I read 10 books in 2024, not very impressive, I know, but this book had to have been one of my least favorite books of all time. And before you leave, read my article to find out just why. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, tear-jerking romance, “Archer’s Voice” by Mia Sheridan might be your thing. But for anyone who values realistic characters and compelling plots, this book might be a major disappointment.

The story follows Bree, a woman recovering from a traumatic past, and Archer, a mute loner with a troubled history. Their bond forms through a predictable, cliché romance that felt forced and overly dramatic. Archer, with his tortured past and brooding silence, was far more of a “broken hero” trope than a character I could connect with. His mysteriousness quickly devolves into frustrating predictability.

Sheridan’s writing, while aiming for depth, often feels very heavy-handed, with characters revealing their deepest emotions through exaggerated monologues rather than natural dialogue. The pacing felt slow, and the plot seemed to revolve around misunderstandings and over-the-top emotional moments that were more exhausting than engaging. Bree’s character, though intended to be strong and independent, came off as whiny and naive, and her relationship with Archer never quite reached the emotional connection I expected.

I tried to find students at Rochester that had read the book because I thought it was a very popular read, and within my classes, I could not find a single soul who had read this book, not very surprising since it was a very, very underwhelming read.

Ultimately, the book seemed to rely more on emotional manipulation than genuine storytelling. What could have been a meaningful exploration of healing and love was overshadowed by melodrama and a lack of believable chemistry. Instead of being moved, “Archer’s Voice” left me feeling frustrated and let down.

If you’re seeking a romance book with a good plot that will make you emotional, this might not be the right pick. “Archer’s Voice” didn’t resonate with me, quite the opposite, in fact. It felt like a repetitive, exhausting cycle. If you’re looking for a good, emotional book, romance or not, I will forever recommend these two books: “All the Bright Places” by Jennifer Niven and “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart.