Description:

Ikshu Sagebrush lives in the shadows of his mystical brother, loudmouth sister-in-law, and the trauma he endured. When a chance meeting with a Christmas angel makes him consider stepping into the light, Ikshu calls to the spirits of his ancestors to help restore his voice.

Ava Wylder is no angel, but her wicked ways are the catalyst Ikshu needs to face his inner demons and build a life. She would gladly trade her family’s wish for her to become a lady of a manor house in New York for the natural beauty of Wylder and a simple existence with Ikshu. When their families and community status step between them, she cannot fight for their love alone.

Will Ikshu find his voice to make his intentions known, or let true love slip through his fingers?

Marilyn’s Bio:

Marilyn Barr lives in the wilds of Kentucky with her husband, son, and rescue cats. From medical school reject to spiritual healer, physics teacher to homeschool mom, and scientist to paranormal romance writer, she has a diverse collection of experiences which she sprinkles into her works. She has nine books with The Wild Rose Press in multiple romance subgenres from sweet, new adult romance to erotic, fantasy romance. She loves to place monstrous characters with hearts of gold in historical romances and her historical, paranormal romances have won the Crowned Heart Award, 2nd place in National Excellence in Story Telling (NEST) Contest, Imadjinn Award for Best Paranormal Romance, and Grand Finalist for the InD’Tale Magazine’s RONE Award. When engaging in the real world, you can find her with the Kentuckiana Romance Writers as President Elect, volunteering with her son’s Special Olympics teams, or dancing around her kitchen. She is a sucker (haha) for cheesy horror movies, Italian food, punk music, black cats, bad puns, and all things witchy. For the latest Strawberry news and witchy tips, join her newsletter at www.marilynbarr.com

My thoughts:

Sound of a Wylder Silence is a captivating tale about finding your true love and overcoming obstacles. Ikshu Sagebrush, an Arapaho craftsman, “accidently” meets Ava Wylder, the daughter of the city’s founder at a Christmas party.

Neither can deny the attraction to the other, despite being from different worlds. Of course, Ava’s family is appalled by the situation and can’t ship her back to New York City fast enough.

Ikshu needs to speak his intention, but speaking is difficult. He witnessed the killing of his family several years ago, which left him selectively mute. While he can talk to his brother Nartan and sister-in-law Olive, speaking to others is a struggle he doesn’t always win.

His happily ever after with Ava, though, depends on his voice. He calls on his spirit guide to help him defeat his inner demons so he can profess his love. Can his spirit guide help him? And if he can, will it be before Ava leaves?

Sound of a Wylder Silence is the second installment in the Sagebrush brothers saga. But not to worry, you can jump right in with Ikshu’s story. Marilyn Barr does an excellent of job of referring to past events with just the right touch, so you feel right at home. Oh, there may be one “problem.” If you haven’t read Dance to a Wylder Beat, the story of Ikshu’s brother, you may be compelled to read that one as well.

With the perfect balance of drama and lightheartedness, this book is a joy to read. I loved the supernatural element. Sound of a Wylder Silence is everything a love story should be. Well done, Marilyn, well done.