means to him. The town of Silence is full of colourful characters, many of whom make appearances throughout this well written story full drama, angst, sass and romance. This series gets better with each book and keeps the reader completely engaged. Thank you to Freya for the opportunity to be a part of her ARC Team to read and review her work.
Review of advance copy
Guilty Silence weaves dark, unexpected moments through layers of pain and guilt, catching you off guard when you least expect it. Yet amid the shadows, the romance between Hugo and Bess finally shines—bringing laughter, banter, sass, and plenty of steamy goodness that feels well earned. Familiar characters add richness through camaraderie and love, while Ragnar is an absolute standout, leaving you smiling every time he appears.
Danger simmers constantly in the background, keeping you frustrated and on edge, while the emotional beats land with a bittersweet ache that lingers. It’s a story that balances darkness with heart beautifully.
Danger simmers constantly in the background, keeping you frustrated and on edge, while the emotional beats land with a bittersweet ache that lingers. It’s a story that balances darkness with heart beautifully.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m really enjoying this new series. I can envision this small town with all the different side characters as if I’m there. I love that couples are a bit older and more mature with real life issues due to age or family situations. The suspense in each book keeps everything at a steady pace. And mostly everyone is likable and has me excited to see the journey each book will take this town on. Plus, I’m a sucker for single dad tropes. I love seeing a blended family come together. Hugo and Bess are worth the read!
January 26, 2026
Twinkie!!
First of all I have to say I’m loving this series. You have just the right amount of suspenseful drama and a mature romance to keep the blood pumping.
Bess has a secrets that she has kept for many years. It’s finally coming back to haunt her.
Hugo has been friends with Bess for a long time but things have changed.
But at some point in these past months something changed. A slow realization Bess is different from others I’d consider friends. More.
These two are the poster couple for stubborn. Danger brings them closer together while evil try’s to keep them apart.
First of all I have to say I’m loving this series. You have just the right amount of suspenseful drama and a mature romance to keep the blood pumping.
Bess has a secrets that she has kept for many years. It’s finally coming back to haunt her.
Hugo has been friends with Bess for a long time but things have changed.
But at some point in these past months something changed. A slow realization Bess is different from others I’d consider friends. More.
These two are the poster couple for stubborn. Danger brings them closer together while evil try’s to keep them apart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another masterpiece.
There's something about Freya's writing and characters that touches me on a deeper level.
Her stories are enthralling; her characters are strong, relatable, flawed, and inspiring; her plots are addictive.
And it wasn't different for Bess and Hugo's story.
I was glued to the book from the get-go. I fell in love with them, as well as with the secondary characters.
I devoured Bess and Hugo's story page by page, craving for more but dreading finishing the book.
It was simply wonderful.
There's something about Freya's writing and characters that touches me on a deeper level.
Her stories are enthralling; her characters are strong, relatable, flawed, and inspiring; her plots are addictive.
And it wasn't different for Bess and Hugo's story.
I was glued to the book from the get-go. I fell in love with them, as well as with the secondary characters.
I devoured Bess and Hugo's story page by page, craving for more but dreading finishing the book.
It was simply wonderful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bess has buried her past and internal scars as deep as possible and built a new life for herself. Hugo lost his wife and has now turned a corner with his teenage son while still managing a demanding job. When an arsonist strikes at Bess he realises it's time to act on his feelings and step up protection. A complex family drama with secrets, betrayals, violence, retribution, loyalty and the unbreakable bonds of blood with a side of humour and romance. Great read as always from Freya Barker.
Review of advance copy
I was trying for so long to figure out what the secret was and I was surprised when it did come to light. Bess is a great character who we have met in previous books in this series, but you get her full story in this chapter. I loved Hugo, once he figured out what he wanted and what he was doing wrong! I always love Ms. Barker's stories as they take you on a journey from the first page to the very last page of each book. "Zero to combustible"
January 25, 2026
These books are based in Silence and the characters written by Freya Barker are a genre of mature, flawed, real people, but full of emotion and help when meeting the potential danger our main hero and heroine face. In this 3rd book of the series we meet Bess Choi whose the owner of Strange Brew coffee shop. A quiet woman that works hard, has a good life after many obstacles, a home and plenty of friends. One of her friends is Chief Deputy Hugo Alexander who has come to realise he wants more than friendship with her. An unexpected phone call changes Bess and when things start happening place her in danger. Hugo and the people of Silence rally round once she breaks her guilty silence about her past. How they eliminate the problems from her past and how the repercussions affect them make this another great read from this author. Another book that has plenty of suspense, romance, action, angst and of course love. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was another fantastic story for this series. Even though Bess's world was turned upside down at 15 years by one of the gang members her brother lived with, she still loves her brother to this day, but there are pitfalls. Hugo is the Sheriff and has had a crush on her for years since she moved back to town. There's danger, heat and suspense. HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Books are, for me, an escape that are filled with action, mystery, suspense and sometimes romance. However, not every book needs all of the action. This is why I appreciate Freya’s writing. This book is not chock full of action, but it is chock full of emotion. Let’s talk Hugo…Viking looks and sensitive. Yum.
Read
January 18, 2026Freya the author continues to tell well thought out and written stories. Always a relatable and reliable read that fits with well with in this series. Interesting plot and great to see cameos of previous characters. Lucky to have an early read prior to my purchase .
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love the little town of Silence but it's hardly a sleepy little town. This is Bess and Hugo's story and you won't want to miss this one
Review of advance copy received from Author
How can her books keep getting better and better? I absolutely love this book. It was perfect. Hugo and Bess were perfect for each other. Bess had some drama happening that brought out Hugo‘s protective instincts, and this book nicely sets up the next book. I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
Guilty Silence was another winner! What I really appreciated in this story was the strong and supportive friendship that the characters had with one another. Bess Choi, the owner of the local coffee shop, Strange Brew, really stepped up for both Deputy Chief Hugo Alexander and his son, Carson throughout the years, especially in the last few years. Until recently, Bess was the one who harbored secret romantic feelings for Hugo, but she could not see any change to their relationship status. But now Hugo has felt the shift and wants more, unfortunately he is having some trouble getting out the friend zone. It was not until Hugo began to notice worrisome signs that all was not well with Bess that his protective instincts were triggered. When he realizes the extent of Bess’ troubles, he was all in.
I was definitely invested immediately to their storyline. As usual the suspense and drama kept me hooked and second guessing what was going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bess and Hugo’s story and looking forward to more.
Guilty Silence was another winner! What I really appreciated in this story was the strong and supportive friendship that the characters had with one another. Bess Choi, the owner of the local coffee shop, Strange Brew, really stepped up for both Deputy Chief Hugo Alexander and his son, Carson throughout the years, especially in the last few years. Until recently, Bess was the one who harbored secret romantic feelings for Hugo, but she could not see any change to their relationship status. But now Hugo has felt the shift and wants more, unfortunately he is having some trouble getting out the friend zone. It was not until Hugo began to notice worrisome signs that all was not well with Bess that his protective instincts were triggered. When he realizes the extent of Bess’ troubles, he was all in.
I was definitely invested immediately to their storyline. As usual the suspense and drama kept me hooked and second guessing what was going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bess and Hugo’s story and looking forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews