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Hush Darling
It’s time for Gia Giordano to die.
Nothing in Gia’s life had ever gone to plan. She never planned to become an orphan. She never planned to marry a dangerous, abusive man. She never planned to get pregnant. And now, there is only one way out. She has to disappear. Permanently.
This is the one thing in Gia’s life that must go according to plan.
Tanner Wilder is barely existing.
He’s spent the last three years of his life living in silent solitude with nothing but his grief and regrets. Then a snowstorm blows a beautiful, mysterious, creature into his life.
She’s nothing but trouble. Every word out of her mouth is a lie. Same as him.
So both are staying hush.
Sometimes two people don’t need words to connect.
Nothing in Gia’s life had ever gone to plan. She never planned to become an orphan. She never planned to marry a dangerous, abusive man. She never planned to get pregnant. And now, there is only one way out. She has to disappear. Permanently.
This is the one thing in Gia’s life that must go according to plan.
Tanner Wilder is barely existing.
He’s spent the last three years of his life living in silent solitude with nothing but his grief and regrets. Then a snowstorm blows a beautiful, mysterious, creature into his life.
She’s nothing but trouble. Every word out of her mouth is a lie. Same as him.
So both are staying hush.
Sometimes two people don’t need words to connect.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2020
About the author
Avery Kingston
10 books321 followersAvery Kingston writes sexy, emotional romance featuring wounded characters at a high heat level.
Avery is a wife to a man who’s demons play well with hers. Mom to a slew of crazy kids. Dog lover. Crazy cat lady. Artist. Free spirit. Lover of unusual beauty. Fitness junkie. Collector of boots and fonts. Angsty drama addict and avid wearer of yoga pants.
Avery is a military wife and a sucker for a good wounded hero story. She set out to write stories where the leading characters were smart, sexy, confident and strong. Avery began writing the type of romance novels she would want to read. Stories about real couples, wounded either physically or emotionally, with an open door into their steamy bedroom.
Avery loves to hear from her readers! Please contact her at [email protected]
Avery loves to be social. Follow Avery on Facebook
Follow Avery on Twitter
Follow Avery on Instagram
Avery is a wife to a man who’s demons play well with hers. Mom to a slew of crazy kids. Dog lover. Crazy cat lady. Artist. Free spirit. Lover of unusual beauty. Fitness junkie. Collector of boots and fonts. Angsty drama addict and avid wearer of yoga pants.
Avery is a military wife and a sucker for a good wounded hero story. She set out to write stories where the leading characters were smart, sexy, confident and strong. Avery began writing the type of romance novels she would want to read. Stories about real couples, wounded either physically or emotionally, with an open door into their steamy bedroom.
Avery loves to hear from her readers! Please contact her at [email protected]
Avery loves to be social. Follow Avery on Facebook
Follow Avery on Twitter
Follow Avery on Instagram
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
March 19, 2023
This is a sweet, and unrealistic love story.
This exact synopsis has been written time and time again. Woman traveling in the snow, running away from a bad man, car gets stuck, she makes her way to a cabin, handsome man inside, etc…
Both of these characters were fully developed, but their relationship wasn’t. On day two they were proclaiming love for each other. It moved way too quickly, and was not plausible in the least.
The ending was unrealistic and wrapped up in a perfect bow.
This exact synopsis has been written time and time again. Woman traveling in the snow, running away from a bad man, car gets stuck, she makes her way to a cabin, handsome man inside, etc…
Both of these characters were fully developed, but their relationship wasn’t. On day two they were proclaiming love for each other. It moved way too quickly, and was not plausible in the least.
The ending was unrealistic and wrapped up in a perfect bow.
February 28, 2023
3.5 stars
Avery Kingston is a new to me author and when I stumbled across this book I was so intrigued. It had a lot of things I enjoyed in a romance. Forced proximity, a language barrier, a heroine on the run, a tortured hero.
Gia is on the run after she realizes she absolutely cannot stay in her abusive marriage anymore. She gets stranded in bad weather on her way out and ends up in one of Tanner's cabins. Tanner is a bit of a recluse in town. He's deaf and some of the town don't bother to communicate with him so he keeps to himself.
Tanner and Gia connect straight away. I loved their relationship. I enjoyed a lot about this story. I wish the ending wouldn't have felt so rushed, but overall it was a good one!
Avery Kingston is a new to me author and when I stumbled across this book I was so intrigued. It had a lot of things I enjoyed in a romance. Forced proximity, a language barrier, a heroine on the run, a tortured hero.
Gia is on the run after she realizes she absolutely cannot stay in her abusive marriage anymore. She gets stranded in bad weather on her way out and ends up in one of Tanner's cabins. Tanner is a bit of a recluse in town. He's deaf and some of the town don't bother to communicate with him so he keeps to himself.
Tanner and Gia connect straight away. I loved their relationship. I enjoyed a lot about this story. I wish the ending wouldn't have felt so rushed, but overall it was a good one!
January 13, 2023
3.25 stars
yknow any romance set in the wilderness where the H & h are trapped/stranded alone together is my kind of romance. so i couldnt pass up on this one.
i was excited reading the first few opening chapters, but after Gia & Tanner actually met, i didnt love the book as much as i thought i would. they fell in love within the span of two/three days. while its not impossible and nothing sexual happened until almost halfway through, i found it a little farfetched especially considering the things they went through.
Gia was braver than she gave herself credit for, and Tanner was such a sweet hero. their romance just felt so... tender, but its not the kind that gets me all up in my feels? 🤷♀️ also, Gia was supposed to be pregnant, but it felt like she wasnt - from the lack of morning sickness (she didnt have any at all) and just the fact that it was never really talked about.
overall, this was okay for me despite it being an emotional type of romance. it just didnt tug at my heartstrings like i thought it would, and i started skimming in the second half. oh, and i forgot to mention, Tanner is deaf. the representation here was more informative than any i’d ever read about in other romance books with deaf characters, and i appreciated it a lot.
similar recs: (by order of the one i enjoyed most to least)
- Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
- Unloved by Katy Regnery
- River Wild by Samantha Towle
- Into the Storm by Melanie Moreland
- Dead Man's Hand by Giulia Lagomarsino
yknow any romance set in the wilderness where the H & h are trapped/stranded alone together is my kind of romance. so i couldnt pass up on this one.
Gia (h) is running away from her abusive demon of a husband after finding out that shes pregnant. during a snowstorm, she brakes into a cabin in the middle of nowhere in order to take shelter there. thats when she meets Tanner (H), the owner whos lived in solitude for three years in a house not far away because hes got his own baggage.
i was excited reading the first few opening chapters, but after Gia & Tanner actually met, i didnt love the book as much as i thought i would. they fell in love within the span of two/three days. while its not impossible and nothing sexual happened until almost halfway through, i found it a little farfetched especially considering the things they went through.
Gia was braver than she gave herself credit for, and Tanner was such a sweet hero. their romance just felt so... tender, but its not the kind that gets me all up in my feels? 🤷♀️ also, Gia was supposed to be pregnant, but it felt like she wasnt - from the lack of morning sickness (she didnt have any at all) and just the fact that it was never really talked about.
overall, this was okay for me despite it being an emotional type of romance. it just didnt tug at my heartstrings like i thought it would, and i started skimming in the second half. oh, and i forgot to mention, Tanner is deaf. the representation here was more informative than any i’d ever read about in other romance books with deaf characters, and i appreciated it a lot.
similar recs: (by order of the one i enjoyed most to least)
- Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
- Unloved by Katy Regnery
- River Wild by Samantha Towle
- Into the Storm by Melanie Moreland
- Dead Man's Hand by Giulia Lagomarsino
December 25, 2020
Another great find from Tik Tok. The author showed up on my FYP page, and I immediately downloaded this treasure. At first, I thought this was going to be a very dark romance book. There is darkness and ahead to the trigger warning. What I found was an emotional story within a story with some dark content. It’s not my typical read, and I stepped outside my usual, and thank god I did.
Tanner and Gia, two fractured battered souls who both deserve to be happy; Gia runs away from an abusive husband, and Tanner is battling guilt and grief; Side note Tanner is a handsome man who happens to be deaf with a heart of gold. I just fell in love with him. Gia is a lot braver than what she gave herself credit for.
Hush Darling is a slow burn, very well written from Tanner and Gia's POV. It's a beautiful story, and at times, I felt their story is poetry in motion, how they struggle, pain, guilt, torture, and love. Both in the darkness are looking for light. So happy I stumbled across this book. A must-read, and I highly recommend this book.
Tanner and Gia, two fractured battered souls who both deserve to be happy; Gia runs away from an abusive husband, and Tanner is battling guilt and grief; Side note Tanner is a handsome man who happens to be deaf with a heart of gold. I just fell in love with him. Gia is a lot braver than what she gave herself credit for.
Hush Darling is a slow burn, very well written from Tanner and Gia's POV. It's a beautiful story, and at times, I felt their story is poetry in motion, how they struggle, pain, guilt, torture, and love. Both in the darkness are looking for light. So happy I stumbled across this book. A must-read, and I highly recommend this book.
October 1, 2020
4 ❤️💔💔💘.❄️ ⚡️🌈🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️
BRAVERY.
This is the word that was on my mind while I was reading this fantastic romantic story.
Brave were not only the main characters but the author as well who shared this story with the readers.
Gia abandoned her abusive husband in order to save herself and her unborn child. She was determined, strong and courageous. While she was seeking for her freedom, she met Tanner.
Tanner was one of the most adorable Heroes I have come across in books. He was deaf and lived a solitary life by choice, had his inner demons, but he was compassionate, self contained, gentle soul and genuine.
Their relationship might have blossomed instantly, yet their journey was beautiful and full of emotions.
Very well developed, serious issues were dealt with the respective manner, finely paced, dual pov.
It was an amazing story of two broken people who were able to find their hea, with a heartwarming epilogue.
My pleasure, Avery Kingston. My pleasure❣️
BRAVERY.
This is the word that was on my mind while I was reading this fantastic romantic story.
Brave were not only the main characters but the author as well who shared this story with the readers.
Gia abandoned her abusive husband in order to save herself and her unborn child. She was determined, strong and courageous. While she was seeking for her freedom, she met Tanner.
Tanner was one of the most adorable Heroes I have come across in books. He was deaf and lived a solitary life by choice, had his inner demons, but he was compassionate, self contained, gentle soul and genuine.
Their relationship might have blossomed instantly, yet their journey was beautiful and full of emotions.
Very well developed, serious issues were dealt with the respective manner, finely paced, dual pov.
It was an amazing story of two broken people who were able to find their hea, with a heartwarming epilogue.
My pleasure, Avery Kingston. My pleasure❣️
December 30, 2020
Loved it. After starting so many books this year and giving up on them I'm happy I can finish this year on a couple of great ones!
October 8, 2022
This book was just what I was looking for. Though it had a very crazy ending and kind of blew everything out of proportion right at the end. I still deeply loved the hero and heroine and I wanted to spend all the time in the world in their cabin in the woods with them.
This also did a beautiful job depicting a Deaf hero as capable, strong, and completely comfortable with his life. It just had me smiling so much to see him be tender and beautiful with the heroine and never doubt that he could be a good partner.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: abusive husband, death of a partner, grief, forced pregnancy, characters in peril
This also did a beautiful job depicting a Deaf hero as capable, strong, and completely comfortable with his life. It just had me smiling so much to see him be tender and beautiful with the heroine and never doubt that he could be a good partner.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: abusive husband, death of a partner, grief, forced pregnancy, characters in peril
January 10, 2021
This was okay! Not fantastic, not bad at all, just a nice quick read. Depite there being a lot of depth to the story, I didn't feel any crazy excitement or even real romantic chemistry between the MCs (by 40% I started skimming non-dialogue... even the sex scenes lmao).
But! I think this would be a great read for someone other than me lol.
But! I think this would be a great read for someone other than me lol.
September 15, 2020
Hush Darling is stunning.
In these pages, be prepared to experience a breathtaking journey guaranteed to leave you in spellbound.
(Warning: This book does contain sensitive issues that may be disturbing for some readers.)
Avery wrote this book with a confidence that only comes from living and enduring such events and emotions personally. It is raw, tender and hilarious. I could not put the book down and I definitely did not want it to end.
Gia and Tanner come to life and are much more than helpless victims of others deeds but heroes of their own story.
Gia's journey is captivating and empowering. You will be enchanted by the strength of her character and full of admiration for her resilience.
Tanner, sweet and kind Tanner, where do I begin? He is charming and a perfect fit for Gia. Dont hesitate to dive into this book. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
If this is your first time picking up a book by this author, here's a little insight on what to expect.
Avery Kingston is a rock star. When I dive into her books I am inspired and truly in awe of her gift. She provides more than a pretty story with romance. She is meticulous in her research and produces an original and unforgettable narrative.
In these pages, be prepared to experience a breathtaking journey guaranteed to leave you in spellbound.
(Warning: This book does contain sensitive issues that may be disturbing for some readers.)
Avery wrote this book with a confidence that only comes from living and enduring such events and emotions personally. It is raw, tender and hilarious. I could not put the book down and I definitely did not want it to end.
Gia and Tanner come to life and are much more than helpless victims of others deeds but heroes of their own story.
Gia's journey is captivating and empowering. You will be enchanted by the strength of her character and full of admiration for her resilience.
Tanner, sweet and kind Tanner, where do I begin? He is charming and a perfect fit for Gia. Dont hesitate to dive into this book. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
If this is your first time picking up a book by this author, here's a little insight on what to expect.
Avery Kingston is a rock star. When I dive into her books I am inspired and truly in awe of her gift. She provides more than a pretty story with romance. She is meticulous in her research and produces an original and unforgettable narrative.
April 4, 2022
This is a beautiful story about a woman who finds out she’s pregnant and realizes that she has to run from her violent husband to keep herself and her child safe. She doesn’t make it as far as she’d like before the weather turns and her car gets stuck in snow. She’s forced to break into a cabin in the middle of nowhere for shelter.
While there’s quite a bit of suspense to the story, this is really a book about healing–both for the heroine and the hero. Tanner’s wife tragically died years ago, and he’s never truly gotten over it. He’s isolated himself in his cabin in the woods, only venturing into town for grocery runs and interacting with tourists when they come to stay in his rental cabins. When he finds a woman squatting in one of his rentals, he’s compelled to help her.
Tanner is Deaf, and the way that this is portrayed is so incredibly authentic and beautiful. I learned so much in this book about the Deaf community and ASL.
While this book is both suspenseful and heartfelt, there’s also humour to tie everything together beautifully. I loved it! I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author!
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2022: This book fulfills the "A book with an onomatopeia in the title" category.
While there’s quite a bit of suspense to the story, this is really a book about healing–both for the heroine and the hero. Tanner’s wife tragically died years ago, and he’s never truly gotten over it. He’s isolated himself in his cabin in the woods, only venturing into town for grocery runs and interacting with tourists when they come to stay in his rental cabins. When he finds a woman squatting in one of his rentals, he’s compelled to help her.
Tanner is Deaf, and the way that this is portrayed is so incredibly authentic and beautiful. I learned so much in this book about the Deaf community and ASL.
While this book is both suspenseful and heartfelt, there’s also humour to tie everything together beautifully. I loved it! I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author!
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2022: This book fulfills the "A book with an onomatopeia in the title" category.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 20, 2022DNF @ 22% - it tried. None of these tropes are for me. She’s pregnant with someone else’s baby - he’s mourning his sainted dead wife - like actively still in grief - and he lets the town assholes push him around - not my idea of a good time. 😐🫤🫠
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2023
This is another five star read. As I said in an update, the heroine is escaping a marriage to a monster and during a snow storm runs off the road and is rescued by our reluctant hero. Its a trope I enjoy when done well and I found this one very well done. Gia is our heroine, married to a controlling and abusive man. When she discovers much to her dismay that she's pregnant, she knows its time to escape.
Tanner is our hero and he lives a life of solitude in more ways than one. He's been deaf most of his life and after suffering a devastating loss, has retreated into the woods and owns and runs a number of cottages. Seeing its winter, business is extremely slow.
When His has issues with her car after she escapes, she sees a small cottage and breaks in. Of course its one of Tanners and they meet when he checks to see who's broken in.
These are two people with secrets they are reluctant to share and I love them both. I found the author really wrote well on the struggles a hearing impaired person would have and she gives Tanner a lot of strength and dignity.
For sure I'm more than willing to read more books by this author.
Tanner is our hero and he lives a life of solitude in more ways than one. He's been deaf most of his life and after suffering a devastating loss, has retreated into the woods and owns and runs a number of cottages. Seeing its winter, business is extremely slow.
When His has issues with her car after she escapes, she sees a small cottage and breaks in. Of course its one of Tanners and they meet when he checks to see who's broken in.
These are two people with secrets they are reluctant to share and I love them both. I found the author really wrote well on the struggles a hearing impaired person would have and she gives Tanner a lot of strength and dignity.
For sure I'm more than willing to read more books by this author.
September 7, 2020
Avery Kingston never ceases to amaze me with her versatility with stories that take you to places you didn’t know you’d need to be in.
Hush Darling is unlike any story I’ve read.
Avery did her usual inclusive fictional world giving a voice to characters of all walks of life. Diversity and inclusiveness is something she never strays from and does so well. This book is no different.
It crosses so many check marks off my “Yesssss Gimme” list, it’s almost unfair to all other books out there.
Tanner, a broken hero who gets a second chance not only at love but at life. A silent hero that takes you by surprise completely and by the time you try to break it’s too late and there’s no going back. He’s the type of book boyfriend we, or at least I know I do, love to read about. He’s real and raw when it comes to his emotions. You feel his pain, his restraint, his anger, his passion, his love. When that man loves, he loves hard.
He is exactly what our heroine Gia needs. What we need after connecting with her story.
Gia, she’s a force to reckon with. She may not see herself as that, but we all see and feel her inner strength. She does what many women in her situation can’t, she lives. She fights for herself. Yes the road is bumpy and unknown but taking in that one leap of faith, for me, showcases Gia is a badass heroine.
Both Tanner and Gia heal one another in they ways they needed mending. Their love may be fast and whirlwind but it’s pure, raw, calming and above all, so fricken real.
If you want a story you’ll connect to, that will tug at all your emotional buttons, with a side of insta love goodness then this one is for you.
Top read of 2020 here, no doubt completely.
Hush Darling is unlike any story I’ve read.
Avery did her usual inclusive fictional world giving a voice to characters of all walks of life. Diversity and inclusiveness is something she never strays from and does so well. This book is no different.
It crosses so many check marks off my “Yesssss Gimme” list, it’s almost unfair to all other books out there.
Tanner, a broken hero who gets a second chance not only at love but at life. A silent hero that takes you by surprise completely and by the time you try to break it’s too late and there’s no going back. He’s the type of book boyfriend we, or at least I know I do, love to read about. He’s real and raw when it comes to his emotions. You feel his pain, his restraint, his anger, his passion, his love. When that man loves, he loves hard.
He is exactly what our heroine Gia needs. What we need after connecting with her story.
Gia, she’s a force to reckon with. She may not see herself as that, but we all see and feel her inner strength. She does what many women in her situation can’t, she lives. She fights for herself. Yes the road is bumpy and unknown but taking in that one leap of faith, for me, showcases Gia is a badass heroine.
Both Tanner and Gia heal one another in they ways they needed mending. Their love may be fast and whirlwind but it’s pure, raw, calming and above all, so fricken real.
If you want a story you’ll connect to, that will tug at all your emotional buttons, with a side of insta love goodness then this one is for you.
Top read of 2020 here, no doubt completely.
September 3, 2021
Just wonderful!!
This book! Just SO many feels! The storyline was fantastic, but it was the characters' stories and heart that were just so beautiful ❤. I loved the peek inside the Deaf community and the message of hope for battered women from the author. Not a ton of smexy, but the chemistry was almost tangible throughout and you don't even notice that there's not a whole lot of it. It really was just a beautiful story!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: forced proximity
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: domestic abuse, loss of a child
This book! Just SO many feels! The storyline was fantastic, but it was the characters' stories and heart that were just so beautiful ❤. I loved the peek inside the Deaf community and the message of hope for battered women from the author. Not a ton of smexy, but the chemistry was almost tangible throughout and you don't even notice that there's not a whole lot of it. It really was just a beautiful story!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: forced proximity
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: domestic abuse, loss of a child
January 16, 2023
3⭑
Tropes;
Forced Proximity
Disability Rep - Hero is Deaf
Insta Love
Okay this was a good-ish read. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. The romance between the hero and heroine was a bit too insta love for me but overall the story was enjoyable.
Truthfully the only reason I read the book was because of the deaf representation.
I am struggling to find new adult/contemporary romance books with a deaf hero or heroine that I haven’t already read so I was glad when I came across this one.
Tropes;
Forced Proximity
Disability Rep - Hero is Deaf
Insta Love
Okay this was a good-ish read. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. The romance between the hero and heroine was a bit too insta love for me but overall the story was enjoyable.
Truthfully the only reason I read the book was because of the deaf representation.
I am struggling to find new adult/contemporary romance books with a deaf hero or heroine that I haven’t already read so I was glad when I came across this one.
October 6, 2020
Avery Kingston just keeps getting better and better! I think this is my favorite of her books so far. Tanner and Gia were such a great couple. I found each of their personal stories so compelling, and together, they were magic. Tanner is just so sexy! This is not one to miss!
July 20, 2022
3.75
they deserve the world
they deserve the world
March 20, 2022
Pregnant heroine on the run from her abusive husband, hero living isolated in the mountains, suspense, insta-love, forced proximity, a little bit of mafia. Two damaged souls falling in love. Gia and Tanner's story was incredible, but not long enough! 5☆
December 17, 2022
I'm pissed. And let me tell you why. This book had the potential to EASILY be a 5 star read for me. I was so intrigued by the plot and really felt like it was going to be a new favorite. This book is about Tanner and Gia. Gia is on the run from her abusive husband after finding out she is pregnant. She'll stop at nothing to protect her unborn child. She ends up in a small mountainous Vermont town where she meets Tanner after breaking into one of his cabin rentals during a snowstorm. Tanner is a reclusive man hiding out in the mountains after the tragic death of his wife. Tanner is also Deaf so there is a language barrier between him and Gia.
I want to start this off by talking about Tanner's character. Coming from a hearing person, I really appreciated the way that Tanner and his deafness was portrayed in this book. It is made very apparent that he does NOT have a disability. He just speaks a different language. Obviously being a hearing person I cannot say with 100% certainty that the representation is accurate/good, but I truly feel that it was shone in a positive light and I really appreciated it.
Okay, now let's talk about why I'm salty. As I mentioned above, I found the premise of the book so. dang. intriguing. It was like a recipe for success trope-wise for me! But the pacing of the book is what really threw things off. I'm like 95% sure the entirety of this book spans a week. ONE WEEK. I know for certain at the 50% mark we were only 2 days in... When I saw "pregnancy" I was assuming we were going to get a slow burn book were the grumpy mountain man and the broken woman on the run heal together and slowly fall in love as the pregnancy progresses. We get to see the baby kick for the first time and omg its such a beautiful moment because Tanner is right there to experience it. See? I clearly had expectations going in lol.
What we ended up getting was an insta-lust story with barely any "pregnancy"(she's legit like 6 weeks pregnant, and like I said, the book happens in a week) I WANTED AN EMOTIONAL BIRTH SCENE OKAY. Insta-lust is very much not my vibe so I was disappointed.
Although I wasn't a fan the insta-love, I was definitely intrigued by the overall story and I couldn't put it down. I didn't hate this book by any means, contrary to what you may think based on this long ass review lol. I'm just upset because this seriously could've been a 5 star read for me. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a fast-paced/insta-love dynamic. Honestly, it read pretty similar to a novella in terms of relationship progression so maybe pretend its a novella because I typically am more forgiving pacing-wise in novellas lol.
I want to start this off by talking about Tanner's character. Coming from a hearing person, I really appreciated the way that Tanner and his deafness was portrayed in this book. It is made very apparent that he does NOT have a disability. He just speaks a different language. Obviously being a hearing person I cannot say with 100% certainty that the representation is accurate/good, but I truly feel that it was shone in a positive light and I really appreciated it.
Okay, now let's talk about why I'm salty. As I mentioned above, I found the premise of the book so. dang. intriguing. It was like a recipe for success trope-wise for me! But the pacing of the book is what really threw things off. I'm like 95% sure the entirety of this book spans a week. ONE WEEK. I know for certain at the 50% mark we were only 2 days in... When I saw "pregnancy" I was assuming we were going to get a slow burn book were the grumpy mountain man and the broken woman on the run heal together and slowly fall in love as the pregnancy progresses. We get to see the baby kick for the first time and omg its such a beautiful moment because Tanner is right there to experience it. See? I clearly had expectations going in lol.
What we ended up getting was an insta-lust story with barely any "pregnancy"(she's legit like 6 weeks pregnant, and like I said, the book happens in a week) I WANTED AN EMOTIONAL BIRTH SCENE OKAY. Insta-lust is very much not my vibe so I was disappointed.
Although I wasn't a fan the insta-love, I was definitely intrigued by the overall story and I couldn't put it down. I didn't hate this book by any means, contrary to what you may think based on this long ass review lol. I'm just upset because this seriously could've been a 5 star read for me. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a fast-paced/insta-love dynamic. Honestly, it read pretty similar to a novella in terms of relationship progression so maybe pretend its a novella because I typically am more forgiving pacing-wise in novellas lol.
November 9, 2022
Hush Darling was everything I was told it would be…pregnant heroine on the run from an abusive marriage and runs into the hero during a snowstorm, who is Deaf, and it’s their romance!
First off I was very impressed with the Deaf rep in this book, to me it was really well done. I also really liked the author’s note at the end of the book and how she was also in an abusive relationship in the past and used some of those experiences in writing this story.
In this book Gia finds out she’s pregnant at the beginning of the story and she knows she needs to escape from her abusive, controlling husband…not only for her own life but now to protect her unborn child. Thanks to the help of her friend and some money she’s saved up, Gia fakes her own death and attempts to flee to the Canadian border (from New York). She ends up getting caught up in a snowstorm and finds herself needing a place to stay when she comes across cabin rentals. Tanner, the rental owner, is surprised to find Gia in his cabin and it becomes their romance. Tanner is Deaf and has been living in solitude in his cabin for the past few years, struggling with loss, regrets, and his own past demons. He and Gia hit it off right away and I loved seeing both of these tortured souls find solace with one another. Their romance was really sweet and I liked seeing their connection.
I did think the story moved very fast, it’s a shorter read (around 270ish pages) so I get why it moved quickly but I did find myself wanting some more time for the couple before jumping into their romance/feelings. There is a lot that starts happening towards the end, but I was along for the ride with Gia and Tanner. The epilogue is super sweet and I just thought this was a really well done story!
CW: domestic abuse, violence, grief, loss
First off I was very impressed with the Deaf rep in this book, to me it was really well done. I also really liked the author’s note at the end of the book and how she was also in an abusive relationship in the past and used some of those experiences in writing this story.
In this book Gia finds out she’s pregnant at the beginning of the story and she knows she needs to escape from her abusive, controlling husband…not only for her own life but now to protect her unborn child. Thanks to the help of her friend and some money she’s saved up, Gia fakes her own death and attempts to flee to the Canadian border (from New York). She ends up getting caught up in a snowstorm and finds herself needing a place to stay when she comes across cabin rentals. Tanner, the rental owner, is surprised to find Gia in his cabin and it becomes their romance. Tanner is Deaf and has been living in solitude in his cabin for the past few years, struggling with loss, regrets, and his own past demons. He and Gia hit it off right away and I loved seeing both of these tortured souls find solace with one another. Their romance was really sweet and I liked seeing their connection.
I did think the story moved very fast, it’s a shorter read (around 270ish pages) so I get why it moved quickly but I did find myself wanting some more time for the couple before jumping into their romance/feelings. There is a lot that starts happening towards the end, but I was along for the ride with Gia and Tanner. The epilogue is super sweet and I just thought this was a really well done story!
CW: domestic abuse, violence, grief, loss
November 27, 2022
cute, some bits over the top and spicy
October 23, 2020
A pregnant heroine on the run, a reclusive hero, and a forced proximity romance - all things I love! I also really appreciate the representation of Tanner as a deaf character - it was really interesting to learn about ASL and living with impaired hearing, and how Tanner and Gia navigated this in their relationship.
This gets 4 stars rather than 5 because 1) the physical connection between Tanner and Gia was a little lacklustre and 2) I picked this up largely for the pregnancy plot, but there wasn’t much focus on that at all.
But I enjoyed this a lot and would recommend to anyone who wants something with a little suspense!
This gets 4 stars rather than 5 because 1) the physical connection between Tanner and Gia was a little lacklustre and 2) I picked this up largely for the pregnancy plot, but there wasn’t much focus on that at all.
But I enjoyed this a lot and would recommend to anyone who wants something with a little suspense!
September 27, 2020
Avery Kingston is one of my 1-click authors, because the way she tells a story is gut wrenchingly honest, and this story is no exception.
You are going to meet Gia and Tanner in this emotional story, both are broken and neither are expecting what’s about to happen. This story is not for the squeamish, there are some terrifying scenes that deal with abuse. But Avery doesn’t sugarcoat it, she doesn’t glamorize it, she writes it honestly and gives you insight on why Gia is as broken as she is.
With all of that being said, I think the real theme of this story is healing. With the budding relationship between Gia and Tanner you get a front row seat to watch them heal and grow together.
This is a brutally honest and beautiful story of two broken people healing themselves the only way they know how, by living and loving.
If you’re have never read Avery Kingston you are missing out, she is unbelievably talented and she will become one of your 1-click authors I’m just sure of it!
You are going to meet Gia and Tanner in this emotional story, both are broken and neither are expecting what’s about to happen. This story is not for the squeamish, there are some terrifying scenes that deal with abuse. But Avery doesn’t sugarcoat it, she doesn’t glamorize it, she writes it honestly and gives you insight on why Gia is as broken as she is.
With all of that being said, I think the real theme of this story is healing. With the budding relationship between Gia and Tanner you get a front row seat to watch them heal and grow together.
This is a brutally honest and beautiful story of two broken people healing themselves the only way they know how, by living and loving.
If you’re have never read Avery Kingston you are missing out, she is unbelievably talented and she will become one of your 1-click authors I’m just sure of it!
September 18, 2020
I'm a fan of Avery Kingston's books and have read most of them, with a desire to read them all. She writes steamy romances with strong women and swoon-worthy men. It is my favorite combination. I got this with Hush Darling, along with something new. Kingston added a bit of suspense in this one, and it had me at the edge of my seat during a few chapters (and admiring the hell out of Gia).
Hush Darling deals with heavy topics. From abuse to guilt to a loved one's death, and believe me, you feel their pain. However, Kingston balances it out with humor and lots of heart.
I love the rollercoaster of a ride this story gave me. It had me near tears one minute, laughing the next, while enthusiastically cheering for Tanner and Gia (and fanny myself during some rather hot scenes), and falling in love (Seriously, you will fall hard for Tanner).
Please, do yourself a favor, get this book!!
Hush Darling deals with heavy topics. From abuse to guilt to a loved one's death, and believe me, you feel their pain. However, Kingston balances it out with humor and lots of heart.
I love the rollercoaster of a ride this story gave me. It had me near tears one minute, laughing the next, while enthusiastically cheering for Tanner and Gia (and fanny myself during some rather hot scenes), and falling in love (Seriously, you will fall hard for Tanner).
Please, do yourself a favor, get this book!!
June 5, 2022
ASL/ Deaf H/ abused on the run h/
I really liked this. It gave me all the feels but idk it just didn’t work for me for some reason.
-Sweet, loving and kind H
-strong, on the run h
-H is deaf. We see so much of the deaf culture here and honestly this was what really made the book. It was so deaf aware and I loved it. Makes me want to learn ASL so that anyone that I ever meet within this community doesn’t feel “out” around me.
-h is on the run. Her husband is an Italian mobster who abused her and tries to force her to get preg for years. She finally does and runs to give her baby a better life.
-beautiful story of two broken people finding love and trust again.
-H has a dead wife … this is talked about often and it’s a pain/trauma he’s still actively dealing with-loved the side characters of Hope and Tyler
-small town vibe
-cute doggie Archie
-HEA
I really liked this. It gave me all the feels but idk it just didn’t work for me for some reason.
-Sweet, loving and kind H
-strong, on the run h
-H is deaf. We see so much of the deaf culture here and honestly this was what really made the book. It was so deaf aware and I loved it. Makes me want to learn ASL so that anyone that I ever meet within this community doesn’t feel “out” around me.
-h is on the run. Her husband is an Italian mobster who abused her and tries to force her to get preg for years. She finally does and runs to give her baby a better life.
-beautiful story of two broken people finding love and trust again.
-H has a dead wife … this is talked about often and it’s a pain/trauma he’s still actively dealing with-loved the side characters of Hope and Tyler
-small town vibe
-cute doggie Archie
-HEA
September 24, 2020
I was eagerly awaiting the new book by Avery Kingston, and (as always) it exceeded my expectations. The author always manages to invent wonderful leading characters in her books - Tanner, Gia and Archie are no exception. Avery's writing style impressed me again and she continues to not shy away from difficult topics. In Hush Darling, the deaf Tanner who leads a secluded life in the mountains, meets Gia, who is fleeing from a violent marriage. In a snowstorm, isolated from the rest of the world, the two damaged souls slowly begin to build a relationship with one another, develop trust and try to come to terms with the past. I laughed - especially about the conversations with Archie ;) - cried and was so engrossed with the characters, I couldn't put the book down until I read the final words ...
December 15, 2020
A page turner
Omg!!
This was a new to me author and one I'll definitely be reading more from.
Utterly speechless by this heart breaking yet heart warming suspense (it will make sense when you read).
I wasn't sure what to expect since I had heard a few rave about it so kinda went in blind. I certainly didn't expect to to find one of my top reads of 2020.
Definitely a must read.
Omg!!
This was a new to me author and one I'll definitely be reading more from.
Utterly speechless by this heart breaking yet heart warming suspense (it will make sense when you read).
I wasn't sure what to expect since I had heard a few rave about it so kinda went in blind. I certainly didn't expect to to find one of my top reads of 2020.
Definitely a must read.
September 16, 2020
This book destroyed me...
Life isn't always fair, and sometimes the people who deserve good things end up screwed.
Tanner is perfection. He's broken, his past controls his life, and he's given up on ever being happy again. But he is sweet, kind, and caring, and everything you want in a hero.
Gia is on the run. Her life is spiraling and the only way for her to survive is to disappear. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for and i just loved her so much.
Avery did an amazing job of being inclusive and i fell in love with Tanner and Gia. I can't even begin to explain how perfect i think this book is.
Life isn't always fair, and sometimes the people who deserve good things end up screwed.
Tanner is perfection. He's broken, his past controls his life, and he's given up on ever being happy again. But he is sweet, kind, and caring, and everything you want in a hero.
Gia is on the run. Her life is spiraling and the only way for her to survive is to disappear. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for and i just loved her so much.
Avery did an amazing job of being inclusive and i fell in love with Tanner and Gia. I can't even begin to explain how perfect i think this book is.
February 22, 2022
The couple: Tanner and Gia
Romance genre: contemporary
Length: 329 pages
Plot: Gia, pregnant and scared, is on the run from an abusive husband when she stops into what seems to be an empty cabin. She intends to leave quickly the next morning, but the owner of the cabin complex catches her. He's not immune to her plight (he can tell she's in need even though she refuses to tell him anything about herself), so he helps her out in small ways, and as they connect over the next few days, they begin to develop a relationship that is deep for all of its brevity. Tanner is Deaf, which has affected his interaction with the world, and he's also suffering his own losses that have left him damaged. But all is not lost for the two of them if they can manage to overcome their fears.
Commentary: I already know this is going to be one of my best reads for 2022. This book was amazing - I cannot sing its praises enough! If you're looking for a j/p alpha hero or a dark romance, this is not the book for you. The hero was a tortured soul, but sensitive and insightful. The heroine was the same and gave the hero the courtesy of a mature relationship, even when they both wanted answers about the other. The addition of Tanner's hearing loss highlighted the depth of his communication with and connection to Gia. I also loved the way Tanner's sister was so fierce in her protection of her brother but wasn't afraid to go after Gia when she realized she was wrong.
The epilogue was beautiful and perfect. I read this in KU, but after reading it, went ahead and bought it - I think this one will be a re-read for sure!
Romance genre: contemporary
Length: 329 pages
Plot: Gia, pregnant and scared, is on the run from an abusive husband when she stops into what seems to be an empty cabin. She intends to leave quickly the next morning, but the owner of the cabin complex catches her. He's not immune to her plight (he can tell she's in need even though she refuses to tell him anything about herself), so he helps her out in small ways, and as they connect over the next few days, they begin to develop a relationship that is deep for all of its brevity. Tanner is Deaf, which has affected his interaction with the world, and he's also suffering his own losses that have left him damaged. But all is not lost for the two of them if they can manage to overcome their fears.
Commentary: I already know this is going to be one of my best reads for 2022. This book was amazing - I cannot sing its praises enough! If you're looking for a j/p alpha hero or a dark romance, this is not the book for you. The hero was a tortured soul, but sensitive and insightful. The heroine was the same and gave the hero the courtesy of a mature relationship, even when they both wanted answers about the other. The addition of Tanner's hearing loss highlighted the depth of his communication with and connection to Gia. I also loved the way Tanner's sister was so fierce in her protection of her brother but wasn't afraid to go after Gia when she realized she was wrong.
The epilogue was beautiful and perfect. I read this in KU, but after reading it, went ahead and bought it - I think this one will be a re-read for sure!
With that one kiss, she stole my breath and my heart, and breathed life back into me.
July 18, 2023
I cant describe how much I loved this book. What an amazing love story. The things these two had been through before they found each other was awful. They are such strong characters and beautiful inside and out. Tanner especially stole my heart and hasn't returned it yet, he is a strong, caring and absolutely beautiful man.
You will not regret reading this book I couldn't put it down, I just needed to know what was going to happen.
5star read
You will not regret reading this book I couldn't put it down, I just needed to know what was going to happen.
5star read
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