Archers Voice By Mia Sheridan

4 out of 5 stars (emotionally…maybe 5/5)

A delicious, aching slow-burn set in a small town. Archer’s Voice follows trauma-filled Bree Prescott and silent, isolated Archer Hale. I loved this book. I’ve been thinking about it a lot again recently. It’s a tender, devastating, easy read with the iconic line, “Don’t run from me, I said. I can’t call to you. Please don’t run from me.”

What I loved:

I absolutely adore how we learn Archer’s story bit by bit, it was like slowly piecing together scraps of a story to create a whole picture. Each reveal of his past made me want to give him a big hug and protect him from the rest of the world.  Their early connection, especially Bree’s willingness to reach out continuously, drove me nuts (in the best way possible). I only wanted the best for both. It was intoxicating to see them reach out and build trust within each other.

Their friendship was probably my favorite part. The safe space that they become for each other, existing without judgement, without being treated as “broken” was perfection. I love that Bree keeps choosing him, even when he pushes her away at first. That consistency was so key to not only their developing relationship, but that their love was a choice that they both chose. Watching Archer slowly open up, little by little, was so so SO satisfying.

Their emotional intimacy grows naturally which I love. The acts of service and grace that they give each other was top-tier relationship goals. They found safety and love in each other, especially when their backgrounds couldn’t provide it to them.

I usually hate miscommunication, but it works here. It doesn’t feel like a cheap plot device, but instead it reveals that they don’t exist in a bubble. It’s realistic that there are other people, that their opinions and pressure have an impact on them.

I also appreciate Archer being nonverbal, not as some aesthetic quirk but as a real part of his identity and trauma. While his muteness comes from something devastating, it opens space for representation of a broader deaf/nonverbal community in romance. This book forces it to become a focus point of the story. The raw beauty (and sometimes brutal) gives visibility and weight to these experiences that we don’t often see in romance.

Possible Downsides:

While I love this book, I can also objectively step back and see that it can be a bland read in comparison to fast-pace tension filled romance. It’s not filled to the brim with crazy plot twists. It instead chooses to focus on the smaller moments, slowing down the moment that I think is better-suited for their healing. But if you wanted more action, this book probably isn’t for you.

For me personally, there are no glaring icks that stood out to me, just keeping in mind the pacing choice that keeps it from being a flawless 5. Emotionally though? That’s different. Easily a 5/5 with how it scratched an itch in my heart.

Tropes include:

• Small town

• Slow burn

• Sunshine x grumpy

• Friends to lovers

• Dual POV

• Miscommunication.