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Zero Hour #1

Un silence forcé

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Pour l’infirmier Adam Carson, son monde est fait de lumières, de sirènes et se résume à essayer de sauver des vies. Les pressions au travail le maintiennent fermement dans le placard, et sa vie est trop animée pour faire face aux complications qui accompagnent les rencontres et les relations. Lorsqu’un visage familier de son passé se retrouve là où il l’attend le moins, Adam commence à se demander s’il y a ou non de la place dans sa vie pour ces complications.

La dernière personne que le médecin légiste Sam McKenna s’attend à voir un soir au pub est Adam, le type qui a fait de sa vie un enfer au lycée. L’attirance est instantanée, mais Adam n’est pas gay et Sam n’a aucun intérêt à le poursuivre. Pourtant, l’animosité restante de leur adolescence n’est pas suffisante pour éteindre le désir croissant entre eux. Après avoir été tous les deux appelés sur la scène d’un meurtre horrible, Adam admet qu’il n’est pas aussi hétéro qu’il a amené Sam à le croire et ils recherchent du réconfort et une distraction dans les bras l’un de l’autre. Une nuit se transforme en plusieurs alors que l’enquête sur les meurtres s’intensifie, mais lorsqu’Adam est sur le point de perdre Sam, il est forcé de faire un choix : rompre son silence ou tout abandonner pour le métier qu’il aime.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2015

24 people are currently reading
733 people want to read

About the author

Cate Ashwood

53 books504 followers
Cate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in British Columbia, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the water. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, her husband, and their two cats.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,519 reviews1,069 followers
November 27, 2015
~4.5~

HOT DAMN.

A Forced Silence is one intense read.

When I read a romance, I want just that: romance. Ashwood's focus never veers from the MCs. A murder investigation is present, yes, but it's secondary to the relationship.

At the scene of a gruesome homicide, Adam, a paramedic, confirms that the murder victim (a teenage boy) is dead, while forensic pathologist Sam (to everyone but Adam, who calls him "Dex," a teasing nickname from their high school days) puts together a report that includes identifying marks, toxicology results, and possible cause of death.

What happened to the victim is horrifying and heartbreaking, and both men want justice served. Sam especially wants to do right by this lost boy who died in such a terrible fashion.

As the investigation continues (Adam's brother is a detective who takes a lead on the case), the relationship between Sam and Adam takes a turn from casual friendship to passionate love affair.



Sam is out, but Adam is deeply in the closet. I was so frustrated with Adam for most of the book. His lies keep him bound and gagged, and he's more intent on pandering to his work partner, John, a vile homophobe, than building something long-lasting with Sam.

Sam is much more patient with Adam than I would have been!

It takes a near tragedy to make Adam realize what's really important, and when he goes after his man, it's sweetness and hard kisses and makeup sex (which is all gotta-have-you-so-sorry-can't-wait-FUCK-ME-NOW-please).



This book is SEXY (I am SO happy Cate is adding more steam to her books!) and well plotted. The MCs are real, with their ups & downs, fears, and personality quirks.

The connection between Adam and Sam is so strong, it simmers and boils over.

I liked the secondary characters in the book, particularly Sam's best friend Ford, who's dealing with love life drama of his own.

When the book ends, the MCs are SOLID and have a HEA in the making. BUT the murder investigation ... well, that's another story.

Cate has confirmed that she's planning three more books in the series, which is just. Fucking. AWESOME.

To sum up: Former-frenemies-to-lovers; UST; closeted paramedic with a dominant streak; slightly geeky pathologist who's a freak in bed (it's always the quiet ones); background mystery; hotter-than-sin sex; unexpected tattoos that are ever so lickable; and a gripping climax leading to a HEA.

All that and TUXES too.

WIN.


Profile Image for Ele.
1,319 reviews40 followers
December 9, 2015
**4.5 stars**

I absolutely loved this book. But let me tell you up front, that I'm going to go crazy and punch a bitch I'll be terribly disappointed if it's not the beginning of a series. There is no cliffhanger and the couple gets its HEA, but there are loose ends with other subplots that need closure.

First of all, I loved all the EMT action and because I'm a geek, I liked all the autopsy details as well . CSI and Third Watch all in one, y'all!



Sam is a forensic pathologist. He's dedicted to his job and an introvert but he's out and proud. I loved his contradictory character. Sam is a quiet man but very open with Adam and expressive in the bedroom department. And I never guessed what was under his clothes... During an impromptu night out with friends, he bumps into his high school nemesis, Adam.

Adam is a paramedic and takes his job very seriously, which is why he's firmly in the closet. In his line of work, coming out just isn't an option. Meeting Sam after all these years is both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. Because he wants him like crazy, but he's also the only who makes Adam want to come out. And this is the main conflict of the story.

I loved pretty much everything about the way their relationship was handled. Adam had valid reasons for not being ready to reveal his sexuality and Sam never pushed him. The affection, tenderness and compassion between them was exactly what I needed to see. And steam! Plenty of steam! Their chemistry was explosive and there might have been a hot shower scene. And a maple syrup one.



There is a lot going on in this book. A murder case which is the one that brought Sam and Adam together. An incident towards the end that threatens to break them apart for good and the aftercome of Adam's coming out. BUT the romance was never overshadowed.

Like I said there are loose ends regarding a couple of subplots. And so many great secondary characters begging for a story.

So don't you dare tell me there isn't more. "Zero hour" is the name of a series, right? Right?

Overall, this was a great story. Recommended!

*Also posted on Gay Book Reviews
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,721 followers
December 16, 2015
4.5 Stars!

Really enjoyed this one. A bit of an enemies to lovers trope. Liked that one of the MCs was a forensic pathologist, very different and interesting.

I was a little worried with one of the MCs being in the closet, but I was okay with how everything played out.

This one had some good steam and little angst.

Overall, I really easy enjoyable and entertaining read.

Profile Image for Gigi.
2,148 reviews1,064 followers
December 10, 2015
I didn't enjoy this book as much as my Gay Book Review's friend Ele did. The enemies-to-lovers vibe didn't resonate with me and Adam was very unlikable (at first!). As with most adult gay men, I found his reasons for being in the closet ridiculous and couldn't get onboard.



I adored pathologist Sam and his love for his creepy job. He was wonderful and fascinating! And when he and Adam finally got together, he was a tiger in bed.



I was able to follow the mystery quite well, but I didn't find it very compelling. I kept wanting to get back to the sex, which was awesome!

Be sure to read Ele's review because she has much more and nicer things to say about this one. A Forced Silence just plain didn't work for me. Other than Sam and the sex. ;)



Galley copy of A Forced Silence provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.

This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews

Profile Image for Ami.
6,209 reviews489 followers
December 11, 2015
First things first, I’m a little bit reluctant to call this a mystery/suspense romance – I guess being a HUGE mystery/suspense genre fan, I thought this one emphasized more on the romance part than the mystery part. Sure, we had a young man being a murder victim, however, it stayed pretty much in the background. Neither Sam nor Adam are in the front line of the investigation, although since Sam is the forensic pathologist, he does offer his findings to the detectives in charge.

That set aside, I really enjoyed this. It’s only my third Cate Ashwood’s book, and it is definitely my favorite so far. Despite the animosity that happened between Sam and Adam during their high school years, the chemistry was definitely high this time around. While I might have skipped all the sex scenes, because, well, it’s my thing, I thought the sexuality was simmering between the pages and it was pretty alluring.

Another thing that I loved was that Sam never pushed Adam to come out of the closet for him. It has become one of my pet peeves in MM romance, whenever someone thinks that it’s for the best to push their lovers to just come out. Coming out is personal business and nobody has the right to tell one when or how they should come out. Although it isn’t fair for the lover involved, I believe this is where compromise comes in and the couple should work things out by communicating.

Anyway, I was rambling … but yes, I loved Sam for that. I thought the progress of them becoming lovers and later on when facing with the problem of Adam’s in-the-closet status, felt natural. I did wish that Adam kicked his homophobic partner to the curb much sooner, but I was enjoying Adam’s inner conflict too. So I couldn’t really be angry at him for making the story much believable for me (laugh).

There was quite a lot of action in the end, which amped up the thrill a bit. And the ending was … well, hopeful. No, not hopeful for our MCs … hopeful for a mystery fan like me. Because I’m hoping that there will be more investigations in the next book, and I want to be more ‘involved’ with finding out who is responsible for the murders.



A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls




The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Profile Image for Meags.
2,448 reviews682 followers
July 23, 2017
3.5 Stars

Although A Forced Silence was not my favourite Ashwood story to date, this was still a thoroughly enjoyable addition to her already impressive collection of M/M romances.

Here, we follow the developing relationship between closeted paramedic, Adam Carson, and forensic pathologist, Sam McKenna. Adam and Sam were frenemies in high school, but when they reconnect as adults sparks fly and they quickly get entangled in a passionate, but secret, love affair.

I liked Sam a lot, but I had an ongoing struggle with Adam’s character. The reasons for my frustrations are twofold. Firstly, Adam’s reasons for remaining deeply closeted simply didn’t fly with me. I’m usually extremely sympathetic to closeted characters and their emotional struggles, but here I just found Adam’s justifications for not coming out to be unconvincing. . The second reason involves my disagreement with the way Adam handled dealing with his student paramedic. . I haven’t read any other reviews that had a problem with this, so it’s clearly a “me thing,” and as such my frustration should be taken with a grain of salt.

My personal niggles about Adam aside, I did like Sam and Adam as a couple. They had a lot of heat between them and their growing passion for one another was undeniable and sexy as hell. I also quite liked the cast of secondary characters (with the exception of Adam’s homophobic partner) and I liked what little we got of the developing murder-mystery story arc.

Be warned though, this story definitely ends on a cliffhanger. This didn’t bother me, but it may bother others. It made complete sense to me for this story to finish on such an open-ended note, because this is clearly just one part of a bigger series; a series that features different focus couples in each story, and an ongoing mystery arc that remains a background element across all books. Rest assured, the romance between Adam and Sam does take precedent here, and is sufficiently wrapped up by the end of the book, but the mystery portion is left unresolved, providing plenty of intrigue for readers going forward.
Profile Image for Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**.
1,477 reviews806 followers
January 26, 2016

***3 Stars***

I appear to be in the minority with this one.



I liked it, but nothing really wowed me here. The story had potential, but it lacked OOMPH to give it a little something extra. I guess it didn't help that I didn't 100% buy into Adam and Sam. They were a bit too insta for my liking and I didn't feel much chemistry between them. The angst of Sam being so deeply affected by Adam in high school started out strong, but they both flipped the switch way too fast....especially Sam.

The steam was very nice (VERY), but I would have liked a bit more, too much off screen/fade to black for my tastes. Also, while I thought it was really interesting that Sam was a forensic pathologist (never read a romance with one before) and I really appreciated the research the author did to make him believable, I thought there was too much medical terminology thrown in. It pulled me out of the story and distracted me too much.

The climax was way too far fetched for me, and the ending, while sweet, had one too many servings of sugar. There are still unresolved issues with the suspense element of the story, and some loose ends when it comes to Adam's relationship with his brother....so I'm not sure if the next book will be more Adam and Sam or if it'll move on to other characters. Caleb? Ford?

Overall the story was enjoyable and entertaining, just unfortunately forgettable.
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,590 reviews3,950 followers
December 24, 2015
3,5 stars. It was a bit heavy on the insta love and I didn't like the fact that a lot of stuff was unresolved. The steam was nice, but a lot of it was fade to black after their first two times.
I understood Adam...I didn't hate him, but his reasons for hiding were a bit lacking. I mean...he wasn't always a medic right...what about the time before he started his job ?? He claims he didn't want to come out because of his job and collegues. I'm not saying it's not a good reason, but his family seemed very nice and like I said...he wasn't always a medic. As for his brother ...I'm pretty sure his brother just felt a bit betrayed...but since we didn't really get an ending...we don't know.

I did like Dex and the patience he showed Adam...

Still I would have liked to read more about Adams brother and new partner. I understand that the investigating is still an ongoing thing, so I'm sure there will be a next book, but I would have liked a bit of closure for this couple. I don't know if the next book wil be about them again or other MC's like Jake or Ford.
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,801 reviews310 followers
January 23, 2016
Finished!! 5 Stars!! Holy Hell I loved this book!

For paramedic Adam Carson, his world is lights and sirens and saving lives. Pressures at work keep him firmly in the closet, and life is too busy to contend with the complications that come with dating and relationships. When a familiar face from his past turns up where he least expects it, Adam starts to question whether or not there is room in his life for those complications.

The last person forensic pathologist Sam McKenna expects to see at pub night is Adam, the guy who made his life hell in high school. The attraction is instant, but Adam isn't gay and Sam has no interest in pursuing him. Still, the leftover animosity from their teenage years isn't enough to extinguish the lust growing between them. After both are called to the scene of a horrific murder, Adam admits he’s not as straight as he led Sam to believe and they seek comfort and distraction in each other's arms. One night becomes many as the murder investigation intensifies, but when Adam is faced with losing Sam, he is forced to make a choice: to break his silence, or to give up everything for the job he loves.


Let me start by saying that Cate Ashwood has outdone herself with this book! I love it when we have a strong MC who is gay and he doesn't care if everyone knows it and then add in a gay man who is having to hide his sexuality. That is exactly what we have in this book.

Dexter "Sam"McKenna is something of a geek. He has always been a smart guy and he always will, you either love him or leave him, oh and he is gay. If you can't accept him then move on is his motto. Adam Carson is in the closet. Yes he is so far in the closet that he visits Narnia on a daily basis - but he doesn't want to be. See Adam stays in his self imposed closet because he fears that he will lose the support and respect of his partner at the fire-station if he comes out. Adam is a paramedic and he depends on his partner, he can't afford to not know if his partner will support him from day to day. So he stays in his closet and he stays unhappy.

This goes on for about 13 years.. until Adam runs into Sam at a bar one random night and then its all over - Adam wants Sam and he is going to let him know it. Sam can't believe who he runs into and he isn't really happy about it either as Adam continues to randomly show up in places all over after that first time they see each other. See these two had a bit of love hate relationship over 13 years earlier when they knew each other in high school!

The story just keeps getting better and through much persuasion and constantly being everywhere that Sam is, Adam is able to get Sam to agree to date. All it takes is one date and these two are on each other.. and oh boy is there some instant lust and desires.



"“I’m going to spread you open and lick you until you’re breathless and incoherent, and then I’m going to fuck you through the mattress. If you still know your name when I’m done with you, then I’ll start all over.”

Yeah, its gets really, really hot!! Love it!

All is not fair in love though and these guys don't get to go from past enemies to lovers to happily ever after in the turn of a page. However, everything they go through together is amazing and makes for a great story. The author leaves nothing out as you get tension, angst, desire, anger, realistic problems, a murder mystery and a love story all in one.. perfection!

I cannot wait for book 2 in this series and hope to see more of Sam and Adam in the next book.

*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
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Profile Image for BWT.
2,246 reviews244 followers
June 20, 2016
Belens Audio Book Review

There were several things I loved about this story: the romance that takes center stage, Sam, and Adam's realistic struggle.

There were a couple of things I didn't particularly love about the story. I wasn't happy with it ending on a partial cliffhanger. Though the romance is a complete story, the mystery is left open-ended, and we're left with a couple of questions regarding Adam's other personal relationships.

I also struggled a bit with the narration by Scott R. Smith, especially with his cadence and inflections, and I felt a bit let down by his narration of the sex scenes in the story. Cate Ashwood does a particularly good job writing some very emotionally charged and sexy scenes, but I didn't feel like the narration adequately showcased the heat.

But the things I loved far outweigh the things I didn't. Ashwood totally conveys the struggle Adam has with falling for this perfect-for-him guy, and feeling like he can't really declare it because it would negatively impact the rest of his life. She shows how miserable he is when he chooses to stay in the closet. I absolutely loved Sam (or "Dex" as Adam affectionately call him)! He was out and proud, but totally understanding about what Adam was going through. He never pushed or made Adam feel pressured. *sighs* Sam's such a great character!

As for the mystery, there were several times where I really liked how Ashwood, and Smith, ratchet up the suspense. You just knew something was going to happen and when it did, the thrill didn't disappoint! Alas, it ends on a cliffie. So we'll have to wait for the next in the series (Ford's story) to (hopefully) get some closure.

I tell you, I'm hooked. I can hardly wait for the next story to come out!

Audio copy of A Forced Silence (Zero Hour #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Aeren.
510 reviews29 followers
September 4, 2018
No ha estado mal, pero la razón por la que Adam está en el armario es una tontada que invalida su imagen de adulto responsable, sin embargo, es corto y entretenido y se lee fácil. Tendré que meterle mano al otro, qué remedio XDDDD las series me persiguen
Profile Image for Karen.
1,860 reviews91 followers
October 20, 2017
2.5 stars rounded down to 2 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.

When in doubt blame it on the cookies...
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I've been wanting to read or listen on audio as was the case here to something by this author for quite a while now. So when I saw 'A Forced Silence' on audio and Scott R. Smith was the narrator. I was intrigued a new to me author and a new to narrator. This was going to be an adventure and I was looking forward to it.

Unfortunately my adventure turned out to be not so epic. 'A Forced Silence' had so much potential for me...enemies to lovers, coming out and second chances I was ready. Adam Carson and Sam McKenna went to school together. Adam tormented Sam and made his school years miserable. But that was years ago and both men have changed. Sam's out and Adam's firmly ensconced in the closet, but somehow these two men find themselves drawn to each other and a relationship begins.

While the story itself appealed to me it was Adam and Sam and the overall dynamics of the relationship that just didn't work for me. I really didn't feel the connection between them and their banter not only didn't work for me, but at times I was actually a bit put off by their interactions. Overall as a couple these two guys just didn't work for me.

Add in the fact that while for the most part the narration was ok, there were times that it lacked the consistency that I really appreciate in an audio book. At times I just couldn't hear enough distinction between some of the voices and it left my brain scrambling to catch up and figure out who was speaking which tended to yank me out of the story.

I'm not sure if it was the just the story that wasn't working for me or the narrator or a combination of both...so, while I'll definitely give try something else by this author and the narrator as well...just maybe, not at the same time.
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,969 reviews270 followers
December 22, 2015
What? How can it end like that? Ugh. It is my favorite type of ending in a Romantic Suspense series so I guess I won't complain too much. It's the build up for the next book after all. Well done.

I am guessing Cate Ashwood spent A LOT of time in the dark while writing this book and wowza, did it pay off. (I saw Cate at a Q&A in October and she told us she has to write her sex scenes alone and in the dark.) So yeah, lots of dark rooms for this one. The sex in this was scorching and very, very romantic. Perfect.

This pretty much was exactly how a Romantic Suspense should be and I am so very happy to have read it and so very happy to say I loved it.

It had the perfect blend. It had great supporting characters and locations. It was the right amount of angsty, the right amount of dark and exactly the right amount of love.

I can not wait for more in this series.
Profile Image for Heather the Queen of (Smut)Books.
433 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2016
I fucking loved this book. It's very rare when you can find a good, steamy Romantic Suspense in the MM genre. Usually the plot and the suspense take over and the romance is either FTB, pretty much non-existant, or all porn with a ridiculous plot. Here, it was all blended superbly. Let's call it Erotic Suspense shall we? Hells yasssss!!! Great secksssss, believable plot, small amount of angst and I loved the relationship between the two MC'S.

I really liked the secondary characters as well and am looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for them. I'm especially interested in Ford's and Caleb's stories...maybe Jack. I wanna see grumpy Jack get it. Haha.

Really great book and HIGHLY recommended.

Gimmmmeeeeeee more!!!

Profile Image for Fani *loves angst*.
1,822 reviews220 followers
May 11, 2023
Reread May 2023
Liked it a lot, just not as much as the first time. 3.5~4 stars. I think I needed to see them interact a bit more outside the bedroom to believe in their 'perfect' compatibility as a couple.

Original review Sept 2017
4.5 stars

I really liked this one; it had the perfect balance of sweetness and angst (just a bit, I wouldn't call it an angsty book) for me. Those two were so good together and though the falling in love part was pretty straightforward, Adam's in-the-closet status added enough drama to the story to make it perfect for me. I really, really enjoyed it and look forward to book 2!
Profile Image for Leaundra.
1,205 reviews47 followers
December 13, 2015
Okay when does the second book come out? I really enjoyed this. Took me a minute to warm up to Adam but he won me over. Glad that both Adam and Sam found each other again.
Profile Image for Ryan Santle.
103 reviews34 followers
January 10, 2016
3.75 Stars
Warning: SPOILER ALERT


That's a good book! It was unfortunate that I wasn't able to focus on this book that much due to a two-week vacation but I am glad I didn't DNF this as the first few pages didn't interest me that much.

The MCs, Sam and Adam, don't have that chemistry that I was looking for at first since they were very unlikely to be a couple. Adam is cockily closeted and Sam is that nerdy geek who is supposed to be hot. I didn't buy it until 30% from the book. And they're supposed to have this "High School Bully" relationship that made it far less for them to have any romantic feelings for each other. But as the book progressed and as the situation was explained, I tend to give in with my feelings.

So how was it?

Hmm.. The sex scenes were hot as hell, and I am pretty sure it's the same for a lot of the readers of this book, but as a gay man myself, it's hard for me to believe some of the descriptions of the sex as "pleasurable" as some of what they did here, I know from experience as kinda very painful *LOL* so I was like scrunching up my nose from time to time as I frown my disbelief over the very-detailed sex scenes.

Some scenes were either completely unnecessary or wasn't fully developed for me, as well. For example, Dave (that hot blond date of Sam) wasn't fully used to its potential and Ford didn't appear anymore in the last part of the book (I need to hear from him that it's Caleb he's dating, albeit its obviousness)

And this book better have a book #2 or else this story would suck big time! Although I am not sure what story it will revolve around rather than the two being wrecked by a 3rd party (I assume that Tony guy)

Anyway, I'll read the book#2 if there's one (the story ended as if there's one) but if it involves cheating and cheap drama, I am out.

Profile Image for Pixie.
1,227 reviews17 followers
December 12, 2015
I just didn’t get into this book. I did read it with substantial skimming. Like I skimmed the sex. It could have been good, but I don’t know because I didn’t care. I think Gigi’s review covered my thoughts exactly. Adam just…nope. The “enemies to lovers” angle…nope. This is going to be a sequel because though it wasn’t said outright I think Caleb and Dex’s friend were seeing each other, but will I read it …nope.
Profile Image for haletostilinski.
1,504 reviews635 followers
May 23, 2018
I loved this! It was so good, I can't wait to read the next one.

Adam and Sam (or Dex, as Adam called him) had SUCH great chemistry and the sex was amazing and their interactions were fun and joyful to read. The story was interesting too, I'd never really seen a story written in this with with this plot - it was several plots, really, but the main one of a kid who was murdered, Neither Sam or Adam are detectives on the case but they are involved as Adam is a paramedic and Sam a pathologist (and he does autopsies too...maybe that is what a pathologist is? lol i dunno).

Adam and Sam (Dex) knew each other in high school but Adam teased Sam (of course he had a crush on him, but expressed it badly) and they kind of didn't get along great. But 13 years after they last saw each other, they meet again, and that flare of attraction is there and stronger than it ever was before, and they can't stay away from each other.

One problem though, Adam is in the closet and Sam isn't. At first Sam is fine with it as it's just casual hookups, right? Well, of course they become more and as Adam becomes more fearful of discovery, things get not so great for awhile.

But they make it back to each other and their love is awesome and strong. I want more of them, so much more - but also maybe some Ford and whoever it is he's seeing who he won't say.

Loved this book, a great way to start the series and I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Daphne .
715 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2016
Wait...what?

I didn't realize that this book was the first in a series so it took me by surprise completely. Cate Ashwood's books are always great and this is no different - there is a great connection between MCs, the angst doesn't seem superfluous, and the story flows well (although I think there may have been a few places where one name was used when it should have been the other). It seemed like several stories in one.

I didn't like this book as much as Keeping Sweets but it's a different kind of book so maybe that's irrelevant. Definitely I will read the next one.
Profile Image for Anke.
2,505 reviews97 followers
March 31, 2016
My good friend Trisha recommended this to me and I'm glad she did, as I liked it a lot! The whole set-up, the progression of the relationship, good pace with regard to their problems in the past, very believable. I found one scene near the ending a bit too much, not really in character with Adam, but that's probably just me.

Why then not 5 stars? Well, I hate cliffhanger and although the romance got a nice happy ending, the mystery did not. In hindsight, I would have preferred to read this when the next book is published.
Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,093 reviews136 followers
January 27, 2016
Take one closeted paramedic running into a high school crush after many years, and you have a recipe for disaster. Adam Carson lives in a world where it is imperative his partner has his back. Never knowing what type of situation he will walk into as a paramedic, his partner could very well be his lifeline in any given situation. Unfortunately for him, his being gay does not go down well with the boys at the fire station. When he spots Sam (Dex) McKenna at the local hangout one night, Adam’s safe and carefully constructed world begins to fall apart. Little did he know that the feelings he once had for Dex were still very much alive. As their relationship builds Adam will be faced with a major decision—lose Dex or lose the security his job provides for him.

There were so many things to like about this story. Perhaps the best was the slow-building attraction between Sam and Adam. Pairing one confident and out man with one buried so deeply in the closet that even his own siblings don’t suspect is tricky. First off, Adam could have come off as a major user—unfeeling, horny and comparatively unconcerned with what Sam should have been getting emotionally from their clandestine romance. Given that the author chose to create this persona for Adam that included this false front of cheeky bravado meant that we would need to see just how important it was for Adam to remain in the closet and why. In essence, we had to see and understand his fears—and they had to be legit, realistic, and he had to be so driven by them that we would be prompted to feel pity and compassion for poor Adam. Well, let me tell you that Cate Ashwood hit that one right out of the park. Not only did we see every hidden thought that prompted Adam to remain closeted, we also understood just how scary his “Dex” was to him—because for the first time, there was someone who he wanted to leave that closet for and be with in an openly committed relationship.

Secondly, this story chose to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses. These guys spoke to each other—acknowledged the strain that hiding their relationship would put on them both, and willingly stepped into it despite the dangers. This made the moments that Adam lost control and nearly outed himself accidentally much more realistic and harrowing. You could feel the tension inside Adam and appreciate Sam’s desire to be supportive rather than demand Adam come out. Sam was never a “doormat,” but rather, a co-conspirator, which allowed for him to be in control and share Adam’s secret rather than crumble under it. There was no victim here—rather, there were two men who were falling hard for each other in a situation that was never going to work despite both of them wanting it to.

Lastly, the side elements of forensic work Sam did and the paramedic job that Adam loved played an integral role in the story. There were some significant moments when we got to see firsthand how important the work these two men did. Sam’s job in particular would play an integral role in a jarring ending to this story that the author played out beautifully—taking the reader by surprise, for sure. Nicely juxtaposed with the building romance was a carefully crafted mystery that was seemingly minor and glossed over only to bite the entire cast of characters in the backside at novel’s end. And, of course, it cleared the way for a sequel—which made this reviewer very happy.

Nothing was easy in A Forced Silence, but then I would imagine coming out after so many years of hiding would not ever be an easy thing to do. Cate Ashwood respects that idea and allows it to fuel her story and guide it along an entertaining and realistic path. A Forced Silence is a gripping tale of love and struggle you won’t want to miss.

Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Profile Image for Candice.
2,946 reviews135 followers
August 3, 2016
I've thought on this a couple hours and I am still up in the air about how I feel. Today's been a weird day, because I felt the same with the book I read prior to this as well.

I really liked Sam, however, I think his 'hatred' towards Adam was something a little less than hate. I NEVER felt that anger or hatred he had. So, for me, I couldn't buy into the whole 'enemies to lovers' thing. Maybe that was just me though. Like I said, I've had a weird reading day.

Adam, while yes I could see where he was coming from I thought he was an idiot. I also thought he came out to Sam a little sooner than I found believable.

I LOVED that Sam was a forensic pathologist. I loved reading while he was at work and kind of wanted more of that, as morbid as that sounds.

I also liked Ford, Caleb, and Rob. They were good friends to have. Wonder what's going on with Ford?
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Adam and Sam together was amazing. I loved them together. I loved how they worked. I loved how Sam never pushed.
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Adam in front of John?
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John?
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I will be continuing on in this series, that's for damn sure.
Profile Image for Tess.
2,178 reviews26 followers
Read
December 14, 2015
DNF at 25%. Please don't take my DNF as an indication this was bad or that I hated it. I think it's a perfectly fine book and if I continued I would have probably rated it in the 3 star range. However, I didn't like the MCs (especially Adam), I didn't feel any connection to either of them and I got the feeling that things wouldn't change for me if I continued on. My GR friends are really split on this book -- some love it while others are quite meh about it. I guess I'm falling on the meh side.
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