Beyond Doubt

Beyond Love #2

by Karice Bolton

Brandy Rhodes is about to enter law school and everything is going according to plan.


Until she meets him—the one man in the universe who’s off limits—her best friend’s brother, Aaron.


Brandy knows enough to stay away from him, but as the pull becomes impossible to ignore, secrets and lies become part of Brandy’s way of life. And she kind of likes it.


Aaron Sullivan has never been one to believe in love. His motto is quantity over quality and that has suited him quite well. After all, love is an illusion and romance is another way to manipulate females into bed.


Until he met her—the one woman in the universe who calls his bluff and shows what love can be.


But as their love grows, Aaron’s past begins to haunt his future, and right when she needs him the most, he makes a decision that will shatter her world.


And she just may not survive

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2013

About the author

Karice is the author of over sixty books that span several genres. She loves nothing more than spending time with her family and sneaking away to write in between with a latte in hand.

She received an MFA in Creative Writing from the U of W.

Sign up for Karice's newsletter and new release info at http://www.karicebolton.com/


Titles include:

Cloudberry Inn Series
Imagining You
Remembering You
Leaving You
Loving You

Sunshine Breakfast Club
Dash of Love
Pinch of Love

Beyond Love Series
Beyond Control (Book 1)
Beyond Doubt (Book 2)
Beyond Reason (Book 3)
Beyond Intent (Book 4)
Beyond Chance (Book 5)
Beyond Promise (Book 6)
Beyond the Mistletoe (Book 7)

Island County Series
Finding Love in Forgotten Cove (Book 1)
Love Redone in Hidden Harbor (Book 2)
Tangled Love on Pelican Point (Book 3)
Forever Love on Fireweed Island (Book 4)
Tempting Love on Holly Lane (Book 5)
Chance at Love at Mystic Bay (Book 6)
Irresistible Love at Silver Falls (Book 7)
Lucky in Love on Hound Island(Book 8)
Mistletoe Mischief (Book 9)

Silver Ridge Series
Happy Truth About Love
A Little Secret About Love
A Funny Thing About Love
A Surprising Thing About Love
Christmas at Silver Ridge

V Mafia Series
Blake
Devin
Jaxson

Luke Fletcher Series
Hidden Sins (Book 1)
Buried Sins (Book 2)
Redemption (Book 3)
Mia (Book 4)

Afterworld Serie
RecruitZ
AlibiZ
UprisingZ

The Camp

The Watchers Trilogy
Taken Novella (A Watchers prequel)
Awakening (Book 1)
Legions (Book 2)
Cataclysm(Book 3)

The Witch Avenue Series
Lonely Souls (Book 1)
Altered Souls (Book 2)
Released Souls (Book 3)
Shattered Souls (Book 4)


The Watchers Trilogy: Awakening was a Barnes & Noble January 2012 Staff Pick: Nook Books Under $5

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only did the author leave us with a cliff hanger at the end of the first book but now she found a way to tease us and draw out the suspense with the beginning of this second book.

I have to say that I for one found that intriguing. I love learning the backstory of Brandy and Aaron's romance and what lead up to the accident. All the layers made for a more detailed complete story. Brandy is the best friend of Aaron's sister and so she thought this romance was a no no. You would never want to hurt your best friend especially after Aaron and Gabby had a rough reintroduction. Yet, Aaron was not about to let anything deter him from what he wanted. We learned his backstory in the first book and it endeared him to me even more. Let's not play coy and say he is innocent but who is? There is so much about him that will call out to the romantic in you. Brandy comes from a close knit family and she is focused on law school but it seems someone else is focused on her. The backstory here was well thought out with great focus.

Once we are reintroduced to the previous books ending, the focus is once again on the outcome of the accident, and Aaron's complete focus on Brandy and the close friendship of Gabby, Brady and Lillian. The healing process takes place in more ways than one and I will only say the HEA we are all looking for is there. I personally look forward to Lillian's story since very little has been revealed about her character other than her close friendship with Gabby and Brandy. The last friend revealed usually has the hottest story of them all.

[Melissa Levine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t really a fan of this story. It just didn’t have any ‘oomph’ for me. There was nothing new or original.

It seemed way too big of a coincidence, to me, that Gabby ended up with her long-lost brother’s best friend.

So she goes from giving a tour of the house to Aaron. They’re in the bedroom and making out. She wakes up inside the tent outside. Huh? Did I miss a part of the story? What would have made her over-drink? Considering she was paranoid that Gabby would know about her and Aaron? No sense there.

Brandy ends up in a bike accident and is aware the whole time. When Aaron’s on the phone with paramedics he tells them her eyes are closed and she’s not responding, yet Gabby is supposedly moving and has her eyes open. Obviously she’s unable to actually speak and just believes she is, but the moving bit? She turns her head to see the paramedic putting the IV in her arm. If she’s looking around, which she has to be doing to see everything going on…well, how is that possible? And after all that time she where no one realizes she’s aware she still has no clue that she was hurt in the accident? Of course, this is possible, I guess but the whole looking around part is questionable.

When did Gabby find out about Aaron and Brandy? Last thing I heard was Brandy had written a letter for Gabby and was planning on giving it to her and then suddenly, Gabby already knows.

So Aaron was going to China and had a female translator. After trying to convince Brandy not to leave (she was in her car), Aaron ends up referring to his translator as ‘babe.’ While I know jealousy is the first thin that popped into my head, I don’t believe Aaron would have wanted Brandy jealous if he cared that much about her. That was strange.

What ever happened to Jeff? Brandy was all getting texts, calls, flowers, and chocolate. She meets Jeff and then ends up finding out he was her stalker so…what happened? Obviously he was arrested but then nothing more was said. So what was the point of Jeff then?

[Jennifer Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started chapter one, my first thought was.... OH NO! it doesn't start off where book one left? WHAT? I couldn't believe this. I was so irritated. I couldn't believe that Ms. Bolton would even do this to her readers. Therefore, my irritation set the mood to the first couple of chapters. I felt like I was in slow progress... But with that said.

I have no doubt that this book was better than the first. I felt like it was more on edge than easy. Love the sneakyness and the bantering. There was always something going on. A also like how Ms. Bolton through in a conflict that had nothing to do with Araon and Brandy's relationship.

The one thing that left me wondering was did the three girls take a road trip to Brandy's brother's cabin in the first book? I don't recall that happening. I don't even remember it being referenced. But in the second book all of them plus the guys were gone for the weekend.
HMMMMMM.. is all I can say.

Well, if you can handle starting book 2 at the beginning of Brandy's and Araons relationship and not how book one ended. Then this is a great read. and I definitely recommend it.

[Kelly Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I loved Brandy and Aaron's story even though I wanted to punch Aaron at times! A brilliant book of true friendship, family and love. I can't wait for Lilly and Ayden's book!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I obtained this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. I was really enjoying this book after I got through the third chapter where it rehashed the first book. Then towards the end I felt really ticked off when the author would have you believe that someone could be so blindly forgiving without reservation. I felt the ending was rushed and under developed.

[Carol Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

Brandy and Aaron's story was amazing. Poor brandy went thru so much. But Aaron stood by her side thru the hard stuff. That is the sign of true love. Can't wait to read Lily's story.

[Lindsay Chinnappen · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome story line. keeps u interested and intrigued.
I love how Brandy ends up with Aaron.

[Zoë Braycotton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed the second book of the Beyond series, good storyline, with Aaron and Brandy. Looking forward to what’s in stall for Lilly.

[Anita Ann Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Beyond Doubt was the best book,you laugh,you cry I didn't want it to end got be a second book they to get marriage love love

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough read for me, because at the end of Beyond Control (Jason and Gabby's story) you already know where this story is going to end. While I could appreciate understanding how Aaron and Brandy came together and their story, part of the suspense was already ruined with the ending of Beyond Control. I think I would've enjoyed this novel much more if I had read this one without the first in the series. Good novel overall, but I'm just disappointed that so much of it was destroyed with the novel before.

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:
Brandy was a gal with two wonderful friends, Gabby and Lillian and a very supportive family. Gabby happened to be her boss in a large corporation, a corporation owned by Gabby’s family. The three of them had been in university together, but now were struggling in the real world. Brandy wanted to be a lawyer, but for the moment she had to work. She was quick on her feet, intelligent, with really great looks. The camaraderie between the girls was very warming – the perfect kind of friends to have.

Enter Aaron– Gabby’s brother who has been gone from the family since he was 18. Gabby had heard rumors about his womanizing, etc. and was afraid to let him back into her life. God knows what he’d been up to. Brandy, being the good friend she was, made a point in steering Aaron away from Gabby. Aaron kept seeking her out. Things get a little tricky when Brandy would prefer to sneak off with Aaron, however much she wanted her mind and body take the high way. Energy between them absolutely sizzled. She knew the type he was though. He was a player and no good for her. Brandy had a pretty good idea he was using her to get to Gabby. Was it working? Hmmm…

I picked up this book because of the narrator, Valerie Gilbert. She has written some of her own books, does narrations as well. Since her books were more like memoirs and sharing her thoughts, I got to know her well. I don’t know if Ms. Boulton created this story for Ms. Gilbert, or Ms. Gilbert hit upon the perfect story for the character resonates very strongly how I view Ms. Gilbert. And it is in first person! Ms. Gilbert is perfectly sarcastic, playing the part of Brandy who is full of snarky humor even about her own feelings, leaving me smirking throughout the listen. She narrates Brandy marvelously, particularly when Brandy talks to herself. I couldn’t help but respect her strength, her wisdom and her view of life.

Once Ms. Bolton’s story started heating up with emotions pulling at the hero and heroine, I was totally connected. Experiences Brandy and Aaron faced were heart-achingly real. There was realization of what could have been, learning life can change on a dime and trust is not always easy to grant. Then there is the lesson fear should not govern one’s life. Ms. Bolton left me most satisfied with her happy ever after. I shall look forward to the next in the series, Beyond Reason.

[Terisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

As they say in this book, Meh... 2 stars

I wanted to like this book so much because let's face it, the cliff hanger at the end of book 1 was a major one with Brandy being in a devastating motor cycle accident. For the most part, I did like it but there were just too many things that didn't add up which leads to the 2 star rating.

Brady started crushing on Aaron almost as soon as she met him but with him being her best friends brother, he was off limits. She can't have a relationship with someone that basically disappeared for 10 years and hurt her best friend like he did. Now she is getting all of these strange text messages and gifts after she has lunch with him., are they from him even though he claims that they aren't?

First this story goes back to the beginning of story 1 when Brandy first met Aaron at the party so you don't find out what happened with Brandy's accident until 70% into the book. I appreciate that the author didn't re-hash everything which would make it boring but to add a whole other element of what was going on with Brady didn't work for me. It would have if any of it was mentioned in book 1 because we would have known that something was off but we were only led to believe that she was sneaking off with Aaron while Gabby was with Jason. There were parties and things that Brandy and Gabby went to in this one that never happened in book 1 and the big break up between Gabby and Jason in book 1 was never mentioned in this book even though the two story's crossed. I understand that the idea of this book wasn't fully thought out when writing book 1 but you can't go back that far and not have them mesh at all. It doesn't work.

There were so many other things but I won't bore you with the details but another major issue that I had was with the Kindle download itself. I thought at first that it was because I was reading it on my phone but then it also happened on my iPad. When a word ended with a hyphen at the end of a page the rest of the sentence was gone from the next page. You could make your text smaller or larger to find it but that was a real pain.

I'm not sure that I will purchase Lily's story when it comes out. Sorry but after strikes I'm not wasting any more money on this series.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with any of my reviews on books of a series, do not read if you haven’t completed the books before this one. It could contain spoilers for the previous books.

First off let me say how happy I was that Bolton started this book back when Brandy and Aaron first met. On one hand we get to go back to the start and see it from Brandy's POV this time around. On the other hand we know what is coming and we are not sure what to do or what to think or how to feel because of the ending BEYOND CONTROL left us with. We had no idea if Brandy lived or died. So I guess you could say that all through the book we were waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Gonna be honest, I was a tad bit perturbed with Brandy at times. I was tired of her flip/flop attitude and was ready for the girl to just give in already to Aaron. Heck, it she didn't I would be glad to help her out with that pesky little problem. Thankfully she does come around after much inner debate with her heart and mind. And let me add that Aaron is a fabulous character, too! I enjoyed him so very much. But there is one scene at the very end that I was ready to kick him to the curve. I just knew I wouldn't care for him any more after he showed his rear in front of Brandy. But maybe he got back into my good graces and maybe he didn't. Hmmmm.....

I also loved that there was quite a bit of suspense. I wasn't really expecting it and it popped up at all the right times. Just when I had forgotten about it, Bolton would remind us once again. It was the perfect addition to the story and kept the storyline very interesting as well.

There was a lot of emotion in this one, though not as much as the first book. I bawled like a baby with BEYOND CONTROL but found that this one didn't pack that emotional punch. And that is ok. Just knowing the end was coming and I knew what to expect had me on tension overload. I was a mess by the time the event occurred. But Bolton was amazing as always and wrote that scene beautifully. It was amazing and heartbreaking at the same time.

Absolutely, 100% recommend this book! So what are you waiting for?

[EndlessReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohh My Word! I CAN NOT tell you how MUCH I love Karice's work, she is phenomenal.!

I have followed Karice ever since reading The Watcher's Trilogy. The work she produces is so gripping and enthralling, it makes you want to constantly read, which is good news for us, but bad for her, as she NEEDS to work faster in releasing her books!

It seems like I've been waiting a lifetime to read this book. I fell in love with Gabby and Jason in Beyond Control, and I loved Brandy whilst reading their storyline, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this and read all about Brandy, and of course to read more and learn more of Gabby's elusive brother Aaron.

I'm glad these two hooked up, yes it took a while, but comon' we totally wanted it to happen *happy squeal*

I loved the twists and turns, the up's and downs, it's the best part.

Even though this is their story Karice has done an amazing job in keeping Gabby and Jason in the loop and of course the lovely Lily.

There were tears shed, I will admit and forewarn you, tissue's at the ready :)

Soooo......Aaron, YES! He is totally S.E.X on legs! Yes I thought he was a douche in the first book originally but if you've read Beyond Control you will learn of the full story between Gabby & Aaron.

BUT! In this he is such a sweetheart, and doted on Brandy, very protective (which is good)

Yes like all good hero's he has a past, he's running from the pain of being hurt, or the occurrence of what his mother's betrayal has left scarred on his heart.

Can he get over his fears of love?

Will he keep his promise he made to Brandy?



This is the ULTIMATE question though.........

Will Lily get her muchly needed HEA!



I totally have some male names in the line up for the mysterious high-school sweetheart, she left behind!

I can feel this next book, Beyond Reason, being my favourite, with a WHOLE new level to love and heartbreak!

Comon' Karice get cracking with this release :)

I love you and you're amazing <3 Bring on July 2014!

[Tracy Decresie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the writing style of Karice Bolton. Definitely a new fan! Her writing is full of complexities, that feel so real that you're easily caught up in the stories. The characters are so well developed that you really do feel a connection. Something I think every writer should really strive for. In this story, the love between Aaron and Brandy is unmistakable. But with her loyalties to her best friend,(who happens to be Aarons sister), she fights it. Aaron has his own baggage from finding out he was conceived during an affair, and his subconscious mistrust of women guarding his heart. His true character comes through at a time when Brandy needs him most, allowing her to let her guard down and let herself fall in love, only to find that he's withholding from her still. At times he really frustrated me....but don't all men? A wonderful story of friendship, that "soul mate" kind of love and the things that try to get in the way and how we handle them.

[Lilacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading this at 6this morning and haven't been able to put it down.Karice Bolton does it again. Putting you right in the characters seat.What a roller coaster ride!Your see things through Brandy's eyes and emotions.You feel her joys & pains & regrets.You feel her love for the family and friends & her desire to live. Then you have Aaron the brother of her bf Gabby. Who is a knock out and sure of himself. He has achieved slot of issue's from his past and wants to move one. Brandy and Aaron try to make ago of their feelings that both are having for one another. But.... Bring your tissues and your coffee or wine to your comfy spot and enjoy the ride Karice Bolton has in store..
******* to Beyond Doubt. I can't wait for book 3 Beyond Reason which is Lily's story.Will she get he man next???

[Melodie Chasteen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book immediately after reading the 1st one. I LOVED how the writing went, from the main characters perspective. Very interesting! In hind sight however, it would have been better if a little more detail went into the explanation of the accident instead of the inner dialogue, and what all that meant. Also, it was distracting for me to read certain parts, wondering how they fit into the timeline of the 1st book (the cabin party). Anyway, I just couldn't wait to get through the book and start the 3rd one! But it's not out yet!!! Gah! I'd live to have the opportunity to be and Advanced Reader! I've never done that before! And since I read both of these books in 2 days, I'd be a great candidate to get a quick review out!!! I was hoping to find more books along this kind of line.... Anyone know of any?!!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandy Rhodes is about to enter law school and everything is going according to plan.

Until she meets him--the one man in the universe who's off limits--her best friend's brother, Aaron.

Brandy knows enough to stay away from him, but as the pull becomes impossible to ignore, secrets and lies become part of Brandy's way of life. And she kind of likes it.

Aaron Sullivan has never been one to believe in love. His motto is quantity over quality and that has suited him quite well. After all, love is an illusion and romance is another way to manipulate females into bed.

Until he meets her--the one woman in the universe who calls his bluff and shows what love can be.

But as their love grows, Aaron's past begins to haunt his future, and right when she needs him the most, he makes a decision that will shatter her world.

And she just may not survive.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got to say liked this installment of the series better than the first one, Aaron that man is sex on two legs, "do you think that's how I operate to get a woman in bed?" he asked, his lips tugging into a smile. "I tend to like my women agreeable and excited, not frightened and on the run." Brandy the girl knows how to bust a guys nuts and I really loved that about her, "and I'm asking whether that one date will just put me in the lineup?" I stared directly into his hardening gaze. "Because that's not what I'm looking for." I'm really excited for Lily's story!

[Dawn-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare I say I liked this book better than the first! I think so. I was prepared for the not starting where the first book left off. I wasn't crazy about that idea, but as I read I realized it was a good idea and I liked having the back story of these two. I ended up crying and that didn't even happen in the first book for me. I loved getting to know both Aaron and Brandy better and we get a little stalker mystery in this book so that just pushed it over for me on the likeness scale.

looking forward to reading the third book.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandy is Gabby's best friend and shouldn't be having feeling for Aaron, Gabby's brother. He has been gone for 10 years and Gabby is still trying to find out why. So Brandy shouldn't be complicating things. Along with everything, weird things are happening. Things are missing in the apartment and she can't understand why. But she feels an attraction to him. What will happen if she gives into her feelings? Will she get hurt? Is he the one?

[Tami Urbanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 actually...I LOVED this one! watching both of them working thru their separate "issues" was so refreshing! although I will say I was surprised he didn't lose his temper with her "gabby can't know" stuff long before he did...
I was a little let down with the stalker "reveal" being someone that we had no investment in at all...I thought they spent so much time building that up, and blew over it way to easily... that's the only reason it isn't 5 stars!
but over all it was a great read!!!!!!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I wanted to deck him and jump him simultaneously'....need I say more!

Another cracking book to continue the series, the cast of characters in this series are fantastic, you have an immediate reaction to each, although some surprise you and as you get to know them better they manage to change your opinions and win you over.

Aaron is a prime example of this and Brandy certainly keeps him on his toes with her should I, shouldn't I?

Loved it!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run from Miss Karice!! I loved Brandy and Aaron! Brandy was completely relatable for me and I loved how strong willed she was. The chemistry between these two was intense and broken but heartwarming as well. I am so excited for Lily' s book next!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart gripping

Heart gripping

this one grabs your heart and keeps it in its grip all the way through. sometimes you are not who you are pulling for the most. just read it and you will see my point. very gripping.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always know how to pull the tears out of me Karice!! Review soon

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 got bored with the story. i didn't feel connected to the characters. yes, they're nice but they do not have a great impact on me.

[Tabby - Shattered Hearts Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Review to come :)

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is wow! Karice has captured my heart once again, can't wait for Beyond Reason!

[Tammie Paull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! a great read