A review by book_lover_irl
Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan

emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

SUMMARY: Archer and Bree have survived (separate) horribly traumatic events and are struggling to cope in their own distinct ways. Archer keeps to himself and Bree runs away to a small coastal town for the summer. During a chance meeting in the small town, Archer and Bree feel a surprising spark between them. The two misfits form a tentative friendship that morphs into something more. However, there are still secret between the two of them. Will these secrets come between Archer and Bree? Will the town's drama pull them into its center? Will their horrific pasts stay buried or come back to haunt them? Will Archer and Bree be able to overcome everything life continues to throw at them?

REVIEW: Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan is a beautifully sweet book that gives you all the feels. The two MCs are the most lovable, kind, saccharine characters that you will ever meet. Regardless of the emotional and traumatic events in their pasts, Archer and Bree continue to believe in the inherent good of those around them. They each have innocent hearts that are full of love and an almost childlike trust. However, finding closure is challenging since their pasts are not done with either of them. Archer and Bree seek to find solace and hope in each other against all the odds.

BONUS: Disability representation is amazing -- front and center to the plot.

Miscommunication is frequently used as a plot device and is one of my least favorite tropes. Some authors don't allow MCs to be forthcoming with their feelings or thoughts. Not so in Archer's Voice. Mia Sheridan crafted moments that brought tears to my eyes. The MCs willingness to bare their hearts to share their naked vulnerabilities was utter perfection. 

“I didn’t know enough to dream you, Bree, but somehow you came true anyway. How did that happen?” He rubbed his nose along mine, pausing and then pulling back again. “Who read my mind and knew exactly what I wanted, even when I didn’t?”

“I'm afraid to love you. I'm afraid that you'll leave and that I'll go back to being alone again. Only it will be a hundred times worse because I'll know what I'm missing. I can't…” He sucked in a shaky breath. “I want to be able to love you more than I fear losing you, and I don't know how. Teach me, Bree. Please teach me. Don't let me destroy this.”

“Try to believe that maybe more light shines out of those who have the most cracks.”

A couple minor things that weren't my favorite... There were a few turns of phrases that were used repeatedly (everyone winks at each other) and could've benefited from a teensy bit of diversifying. The female narrator didn't have my favorite voice. She sounded entirely too old to be in her very early 20's. I think she would be an excellent narrator for an older MC, but the fit wasn't perfect for this story.

Overall, I give Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan four and a half stars. I would highly recommend it to folks who appreciate emotionally intense, character-driven romances set in small towns, exploring themes of healing and connection through layered relationships and quiet, profound storytelling.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Grumpy x sunshine, virgin MMC, slow burn romance, small town
Series / Standalone: Standalone

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STORYGRAPH: Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
. . . . . . . . .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh…  bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
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