Silent Hearts is the third book in the Hamilton Stables series by Melissa West and it is one of my favorite kinds of stories – friends to lovers. While part of a series, it isn’t completely necessary to read books one and two but I highly recommend you do. Not just because you will then know the characters mentioned, but also because the Hamilton brothers are great characters.

This book’s main characters are Nick and Becca. Nick and Becca have been friends forever and where Nick hasn’t always seen Becca as the woman for him, Becca has definitely viewed him as the man for her. There was a period where Nick was engaged to someone else and I mention this because that relationship, as well as the loss of his parents, have caused Nick to close himself off from relationships a little bit.

I’m on the fence with my feelings about Nick. As the son who has always been focused on taking over the business, Nick does just that when their father dies and this only creates more heartburn for him. He is a solid character but while his area of the business isn’t doing so great, his brothers are becoming more successful and it is clear that he holds that against him. Now – I also don’t blame him for being angry. They went behind his back with some things and that definitely wasn’t cool. Nick’s default is to find Becca when he needs to not think about all the things that are off for him and she is always there for him.

I really liked Becca. She has grown up in Triple Run and has always been seen as Nick’s friend and being a small town, everyone has an opinion about what they are to each other. Of course, almost everyone but Nick can really see what Becca feels for Nick no matter what she says.

I enjoyed Becca and Nick together. With their friendship, she isn’t afraid to call him out on his crap and stand up for herself but still support him the way he needs her to. One of the things West does well (in my opinion) is write the romance and this book was no exception. The build of the more than friends relationship piece was great and as always, I look forward to more from her in this genre.

If you are looking for a quick romance, definitely check this book (and the rest of the series) out. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Melissa West writes wonderful stories and everyone should read them.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.