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Shattered Silence Duet #1
Silent Desires
For the past 11 years, Mina has remained silent for fear of her mother’s constant abuse. But when she’s suddenly let out of the locked basement to attend high school, a whole new set of fears threatens to suffocate her.
Stepping into the outside world is terrifying. The fear of speaking, of having a panic attack, of standing out in any way, looms over her. Yet, the unexpected kindness of certain male students and teachers leaves her confused and wary and wishing she could speak.
Why are they constantly by her side? What happens when they find out she’s not 17, but 21? And why was she feeling desire for the first time in her life, and not to just one person, but 7?
***SILENT DESIRES, is the first part of a duet and ends in a cliffhanger. It's a why choose, MFMM+, romance novel with dark themes. No mm/ff/cheating/owd. No abuse comes from within the harem. The FMC will not have to choose between her love interests.
Stepping into the outside world is terrifying. The fear of speaking, of having a panic attack, of standing out in any way, looms over her. Yet, the unexpected kindness of certain male students and teachers leaves her confused and wary and wishing she could speak.
Why are they constantly by her side? What happens when they find out she’s not 17, but 21? And why was she feeling desire for the first time in her life, and not to just one person, but 7?
***SILENT DESIRES, is the first part of a duet and ends in a cliffhanger. It's a why choose, MFMM+, romance novel with dark themes. No mm/ff/cheating/owd. No abuse comes from within the harem. The FMC will not have to choose between her love interests.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
1411 people are currently reading
1525 people want to read
About the author
Shona Knight
13 books188 followersReverse Harem Author
If you love a reverse harem romance with heart, heat and happily ever after, then you've come to the right place! Shona writes full length MFMM+ why choose reverse harem stories that vary from fantasy to contemporary to paranormal. The FMC will always be the main focus of her men!
A lot of her stories focus on women that come from some sort of tortured background, but you will also find some lighthearted fun reads scattered in between!
If you love a reverse harem romance with heart, heat and happily ever after, then you've come to the right place! Shona writes full length MFMM+ why choose reverse harem stories that vary from fantasy to contemporary to paranormal. The FMC will always be the main focus of her men!
A lot of her stories focus on women that come from some sort of tortured background, but you will also find some lighthearted fun reads scattered in between!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
February 7, 2025
Man, I understand that the author wanted to make the FMC seem weak, fragile and in need of protecting but her GUIDANCE COUNSELOR who believes that she is SEVENTEEN years old, flirts with her, touches her and calls her GOOD GIRL 3 or 4 times in one day. WHAT THE FUCK? He then has the nerve to say "well, I'm not a perv but there's something about her." WTF AGAIN? Plus, there's the terms of endearment use...ya know FROM A 28 YEAR OLD MAN TO A 17 YEAR OLD GIRL.
We know she is 21, but the SCHOOL MANDATED REPORTER doesn't know that. That shit was not okay. At all.
Due to the sheer amount of formatting and typos in the story, the book has been reported to Amazon for low quality.
The author has a toxic relationship with ellipses and capital letters. No space is needed after the use of ellipsis and the word following isn't capitalized. The author also randomly capitalizes words in the middle of a sentence. For example, a Sentence like This.
A lot of things about the FMC doesn't make sense. She hasn't left the basement in 10 years, but can walk super long distances? How does she know a drug store is needed? Some of the more modern terms and things she "remembers" because she heard them once? The author was trying to pin her as super smart, but it doesn't track.
It's like the author wanted to write a story about abuse and neglect, but didn't want to write any of the more difficult aspects. Nightmares? Scars on her body? How about when the men touched her, they couldn't feel that she banded herself? Or her arm?
There were a lot of plot holes, and they just made for a very weak story. It could have been so much better.
Oh, and go figure that the guy named Dom would be a D in a D/s relationship. *rolls eyes*
PSA to the author: Terms of endearment are not capitalized unless their placement in a sentence warrants it.
Correct: "Here, drink this sweetheart."
Not correct: "Here, drink this Sweetheart."
This author, alongside other KU authors refuse to pay for a proper editor are very confused on this very simple rule. If the author cannot afford a good editor, Google exists.
Nicknames used for this RH: love, angel, sweetheart, sugar, princess, and kitten.
CAN WE PLEASE GET A RH THAT DOESN'T OVERUSE THESE TERMS? Oh, let's not forget the 20+ times good girl was used. How cliche.
We know she is 21, but the SCHOOL MANDATED REPORTER doesn't know that. That shit was not okay. At all.
Due to the sheer amount of formatting and typos in the story, the book has been reported to Amazon for low quality.
The author has a toxic relationship with ellipses and capital letters. No space is needed after the use of ellipsis and the word following isn't capitalized. The author also randomly capitalizes words in the middle of a sentence. For example, a Sentence like This.
A lot of things about the FMC doesn't make sense. She hasn't left the basement in 10 years, but can walk super long distances? How does she know a drug store is needed? Some of the more modern terms and things she "remembers" because she heard them once? The author was trying to pin her as super smart, but it doesn't track.
It's like the author wanted to write a story about abuse and neglect, but didn't want to write any of the more difficult aspects. Nightmares? Scars on her body? How about when the men touched her, they couldn't feel that she banded herself? Or her arm?
There were a lot of plot holes, and they just made for a very weak story. It could have been so much better.
Oh, and go figure that the guy named Dom would be a D in a D/s relationship. *rolls eyes*
PSA to the author: Terms of endearment are not capitalized unless their placement in a sentence warrants it.
Correct: "Here, drink this sweetheart."
Not correct: "Here, drink this Sweetheart."
This author, alongside other KU authors refuse to pay for a proper editor are very confused on this very simple rule. If the author cannot afford a good editor, Google exists.
Nicknames used for this RH: love, angel, sweetheart, sugar, princess, and kitten.
CAN WE PLEASE GET A RH THAT DOESN'T OVERUSE THESE TERMS? Oh, let's not forget the 20+ times good girl was used. How cliche.
April 8, 2025
alright, this was really kinda awful. it’s like ghost bird x those kerry taylor books, but worse.
for one, it’s the same old story told time and again in the reverse-harem world - poor naive girl who has been locked in a basement for years on end, finally enters the real world and BOOM everyone and their mum is obsessed with her. why? we don’t know. oh and also she’s a genius with photographic memory who instantly understands all textbooks.
anyway, after being immediately bombarded by, oh *checks notes* SEVEN men, and despite facing torture and sexual abuse many, many times throughout her life, our main girl instantly feels “safe” and “protected” and has an “instant bond” with these random, 6ft tall (minimum), super buff, incredibly smart, shockingly good looking men, who will NOT leave her alone. EVER. there’s maybe one guy who’s a little tech nerd, and he’s still super good looking and can fight, of course. we’ve all heard this story before, yes?
and despite declaring that they’ll protect her forever, and are always on her side, all SEVEN of these men never notice the (very obvious) signs of a terrible home life, and also never succeed in actually protecting her. i’m almost certain she’ll get kidnapped at some stage in book 2 BECAUSE IVE READ THIS STORY BEFORE.
anyway. it was kinda bad. and there was a serial killer of course. and if all that isn’t bad enough, all the men think she’s 17 years old (and to be fair, in worldly experience she’s probably like 10) and yet they keep pursuing her and talking about how much they want her, despite a couple being her teachers/guidance counsellors.
this one killed me guys 😭 fun hate read though!
for one, it’s the same old story told time and again in the reverse-harem world - poor naive girl who has been locked in a basement for years on end, finally enters the real world and BOOM everyone and their mum is obsessed with her. why? we don’t know. oh and also she’s a genius with photographic memory who instantly understands all textbooks.
anyway, after being immediately bombarded by, oh *checks notes* SEVEN men, and despite facing torture and sexual abuse many, many times throughout her life, our main girl instantly feels “safe” and “protected” and has an “instant bond” with these random, 6ft tall (minimum), super buff, incredibly smart, shockingly good looking men, who will NOT leave her alone. EVER. there’s maybe one guy who’s a little tech nerd, and he’s still super good looking and can fight, of course. we’ve all heard this story before, yes?
and despite declaring that they’ll protect her forever, and are always on her side, all SEVEN of these men never notice the (very obvious) signs of a terrible home life, and also never succeed in actually protecting her. i’m almost certain she’ll get kidnapped at some stage in book 2 BECAUSE IVE READ THIS STORY BEFORE.
anyway. it was kinda bad. and there was a serial killer of course. and if all that isn’t bad enough, all the men think she’s 17 years old (and to be fair, in worldly experience she’s probably like 10) and yet they keep pursuing her and talking about how much they want her, despite a couple being her teachers/guidance counsellors.
this one killed me guys 😭 fun hate read though!
February 10, 2025
I genuinely don’t understand the high ratings for this book. Let’s start with the obvious: it’s painfully unoriginal. And to make matters worse, it makes absolutely no sense.
The FMC has been locked in a basement since she was 10 years old, yet at 21, her abusive mother suddenly decides she should start high school. Why? No real explanation just that her mother, who believes she’s “evil,” apparently thought it was a good idea.
Once in high school, she immediately catches the attention of multiple men. First, there’s the gorgeous school counselor, who, within five minutes of meeting her, starts calling her love. One, that’s creepy. Two, why?
Then we have the twins, Max and Jasper, who are famously standoffish with everyone except for her. They instantly take her under their wing, calling her sweetheart and angel. Mind you, they don’t show interest in any other girls at school.
And let’s not forget the gym teacher. Because apparently, this wouldn’t be a proper RH without one. He, too, meets her, becomes possessive immediately, and starts calling her sugar.
Oh, and did I mention the FMC doesn’t even speak? She’s severely traumatized, yet every single man she encounters is instantly obsessed with her. Unless this was meant to be a fated mates/insta-bond situation (which it isn’t, since it’s a contemporary RH), this dynamic is completely illogical. Why are all these guys so fixated on a random girl who doesn’t even talk?
Of course, we also have the Dom character the classic BDSM dominant type because why not?
There’s also the constant, blatant abuse she endures at home from her mother, and the red flags couldn’t be more obvious:
• It’s fall/winter, yet she doesn’t have a jacket or tights.
• She wears shoes that are way too big, making it difficult for her to walk.
• She visibly flinches and acts extremely traumatized.
• She appears to be in pain whenever someone, touches her shoulder or any other area where her mother has hurt her.
• She has no phone and zero knowledge of technology.
• Her mother claims she’s illiterate and disabled due to an accident, yet within a week of school, the MMCs have seen her reading advanced algebra books and instantly grasping complex math concepts.
• Every time the guys ask her to hang out, she refuses, saying she isn’t allowed.
And those are just some of the glaringly obvious signs. Now, consider the fact that the MMCs are supposedly expert investigators, working undercover to solve a murder case in the area.
So, again how does this make any sense? If they’re so skilled at cracking cases, why are they completely oblivious to the very clear signs that this girl is being abused? They even meet the mother, who doesn’t bother to hide her hatred, yet somehow, they remain clueless.
It’s frustratingly unrealistic.
The writing was bad. The plot? Even worse.
Honestly, this could have worked as a paranormal romance. With supernatural bonds, at least the instant obsession might have been somewhat believable. But as a contemporary RH? It just reads like a lazy copy paste of Jan Washington’s work mixed with Kerry Taylor.
Hard pass.
The FMC has been locked in a basement since she was 10 years old, yet at 21, her abusive mother suddenly decides she should start high school. Why? No real explanation just that her mother, who believes she’s “evil,” apparently thought it was a good idea.
Once in high school, she immediately catches the attention of multiple men. First, there’s the gorgeous school counselor, who, within five minutes of meeting her, starts calling her love. One, that’s creepy. Two, why?
Then we have the twins, Max and Jasper, who are famously standoffish with everyone except for her. They instantly take her under their wing, calling her sweetheart and angel. Mind you, they don’t show interest in any other girls at school.
And let’s not forget the gym teacher. Because apparently, this wouldn’t be a proper RH without one. He, too, meets her, becomes possessive immediately, and starts calling her sugar.
Oh, and did I mention the FMC doesn’t even speak? She’s severely traumatized, yet every single man she encounters is instantly obsessed with her. Unless this was meant to be a fated mates/insta-bond situation (which it isn’t, since it’s a contemporary RH), this dynamic is completely illogical. Why are all these guys so fixated on a random girl who doesn’t even talk?
Of course, we also have the Dom character the classic BDSM dominant type because why not?
There’s also the constant, blatant abuse she endures at home from her mother, and the red flags couldn’t be more obvious:
• It’s fall/winter, yet she doesn’t have a jacket or tights.
• She wears shoes that are way too big, making it difficult for her to walk.
• She visibly flinches and acts extremely traumatized.
• She appears to be in pain whenever someone, touches her shoulder or any other area where her mother has hurt her.
• She has no phone and zero knowledge of technology.
• Her mother claims she’s illiterate and disabled due to an accident, yet within a week of school, the MMCs have seen her reading advanced algebra books and instantly grasping complex math concepts.
• Every time the guys ask her to hang out, she refuses, saying she isn’t allowed.
And those are just some of the glaringly obvious signs. Now, consider the fact that the MMCs are supposedly expert investigators, working undercover to solve a murder case in the area.
So, again how does this make any sense? If they’re so skilled at cracking cases, why are they completely oblivious to the very clear signs that this girl is being abused? They even meet the mother, who doesn’t bother to hide her hatred, yet somehow, they remain clueless.
It’s frustratingly unrealistic.
The writing was bad. The plot? Even worse.
Honestly, this could have worked as a paranormal romance. With supernatural bonds, at least the instant obsession might have been somewhat believable. But as a contemporary RH? It just reads like a lazy copy paste of Jan Washington’s work mixed with Kerry Taylor.
Hard pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
This is my first proper ARC read and when i tell you that the bar was set HIGH i wish i was kidding.
This book i finished in one night and i am not complaining about how tired i am.
This whole book had me up and down crying and laughing and then fanning myself (those texts🥵).
I was hooked onto this book within the first 2 chapters and i only put it down when i had to eat… sadly.
The plot in this book is insane to the point where i didn’t even realise i was already 70% the way through!
The fact you have to remember and keep up with 8 Characters might seem like a lot but honestly it’s not, you get to learn them so easily and the fact this book was only 300 pages was insane, Shona you are seriously a miracle worker.
But i also hate it because i want to read the second book like RIGHT THIS SECOND
This book i finished in one night and i am not complaining about how tired i am.
This whole book had me up and down crying and laughing and then fanning myself (those texts🥵).
I was hooked onto this book within the first 2 chapters and i only put it down when i had to eat… sadly.
The plot in this book is insane to the point where i didn’t even realise i was already 70% the way through!
The fact you have to remember and keep up with 8 Characters might seem like a lot but honestly it’s not, you get to learn them so easily and the fact this book was only 300 pages was insane, Shona you are seriously a miracle worker.
But i also hate it because i want to read the second book like RIGHT THIS SECOND
February 3, 2025
I take a deep breath to calm myself and decide I need to be very careful around this beautiful woman. She might be seventeen but she doesn’t look like a minor.- 28 yo man
She’s seventeen, I tell myself for the hundredth time. I am not some creepy pervert. But I don’t know what it is about her. She doesn’t look seventeen, but that’s not an excuse for practically drooling over her.- school guidance counselor
💀💀💀💀💀💀
DNF @ 57%
This book is for pedos. “B-b-but she’s not really 17: the blurb says she’s 21!!” This book is creepy as fuck when you consider that everyone thinks she’s SEVENTEEN and some of the guys are TWENTY-EIGHT.
Also it’s just poorly written, Wattpad 2010s torture-porn-era slop.
February 3, 2025
Need more
This book is so good. Please make sure you read the triggers because this book is dark. My Heartstrings were pulled in this book for Mina. She has lived a horrible life with her mother. Mina has been abuuṣ̌ed and is mute but also very smart and sweet and beautiful.
Mina's mom ends up sending her to school for the first time which confuses Mina. At school she ends up meeting several men there and all are very protective of her. She likes them all and has never had people like this around her before.
So many things go on in this book and also serial unaliver too. Oh my so good. The mystery and all is perfect.
The 7 mmcs are all so hot and perfect. Each brings something different and love them all! Max, Jasper, Tucker, Gideon, Ben, Atlas and Dom. You definitely want to read this book. That cliffhanger, ugh. I need the next book. Great book Shona!
This book is so good. Please make sure you read the triggers because this book is dark. My Heartstrings were pulled in this book for Mina. She has lived a horrible life with her mother. Mina has been abuuṣ̌ed and is mute but also very smart and sweet and beautiful.
Mina's mom ends up sending her to school for the first time which confuses Mina. At school she ends up meeting several men there and all are very protective of her. She likes them all and has never had people like this around her before.
So many things go on in this book and also serial unaliver too. Oh my so good. The mystery and all is perfect.
The 7 mmcs are all so hot and perfect. Each brings something different and love them all! Max, Jasper, Tucker, Gideon, Ben, Atlas and Dom. You definitely want to read this book. That cliffhanger, ugh. I need the next book. Great book Shona!
February 12, 2025
2.5*
If these MMCs were real life investigators they would have to find other jobs. Clearly attention to detail and common sense are skills they are seriously lacking.
What really dropped stars for me was the lack of heart in this story. I was not moved and it should have been easy to get feels. I understand everyone is different but for Mina at 21 to have never ever tried to escape....??? Come on!!
Her defeatist attitude put me off the next book. I also found myself getting annoyed at the author. The repetitive statements about why she couldn't tell anyone and why she couldn't leave, were just grasping at straws. All those straws do not make a pole.
We've all read similar storylines, I'm assuming. It's a big no no to write about SA but have the heroine act like it was nothing a few hours later. Because her men are so handsome and funny... Said no assaulted woman... Ever... I think when writing about abuse it's important to remember all the psychological aspects as well. Panic attacks are not the end all. She didn't drop an ice cream cone and pout about how terrible that was but carry on with a huge smile.
Sigh.... 2.5* because I read till the end.
If these MMCs were real life investigators they would have to find other jobs. Clearly attention to detail and common sense are skills they are seriously lacking.
What really dropped stars for me was the lack of heart in this story. I was not moved and it should have been easy to get feels. I understand everyone is different but for Mina at 21 to have never ever tried to escape....??? Come on!!
Her defeatist attitude put me off the next book. I also found myself getting annoyed at the author. The repetitive statements about why she couldn't tell anyone and why she couldn't leave, were just grasping at straws. All those straws do not make a pole.
We've all read similar storylines, I'm assuming. It's a big no no to write about SA but have the heroine act like it was nothing a few hours later. Because her men are so handsome and funny... Said no assaulted woman... Ever... I think when writing about abuse it's important to remember all the psychological aspects as well. Panic attacks are not the end all. She didn't drop an ice cream cone and pout about how terrible that was but carry on with a huge smile.
Sigh.... 2.5* because I read till the end.
March 1, 2025
I never write reviews but damn. This reads like a wattpad “going to school with 1D” book except with unnecessary gore and I’ve read better on wattpad. Usually I can ignore bad writing for a plot and spice but the plot was glaringly obvious and there was no spice. The fmc switches between knowing nothing about anything to being a savant, we get 3 extra mmcs thrown in randomly halfway through with no real development, and some seriously unnecessary gore (I’m all for it when it works but this was just to add shock value and it wasn’t even shocking). For some reason there is a sequel to this because there’s a cliffhanger, it ends exactly how you think it will. I never write reviews but this one was so bad I had to.
January 18, 2025
I'm honestly not sure how to describe the rollercoaster of emotions I've just been on, like seriously I don't know how to feel. My heart hurts for the fmc. Shona is one of my favorite authors ever and I've read all her books so far and her books are always books you read in one setting because they are ADDICTIVE you literally can't get enough. The book is so well written and the guys are *chef's kiss*. I just can't get enough of them and their sweet protectiveness. I'm emotionally drained after reading this book because it was so good I don't know what to read next, I'm not I'll enjoy reading any book as much as I enjoyed reading this one anytime soon.
February 24, 2025
DNF.
Nope. Severely abused girl immediately sexualized by all guys - including the dudes supposed to be in her harem. No thanks. I get this is RH and the author needs to show the FMC meeting and getting to know the guys, but when the girl is obviously a victim - and supposed to be a high school student - don’t start with the pet names. It’s frigging creepy and I’m way too old for that sh*
Nope. Severely abused girl immediately sexualized by all guys - including the dudes supposed to be in her harem. No thanks. I get this is RH and the author needs to show the FMC meeting and getting to know the guys, but when the girl is obviously a victim - and supposed to be a high school student - don’t start with the pet names. It’s frigging creepy and I’m way too old for that sh*
Read
March 4, 2025DNF at 62%. Feels like a fated mate story. But, there are no mates just the worst investigative team ever. The story is set in high school and it could have easily been set in college. I was annoyed beyond measure.
February 11, 2025
OKAY WAIT, WAIT, WAIIIIITTTT. That cliffhanger?! OMFG. 4.5⭐️ I love a good why choose that’s plot driven and this was THAT. From beginning to end I was SAT for this book!, I literally read it within 24 hours and honestly, my heart was BREAKING for Mina, but I was obsessed with all the cinnamon roll mmcs and how they cared for her. Don’t even get me started on the murder mystery/suspense side of this book like I was SAT for every second of it and I’m SCREAMINGGGG, at that cliff hanger. Ugh I need book 2, IMMEDIATELY.
August 14, 2025
This was a really good book. it has ended on a cliffhanger...
January 19, 2025
I really loved this book, and the cliffhanger left me with no clue what I'm so supposed to do now until book 2. The guys are SO protective of Mina and there all so sweet in their own way, and it was adorable. Mina... she honestly needs a good long vacation. She has been through so much, too much, but she's so strong. And I'm still trying to figure the answers to the plot of the book. I cannot wait for book 2.
February 7, 2025
A soft, quiet, sweet fmc who has been mistreated almost her entire life finds seven amazing guys. I like that all the guys are distinguishable and not cookie cutter, and they're each swoonworthy in their own way. Mina brings out their protective instincts; it's a shame they can't help her more. There are secrets on both sides that get in the way of saving Mina from her horrific homelife. Alex is an intriguing side character, and I hope in the next book we see more about her as a friend to Mina. The cliffie was mean, but I can't wait for the comeuppance in the conclusion.
July 23, 2025
What is with these crazy ass moms in the books I’ve been reading lately?? It’s like mom’s gone wild, psycho edition. I just want to hug Mina because damn she’s been through it. I’m rooting for her to get that hea with her 7(yes you read that right. SEVEN) guys. 😏
That cliffhanger just about sent me over the edge, but I’m going straight into book 2 now because wtf 😳😳
That cliffhanger just about sent me over the edge, but I’m going straight into book 2 now because wtf 😳😳
February 8, 2025
So so good!
Totally my trope! The story of Mina is excruating🥹 She suffered so much! So many abuses, gaslighting and, threat from the very people who should take care of her!
I can't wait for the next book!
Totally my trope! The story of Mina is excruating🥹 She suffered so much! So many abuses, gaslighting and, threat from the very people who should take care of her!
I can't wait for the next book!
January 26, 2025
My heart is breaking. So much trauma to unpack, yet Mina deserve the world. Which is why she needs seven men to bring light back into her life. Forewarned that the cliffhanger will just about break you.
March 9, 2025
The correct response to being attracted to someone who is (apparently) underage, is not to continuously talk about waiting until she comes of age so you can fck her.
This book needs a serious edit, not only to correct the constantly changing tenses, but also to change some of the truly unacceptable dialogue and thoughts of adult men thinking about a literal child
This book needs a serious edit, not only to correct the constantly changing tenses, but also to change some of the truly unacceptable dialogue and thoughts of adult men thinking about a literal child
February 25, 2025
I REALLY wanted to love this book and was overly excited to jump in even though it’s not finished and the second half of the duet won’t be out for another week. I’m severely disappointed.
The basic synopsis is similar to the Reborn in flames series by M. Sinclair which is one of my faves so it automatically had my interest.
Reasons why I didn’t like this book:
1) It takes FOREVER (most of the book) before the guys figure out she’s being abused. It is SO dragged.
2) The guys in her harem are supposed to be these badass undercover investigators yet they can’t tell that the girl they’re all into is being actively abused? There were a ridiculous amount of signs.
3) the FMC has a defeatist attitude. She’s 21 and never attempted to get free from the abuse or fight back? Not plausible.
4) this has that annoying ass trope where the FMC HAS to hide how smart she really is and pretend she’s really dumb. Dragged on and on and on.
5) the FMC has been locked in a basement without any form of education since she was 10 and she’s now 21, yet all she has to do is open a math book and read it for maybe an hour and all of a sudden she knows everything. Even advanced mathematics. Girl, bye.
6) she can laugh but she can’t scream or talk? Whatever. It’s just lazy writing at this point.
7) it’s been mentioned but I’ll mention it again… the men in her harem are in their late twenties and fully believe this GIRL is only 17… yet they’re immediately attracted to her and give her pet names with a hefty dose of “good girl” thrown in.
8) also, WHY are they attracted to her? She doesn’t speak, sign, make eye contact or anything. She has coloring books because she “can’t read or write”. wtf is there to be attracted to? She sounds like a literal child. A non verbal autistic child is what this author made her out to be. Chris Hansen should have made an appearance in this book honestly. I’m down with my taboo and dark dirty reads. I LOVED credence and immortal steps. This? Eww.
If the author would have made the age thing less weird and sped up the whole abuse thing it would have been better. I’m not a fan of dragged out trauma when as a reader the solution is right in our face.
The basic synopsis is similar to the Reborn in flames series by M. Sinclair which is one of my faves so it automatically had my interest.
Reasons why I didn’t like this book:
1) It takes FOREVER (most of the book) before the guys figure out she’s being abused. It is SO dragged.
2) The guys in her harem are supposed to be these badass undercover investigators yet they can’t tell that the girl they’re all into is being actively abused? There were a ridiculous amount of signs.
3) the FMC has a defeatist attitude. She’s 21 and never attempted to get free from the abuse or fight back? Not plausible.
4) this has that annoying ass trope where the FMC HAS to hide how smart she really is and pretend she’s really dumb. Dragged on and on and on.
5) the FMC has been locked in a basement without any form of education since she was 10 and she’s now 21, yet all she has to do is open a math book and read it for maybe an hour and all of a sudden she knows everything. Even advanced mathematics. Girl, bye.
6) she can laugh but she can’t scream or talk? Whatever. It’s just lazy writing at this point.
7) it’s been mentioned but I’ll mention it again… the men in her harem are in their late twenties and fully believe this GIRL is only 17… yet they’re immediately attracted to her and give her pet names with a hefty dose of “good girl” thrown in.
8) also, WHY are they attracted to her? She doesn’t speak, sign, make eye contact or anything. She has coloring books because she “can’t read or write”. wtf is there to be attracted to? She sounds like a literal child. A non verbal autistic child is what this author made her out to be. Chris Hansen should have made an appearance in this book honestly. I’m down with my taboo and dark dirty reads. I LOVED credence and immortal steps. This? Eww.
If the author would have made the age thing less weird and sped up the whole abuse thing it would have been better. I’m not a fan of dragged out trauma when as a reader the solution is right in our face.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
I am now staring at the wall. Teary-eyed and angry that I can't download the 2nd book this very second. What a ride! This author...THIS AUTHOR...Shona Knight...is so talented. The character development was amazing. I was impressed because there are so many characters for a little more than 300 pages but she did it!! I am in love with all of the guys in this RH which is something I value in why choose books. I have to like all of the guys and their development needs to make sense. The FMC...for the trauma and abuse she takes...it felt so raw and every time school ended, my heart thumped with the unknown if she was going to be okay.
I love that the plot isn't just about FMC, but it's also about solving a serial killer mystery. Each chapter had a purpose and the story flowed so well. I just loved this book so much. Be aware of the trigger warnings because they are H E A V Y.
If you have read Carved in Scars by Elle Mitchell or any books by Blake Black, you would love this duet 🖤
This duet is going to be a top read of 2025 and the year just started. I never would have known this author existed if she, herself, hadn't dm me on Instagram. I try to stay away from emotionally triggering books but this one sounded too good to pass and I am so happy I read it. I used to say more than 5 guys is TOO much for why choose but man, I think this author just changed my mind.
I love that the plot isn't just about FMC, but it's also about solving a serial killer mystery. Each chapter had a purpose and the story flowed so well. I just loved this book so much. Be aware of the trigger warnings because they are H E A V Y.
If you have read Carved in Scars by Elle Mitchell or any books by Blake Black, you would love this duet 🖤
This duet is going to be a top read of 2025 and the year just started. I never would have known this author existed if she, herself, hadn't dm me on Instagram. I try to stay away from emotionally triggering books but this one sounded too good to pass and I am so happy I read it. I used to say more than 5 guys is TOO much for why choose but man, I think this author just changed my mind.
February 1, 2025
This book is emotionally devastating. Poor Mina suffers so much from her insane family, she's been abused, neglected, manipulated and worse, but her strength, bravery and resilience is inspiring. I absolutely love all of the guys, they have such a range in personalities and I loved seeing each one introduced and their whole dynamic as a group, they are all considerate, protective and adoring to Mina.
I am loving all the crime mystery elements, it is 100% gripping, and I cannot wait for part 2.
This book has very dark themes, but it is an amazing story of survival, character development, growing romance with a large group dynamic, and the insane hunt for a serial killer.
I am loving all the crime mystery elements, it is 100% gripping, and I cannot wait for part 2.
This book has very dark themes, but it is an amazing story of survival, character development, growing romance with a large group dynamic, and the insane hunt for a serial killer.
Read
March 2, 2025Did. Not. Like.
How on earth I made it 3/4 of the way through is beyond me. Oh, I know why I stuck with it, I saw a good review!
If I really wanted I could summarise a vast majority of this book in two words: Red Flags.
However, a lot of this story ticked me right the hell off so this review is also a bit of a vent.
Red flags, but not in a cool, he’s going to burn the world for me/villain I love kind of way. Nah, these red flags are the opposite.
Biggest gripe? She’s “17”.
It BOTHERED me.
She’s a 21yo genius level IQ woman who is sexually and physically abused, anti-socialised, AND mute, forced to attend high school and assume a fake identity including fake age for reasons unknown yet, and very quickly becomes enamoured of 7 men.
The thing is, no matter which way you look at it, every main character’s perception has the budding relationship as an adult with a minor. Doesn’t really matter that actually they’re all over 21. What does matter is they THINK she’s younger, or she thinks some of them are younger. It’s the mentality behind their behaviour which annoys the crud out of me. 𝓢𝓱𝓮 gets a free pass. She’s been in lockdown her whole life. Never watched tv since 6yo. Never listened to music. Never participated in all the activities that children need to navigate life.
These men crowd her.
They whisper and call her “good girl” over and over.
They separate her from others (she needs it, she has panic attacks you know! *cue sarcasm*).
The men display gentlemanly behaviour, like gently taking her bag, but when she indicates she doesn’t like that they either ignore it or explain it away and justify it, until she capitulates. That’s no longer good behaviour.
They hold her hand in public, and when she tries to pull it away they don’t let her. Then she thinks about it and realises it’s ok because it is kind of comforting.
One of them puts his hands on her thigh during class, under the desk. She looks at him and asks herself, why is he being nice to me? Same girl, same! Why is he being nice? It was so weird. It felt predatory, and the only reason why the author is getting away with it is because Mina (fmc) likes it. Objectively though every single one of these men display predatory behaviour which is explained away using main character plot armour. It’s bull crap.
Mina is an ok fmc. She gets away with everything because her backstory is tragic.
The men are the biggest downfall.
I also thought the scenarios the author came up with were unrealistic and frankly a little ludicrous.
Anyway, didn’t finish at 73%
How on earth I made it 3/4 of the way through is beyond me. Oh, I know why I stuck with it, I saw a good review!
If I really wanted I could summarise a vast majority of this book in two words: Red Flags.
However, a lot of this story ticked me right the hell off so this review is also a bit of a vent.
Red flags, but not in a cool, he’s going to burn the world for me/villain I love kind of way. Nah, these red flags are the opposite.
Biggest gripe? She’s “17”.
It BOTHERED me.
She’s a 21yo genius level IQ woman who is sexually and physically abused, anti-socialised, AND mute, forced to attend high school and assume a fake identity including fake age for reasons unknown yet, and very quickly becomes enamoured of 7 men.
The thing is, no matter which way you look at it, every main character’s perception has the budding relationship as an adult with a minor. Doesn’t really matter that actually they’re all over 21. What does matter is they THINK she’s younger, or she thinks some of them are younger. It’s the mentality behind their behaviour which annoys the crud out of me. 𝓢𝓱𝓮 gets a free pass. She’s been in lockdown her whole life. Never watched tv since 6yo. Never listened to music. Never participated in all the activities that children need to navigate life.
These men crowd her.
They whisper and call her “good girl” over and over.
They separate her from others (she needs it, she has panic attacks you know! *cue sarcasm*).
The men display gentlemanly behaviour, like gently taking her bag, but when she indicates she doesn’t like that they either ignore it or explain it away and justify it, until she capitulates. That’s no longer good behaviour.
They hold her hand in public, and when she tries to pull it away they don’t let her. Then she thinks about it and realises it’s ok because it is kind of comforting.
One of them puts his hands on her thigh during class, under the desk. She looks at him and asks herself, why is he being nice to me? Same girl, same! Why is he being nice? It was so weird. It felt predatory, and the only reason why the author is getting away with it is because Mina (fmc) likes it. Objectively though every single one of these men display predatory behaviour which is explained away using main character plot armour. It’s bull crap.
Mina is an ok fmc. She gets away with everything because her backstory is tragic.
The men are the biggest downfall.
I also thought the scenarios the author came up with were unrealistic and frankly a little ludicrous.
Anyway, didn’t finish at 73%
January 31, 2025
Even though Mina has moved around quite a bit in the last 1o years, she hasn't seen much of the world outside of the basements she has been forced to live in. She is caught by surprise when she finds out that at the age of 21, not only is she being allowed out of the basement but she is being enrolled in high school. It isn't long before she's caught the attention of two of the newer students at the school who take her under their wing.
I absolutely loved the premises of this story but I found the style of writing a little rough to get through. I wasn't sure if it was written that way because Mina is very childlike in many respects and the writing was reflecting that but it also carried over into the chapters that had the guys POV. The book definitely kept me interested as the story unfolded and there are so many questions that need to be answered in the next book! And yes, the book ends on a major cliffhanger!
I would give this book a 3.5/5 stars.
Thank you to the author for the advanced review copy.
I absolutely loved the premises of this story but I found the style of writing a little rough to get through. I wasn't sure if it was written that way because Mina is very childlike in many respects and the writing was reflecting that but it also carried over into the chapters that had the guys POV. The book definitely kept me interested as the story unfolded and there are so many questions that need to be answered in the next book! And yes, the book ends on a major cliffhanger!
I would give this book a 3.5/5 stars.
Thank you to the author for the advanced review copy.
January 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-Stars
🌶️-Spice
I received an ARC copy of Silent Desires by Shona Knight.
Silent Desires is a gripping contemporary slow-burn reverse harem that will pull you in and leave your heart in pieces. Mina, the FMC, has endured more than most, yet she still holds onto her kindness. This story is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful. Shona Knight's writing is like a gravitational force, pulling you into a world you never want to leave. You don’t just read her stories; you disappear into them. That cliffhanger ending left me completely speechless, and now I’m dying for the next book! I need to know what's going to happen like yesterday. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in, as there are many. If you enjoy a book with an intense mystery and fiercely protective MMCs who will do whatever it takes to protect what’s theirs, this is a must-read!
🌶️-Spice
I received an ARC copy of Silent Desires by Shona Knight.
Silent Desires is a gripping contemporary slow-burn reverse harem that will pull you in and leave your heart in pieces. Mina, the FMC, has endured more than most, yet she still holds onto her kindness. This story is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful. Shona Knight's writing is like a gravitational force, pulling you into a world you never want to leave. You don’t just read her stories; you disappear into them. That cliffhanger ending left me completely speechless, and now I’m dying for the next book! I need to know what's going to happen like yesterday. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in, as there are many. If you enjoy a book with an intense mystery and fiercely protective MMCs who will do whatever it takes to protect what’s theirs, this is a must-read!
February 18, 2025
When I say that I picked this book up and could not put it down… I 100% mean it.
This Author wrote this story and created these characters that immediately have you in a chokehold.
This FMC, the things she endures are brutal and yet she’s still the kindest and sweetest soul who just needs someone to protect her.
These MMC’s ALL of them are walking gods that all have very different backgrounds but have formed this little family and a certain little someone has become the center of it.
There’s suspense…there’s so many unanswered questions.
It’s gut wrenching… yet it has some of the sweetest moments.
There’s all these little flames that are flickering and about to catch fire and when they do it’s going to be magnificent!
This book does end on one heck of a cliffy… but I have feeling that it’s setting the stage for something incredible.
This Author wrote this story and created these characters that immediately have you in a chokehold.
This FMC, the things she endures are brutal and yet she’s still the kindest and sweetest soul who just needs someone to protect her.
These MMC’s ALL of them are walking gods that all have very different backgrounds but have formed this little family and a certain little someone has become the center of it.
There’s suspense…there’s so many unanswered questions.
It’s gut wrenching… yet it has some of the sweetest moments.
There’s all these little flames that are flickering and about to catch fire and when they do it’s going to be magnificent!
This book does end on one heck of a cliffy… but I have feeling that it’s setting the stage for something incredible.
August 19, 2025
I enjoyed this book as an audiobook on Audible. Unfortunately Goodreads doesn’t have said adaptation available yet. So I logged my progress on the Kindle edition.
What in the world did I just read?! Silent Desires is a dark, twisted ride that blends a murder mystery with the kind of poisonous, intoxicating romance that reminded me of Poison Ivy by Steffanie Holmes. Only here, instead of cruelty, the mute heroine finds herself in the care of a group of men who straddle the line between protective and dangerous.
The story is intense and unsettling, with moments that churn your stomach before pulling you back in with shocking tenderness. It’s the kind of book that makes you second-guess your feelings every chapter, unsure if you’re rooting for salvation or destruction. Spicy, haunting, and entirely unexpected.
What in the world did I just read?! Silent Desires is a dark, twisted ride that blends a murder mystery with the kind of poisonous, intoxicating romance that reminded me of Poison Ivy by Steffanie Holmes. Only here, instead of cruelty, the mute heroine finds herself in the care of a group of men who straddle the line between protective and dangerous.
The story is intense and unsettling, with moments that churn your stomach before pulling you back in with shocking tenderness. It’s the kind of book that makes you second-guess your feelings every chapter, unsure if you’re rooting for salvation or destruction. Spicy, haunting, and entirely unexpected.
January 28, 2025
FANTASTIC!!
This was my first book by Shona Knight, and I absolutely loved it!!
The plot was captivating and had me quickly turning each page for more!!
I adored Mina. Talk about a survivor all the way. Her strength and courage despite everything she has been through. It was great to see her grow and slowly learn to trust the guys.
The guys, I'm thrilled that she has so many that genuinely care for her and that their focus is solely her.
I truly couldn't pick a favorite.
This book had humor, tension, just a bit of spice, and a whole heap of emotions. There were times when I got so angry for how Mina was treated, but there were also moments that made me happy and so proud of her.
I cannot wait to see how things change for Mina in book 2!!
That ending...oh my goodness! I wanted to scream! I am so thankful book 2 is coming soon at least.
I think this was a fantastic read!!
Now, on to read more books by this author!
This was my first book by Shona Knight, and I absolutely loved it!!
The plot was captivating and had me quickly turning each page for more!!
I adored Mina. Talk about a survivor all the way. Her strength and courage despite everything she has been through. It was great to see her grow and slowly learn to trust the guys.
The guys, I'm thrilled that she has so many that genuinely care for her and that their focus is solely her.
I truly couldn't pick a favorite.
This book had humor, tension, just a bit of spice, and a whole heap of emotions. There were times when I got so angry for how Mina was treated, but there were also moments that made me happy and so proud of her.
I cannot wait to see how things change for Mina in book 2!!
That ending...oh my goodness! I wanted to scream! I am so thankful book 2 is coming soon at least.
I think this was a fantastic read!!
Now, on to read more books by this author!
March 3, 2025
The murder mystery part is alright, but you know who the killer is pretty early on, even if the MC's don't. The FMC can draw a lot of emotions because of how bad things have been for her. The downside is that the author didn't seem to do much research, and it feels like they took direction from low-grade sitcoms, so you find yourself saying, "that is not how that works" a lot, you have to suspend all the disbelief which can be a lot harder to do in a contemporary. There are also 8 MCs, which is too many for this duet; most are very one dimensional. I'm gonna read the second book just because I want to see where this goes, but I don't expect the story to improve over all.
February 2, 2025
I stumbled upon this author and book a few days ago and am so glad that I did! I loved everything about this book - from the FMC to the MMCs and the plot and story... Kind I wish I would have found it a little bit later, because helloooo cliffhanger... But, apparently the wait doesn't seem to be too long - fingers crossed :D
Definite recommendation if you enjoy dark rh why choose. This is verryyy slow burn, but anything else wouldn't fit the story. Please check for TW before reading.
Can't wait for book two!
Definite recommendation if you enjoy dark rh why choose. This is verryyy slow burn, but anything else wouldn't fit the story. Please check for TW before reading.
Can't wait for book two!
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