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Tainted Truths
Ben and Chelsea's eyes are on the future. The promise of a wedding, the anticipation of starting a family, the excitement of their new life together… The couple's long-awaited happily ever after is finally within their grasp.
There’s only one thing standing in their Veronica Craft
A poisonous, vile excuse for a human being, Ben and Chelsea want nothing more than to forget the wretched woman exists. However, when a horrific turn of events leaves Ben decimated, Chelsea must summon the strength to mend the fractures left in their wake.
Will the haunting echoes of history overpower the love the couple share, or will they be able to salvage the future they have so carefully reconstructed?
There’s only one thing standing in their Veronica Craft
A poisonous, vile excuse for a human being, Ben and Chelsea want nothing more than to forget the wretched woman exists. However, when a horrific turn of events leaves Ben decimated, Chelsea must summon the strength to mend the fractures left in their wake.
Will the haunting echoes of history overpower the love the couple share, or will they be able to salvage the future they have so carefully reconstructed?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2024
10 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Gayla J. Reel
2 books45 followersGayla J. Reel is a debut author. Her husband is not a Rockstar. She is not a Vampire Slayer, and her children do not have superpowers. Gayla has never won the Nobel Peace Prize, nor does she plan on selling more books than The Bible. When she isn’t writing, Gayla is probably crying real tears because people won’t stop talking to her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 17, 2024
This was a good book. I like that it started off where the last book ended. It was a bit of a slower read for me.
February 16, 2024
Ben & Chelsea
We’re back for part 2 of their story
Veronica…always the drama causer…yet again I’d like her to jump off a cliff & she can take Emilia right with her
Ben & Chelsea are finally on the right path to happiness….enter Veronica & Emilia to ruin it all….UGH!!!
In the game of life nothing ever works out perfectly the way you planned it…sometimes there are obstacles in the way…..plans change & things get diverted but eventually you make the changes work….Ben & Chelsea really have their work cut out for them but they can make it happen
I loved their story…so many obstacles got in their way…they may not of always handled them properly but they handled everything the only way they knew how…they both learned to communicate (eventually) with each other….life lessons were learned & things aren’t always as they appear
I also love that Lindsey (Ben’s best friend) lives in a small town in Oklahoma because me too 😉
Give this duo a read…you could read both as a standalone but why would you want to…it definitely makes more sense if you read them both but you get enough info in this book to fill in the blanks
Do check the trigger warnings…there aren’t very many but a couple of pretty big ones
We’re back for part 2 of their story
Veronica…always the drama causer…yet again I’d like her to jump off a cliff & she can take Emilia right with her
Ben & Chelsea are finally on the right path to happiness….enter Veronica & Emilia to ruin it all….UGH!!!
In the game of life nothing ever works out perfectly the way you planned it…sometimes there are obstacles in the way…..plans change & things get diverted but eventually you make the changes work….Ben & Chelsea really have their work cut out for them but they can make it happen
I loved their story…so many obstacles got in their way…they may not of always handled them properly but they handled everything the only way they knew how…they both learned to communicate (eventually) with each other….life lessons were learned & things aren’t always as they appear
I also love that Lindsey (Ben’s best friend) lives in a small town in Oklahoma because me too 😉
Give this duo a read…you could read both as a standalone but why would you want to…it definitely makes more sense if you read them both but you get enough info in this book to fill in the blanks
Do check the trigger warnings…there aren’t very many but a couple of pretty big ones
February 7, 2024
“Tainted Truths” is book 2 in the duet, following Forgotten Vows. Definitely read the first book before reading TT.
Ben and Chelsea are back together and working through their relationship, facing a million obstacles in the process. They decided that getting remarried and having a baby is the best idea now, even as Veronica and her sidekick Emelia comes back to play sick mind games. With their lives flipped upside down, they both said and done things that wasn’t ideal.
I personally loved that Lindsey called them both out for their BS. THAT is a true friend. He tells things as it is, holding them both responsible for their actions/words and everything else. It was refreshing to have authors that take accountability into their character’s storylines. Chelsea definitely overreacted with a lot of things, but it was nice to see how she fixed things in the end. Ben was a sweetheart. Helping her through a lot, even when he had his own issues to work through. But when things got hard, Chelsea left him to deal with it on his own. She REALLY irritated me.
THE spice was spicyyyy. An easy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. They had some really good sex scenes through the book. YESSSS DADDY BEN!
Overall, it was a really good book. If you love a second chance at love, with some twists, lots of spice and a HEA, this is a duet you need to read! 📚
Ben and Chelsea are back together and working through their relationship, facing a million obstacles in the process. They decided that getting remarried and having a baby is the best idea now, even as Veronica and her sidekick Emelia comes back to play sick mind games. With their lives flipped upside down, they both said and done things that wasn’t ideal.
I personally loved that Lindsey called them both out for their BS. THAT is a true friend. He tells things as it is, holding them both responsible for their actions/words and everything else. It was refreshing to have authors that take accountability into their character’s storylines. Chelsea definitely overreacted with a lot of things, but it was nice to see how she fixed things in the end. Ben was a sweetheart. Helping her through a lot, even when he had his own issues to work through. But when things got hard, Chelsea left him to deal with it on his own. She REALLY irritated me.
THE spice was spicyyyy. An easy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. They had some really good sex scenes through the book. YESSSS DADDY BEN!
Overall, it was a really good book. If you love a second chance at love, with some twists, lots of spice and a HEA, this is a duet you need to read! 📚
February 10, 2024
Tainted Truths is the second book in the Torn Loyalties duet, picking up right where book one, Forgotten Vows left off. As an ARC reader of this book, I feel very privileged and proud to have been among the first to read it.
Ben and Chelsea have been through so much and finally found their way back to one another’s arms and are so happy and in love and planning their wedding and having a baby when of course Veronica walks back in, up to her old tricks again, with Emilia as her sidekick.
Lindsey is a favorite character of mine, as he seems to be the only one who has his head on straight. I loved Lindsey for his outspokenness and quickness to speak up to both Chelsea and Ben when they needed to hear it, even when they didn’t want to hear it.
There were parts in the book that I was so angry at Chelsea and wanted to give her a good shake, but through all of it I wholeheartedly rooted for her and Ben to make it and finally find their peace together.
I like that although there was HEA, it wasn’t perfect. They both have work to do on their relationship and recognize that. I think you’d find yourself going through a list of emotions and feelings and ultimately loving this book. And the spice is spicing 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵!!!
This was easily a 5⭐️read for me! Cheers, Gayla!!🥂
Ben and Chelsea have been through so much and finally found their way back to one another’s arms and are so happy and in love and planning their wedding and having a baby when of course Veronica walks back in, up to her old tricks again, with Emilia as her sidekick.
Lindsey is a favorite character of mine, as he seems to be the only one who has his head on straight. I loved Lindsey for his outspokenness and quickness to speak up to both Chelsea and Ben when they needed to hear it, even when they didn’t want to hear it.
There were parts in the book that I was so angry at Chelsea and wanted to give her a good shake, but through all of it I wholeheartedly rooted for her and Ben to make it and finally find their peace together.
I like that although there was HEA, it wasn’t perfect. They both have work to do on their relationship and recognize that. I think you’d find yourself going through a list of emotions and feelings and ultimately loving this book. And the spice is spicing 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵!!!
This was easily a 5⭐️read for me! Cheers, Gayla!!🥂
February 5, 2024
This was a decent book, it is a little slow for my taste, but it has a good story line.
If you enjoy breading type stories this has that in it, but in like a sweet way, if that makes sense? Rather than like the kinky, dirty way. (We all love kinky dirty things, this one just felt sweeter to me than that haha)
It has a lot of ups and downs, and I wanted to smack Chelsea more than a few times.
They don’t have a ton of fun banter, it is more of a series book, but it’s a good read ◡̈
The spicy scenes are a lot of fun to read as well. 🌶️🌶️
If you enjoy breading type stories this has that in it, but in like a sweet way, if that makes sense? Rather than like the kinky, dirty way. (We all love kinky dirty things, this one just felt sweeter to me than that haha)
It has a lot of ups and downs, and I wanted to smack Chelsea more than a few times.
They don’t have a ton of fun banter, it is more of a series book, but it’s a good read ◡̈
The spicy scenes are a lot of fun to read as well. 🌶️🌶️
February 5, 2024
O M G!!! The way the plot twist had my jaw on the ground!! Also had my husband asking me why I was bawling my eyes out at 1am! Such a good book! Please check out this series!! You will not be let down! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
February 16, 2024
This was a great conclusion to the story. The twist were twisty with an HEA. I'd love to see Lindsey get a story. He was a great best friend to the MMC.
February 16, 2024
I came in to this book with some anxiety about Veronica from book 1 so i had a feeling she was going to be up to some trouble in this book, and man was i right!!
That woman is terrible and i was reading each chapter at the edge of my seat!! Ms Gayla sure knows how to keep me interested! I blew through this in 24 hours because i couldnt put it down.
I laughed and i cried and i was so mad at chelsea at one point for how she treated ben, but i had such hope for them to make it through every thing and they sure did.
The spicy 🌶️ scenes were amazing and even better than book one! The wedding ceremony i was able to picture it in my head and all in all it was an amazing read!!
I cried when they named the baby Lindsay ❤️
Definitely go get yourself a copy if this duet!
Releases 2.14.24
That woman is terrible and i was reading each chapter at the edge of my seat!! Ms Gayla sure knows how to keep me interested! I blew through this in 24 hours because i couldnt put it down.
I laughed and i cried and i was so mad at chelsea at one point for how she treated ben, but i had such hope for them to make it through every thing and they sure did.
The spicy 🌶️ scenes were amazing and even better than book one! The wedding ceremony i was able to picture it in my head and all in all it was an amazing read!!
I cried when they named the baby Lindsay ❤️
Definitely go get yourself a copy if this duet!
Releases 2.14.24
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
This is the conclusion to Ben and Chelsea's story from forgotten vows. They are still working through some of their issues but for the most part they are living in the joy of being back together. This book still has some big obstacles that they had to work through together and separately. It was a book where you are on an emotional journey with the characters as they live through the highs and work through the lows. What you will also read is that sometimes when they are working through these issues, they as individuals and as a couple fall short in how they handled things. Made them seem more human as they didn't immediately solve their problems right away the first time perfectly. These were flawed humans just trying to do their best and it was refreshing. I am a little sad to have their story ended but I am happy to know that in the end Ben and Chelsea are happy.
This story is about Ben and Chelsea who are on cloud 9 because they have found their way back to each other after everything they went through in book 1. Now they want to focus on their upcoming wedding and their future together and all that it entails. However, just because they are ready to move on and live their best lives doesn't mean there are those who are willing to let them. There is still the issue of Veronica and all the trouble she brings. She was able to break them up once before so who knows what she has planned and what it can mean for their relationship. Will Ben and Chelsea be able to work through all the things that come their way, or will they fall victim to her evil plots like they had before. Read to find out.
This story is about Ben and Chelsea who are on cloud 9 because they have found their way back to each other after everything they went through in book 1. Now they want to focus on their upcoming wedding and their future together and all that it entails. However, just because they are ready to move on and live their best lives doesn't mean there are those who are willing to let them. There is still the issue of Veronica and all the trouble she brings. She was able to break them up once before so who knows what she has planned and what it can mean for their relationship. Will Ben and Chelsea be able to work through all the things that come their way, or will they fall victim to her evil plots like they had before. Read to find out.
February 22, 2024
Tainted Truths by Gayla Reel
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3/5
💗 Redemption
💗 Second Chance
💗 Emotionally Charged
💗 Completed Duet
Ben and Chelseas story has not been an easy one so far and in Tainted Truths it doesn't seem to be getting any easier, they have already been through such an ordeal. If you havent read Forgotten Vows then i suggest reading that first as it is the first book in this duet.
Ben and Chelsea have fought so hard to be able to find their way back to each other and yet one person threatens all of the hard work they have put in... Victoria, the sister of the person who caused the turmoil between them and why they divorced in the first place. Ben is trying to hard to take as much stress from Chelsea as he can but it all seems to be piling up with no solution in sight. One night and One mistake rips not only their relationship apart but also Ben.. he now has a first hand uderstanding of how Chelsea was feeling when she asked for a divorce... now he is considering the same thing but there is another factor in play... Neither of them can live without the other again...
This Duet is full of heart ache.. you'll be screaming at the book telling them not to leave or wondering why they have done what they have done... but you will also fall in love with Ben and Chelsea, i personally love Lindsey and i know you all will too, he is Ben's best friend and he does not sugar coat anything for the pair and is quite happy to speak his mind. Overall this duet is amazing and so well written.
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3/5
💗 Redemption
💗 Second Chance
💗 Emotionally Charged
💗 Completed Duet
Ben and Chelseas story has not been an easy one so far and in Tainted Truths it doesn't seem to be getting any easier, they have already been through such an ordeal. If you havent read Forgotten Vows then i suggest reading that first as it is the first book in this duet.
Ben and Chelsea have fought so hard to be able to find their way back to each other and yet one person threatens all of the hard work they have put in... Victoria, the sister of the person who caused the turmoil between them and why they divorced in the first place. Ben is trying to hard to take as much stress from Chelsea as he can but it all seems to be piling up with no solution in sight. One night and One mistake rips not only their relationship apart but also Ben.. he now has a first hand uderstanding of how Chelsea was feeling when she asked for a divorce... now he is considering the same thing but there is another factor in play... Neither of them can live without the other again...
This Duet is full of heart ache.. you'll be screaming at the book telling them not to leave or wondering why they have done what they have done... but you will also fall in love with Ben and Chelsea, i personally love Lindsey and i know you all will too, he is Ben's best friend and he does not sugar coat anything for the pair and is quite happy to speak his mind. Overall this duet is amazing and so well written.
February 7, 2024
This review does contain some spoilers...
Overall I really enjoyed this set. Tainted Truths was a great follow-up to Forgotten Vows and I love that Chelsea and Ben finally got their happy ending. I was very happy to read that they were able to keep their marriage together and start to work through their problems especially with their daughter being brought into the world. I think it was the right setup to have the couple start over in a new state and not try to make it believable that they just went home to the house in Cali where so many mistakes had been made. They really needed the fresh start in a new place for their family and I'm so glad they got it.
There were a few grammatical errors within the book though. There are also a few places where words got skipped over so it made it a little difficult at times to stayed wrapped in the story.
I wish that there would have been more of an explanation as to what exactly was going on with Veronica and why she went to all the trouble to try and tear Chelsea and Ben apart. I also still have questions on how Chelsea was being blamed for Mitch's death and how Emilia got roped into this whole scenario and how she was talked into moving to Texas just to live near Chelsea, travel to Saltridge to corner Chelsea in the restroom, and how they pulled off the scenario of her working at the bar Ben happened to visit and how he didn't recognize her for her to be able drug him and set him up for Veronica's plan when he returned home...
Overall I really enjoyed this set. Tainted Truths was a great follow-up to Forgotten Vows and I love that Chelsea and Ben finally got their happy ending. I was very happy to read that they were able to keep their marriage together and start to work through their problems especially with their daughter being brought into the world. I think it was the right setup to have the couple start over in a new state and not try to make it believable that they just went home to the house in Cali where so many mistakes had been made. They really needed the fresh start in a new place for their family and I'm so glad they got it.
There were a few grammatical errors within the book though. There are also a few places where words got skipped over so it made it a little difficult at times to stayed wrapped in the story.
I wish that there would have been more of an explanation as to what exactly was going on with Veronica and why she went to all the trouble to try and tear Chelsea and Ben apart. I also still have questions on how Chelsea was being blamed for Mitch's death and how Emilia got roped into this whole scenario and how she was talked into moving to Texas just to live near Chelsea, travel to Saltridge to corner Chelsea in the restroom, and how they pulled off the scenario of her working at the bar Ben happened to visit and how he didn't recognize her for her to be able drug him and set him up for Veronica's plan when he returned home...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
This is the 2nd book in the Torn Loyalties duet and I strongly advise you read Forgotten Vows first. You won't be toooo lost, but it’ll definitely make much more sense and be more enjoyable that way.
Ben and Chelsea are back together and still have a rocky relationship. They decide to get remarried and have a baby, meanwhile Veronica is up to her crap and she even got someone else involved. She’s being quite shady and popping up everywhere. She seems nice when she first appears, but as everything unfolds she is more and more trustworthy. I LOVED all the banter and jokes with Ben, Chelsea, and Lindsey. I was so team Lindsey for a boy and thought it was hilarious he bought all boy stuff for them before they even knew the sex. I loved Ben and Chelsea and Ben and Lindsey arguing over what sex the baby was gonna be. I loved Lindsey so much. If we don’t get a Lindsey book, hands WILL BE rated E for everyone. He called everyone out on their crap and was blunt. He was honest and just wanted to protect his friends and supported their decisions even if it's not the one he would make. Lindsey is a REAL friend and I hope everyone has a Lindsey. It was very easy to get lost in this book. It picks up from where Forgotten Vows ends and is fast paced. And the spice was sooo spicy. I LOVED this installment so much I read it in a day. I kept laughing out loud so I ended up reading to my boyfriend because he just had to know what was so funny and even he was invested.
Ben and Chelsea are back together and still have a rocky relationship. They decide to get remarried and have a baby, meanwhile Veronica is up to her crap and she even got someone else involved. She’s being quite shady and popping up everywhere. She seems nice when she first appears, but as everything unfolds she is more and more trustworthy. I LOVED all the banter and jokes with Ben, Chelsea, and Lindsey. I was so team Lindsey for a boy and thought it was hilarious he bought all boy stuff for them before they even knew the sex. I loved Ben and Chelsea and Ben and Lindsey arguing over what sex the baby was gonna be. I loved Lindsey so much. If we don’t get a Lindsey book, hands WILL BE rated E for everyone. He called everyone out on their crap and was blunt. He was honest and just wanted to protect his friends and supported their decisions even if it's not the one he would make. Lindsey is a REAL friend and I hope everyone has a Lindsey. It was very easy to get lost in this book. It picks up from where Forgotten Vows ends and is fast paced. And the spice was sooo spicy. I LOVED this installment so much I read it in a day. I kept laughing out loud so I ended up reading to my boyfriend because he just had to know what was so funny and even he was invested.
February 18, 2024
This is the second book in the Torn Loyalties Duet, Tainted Truths, staring right from where book one left off. Chelsea and Ben are trying to find their footing in their relationship now that Chelsea's memories have been restored. Though Veronica is proving more devious then either Ben or Chelsea could have dreamed possibly.
It seems Veronica will stop at nothing to drive a wedge between these two at any cost. Knowing how things ended for them the first time, Chelsea is determined not to let history repeat itself. She wants the life she's dreamed of with Ben by her side. Putting the pieces back together is always a struggle but one she's willing to fight for.
Ben is in constant fear he'll wake up and having Chelsea back in his life will be all just a dream. So he'll do anything he can to keep from waking up into a nightmare. He wants it all with her, to give her his last name again, start a family when the time is right, and even work from home so they can have more time to be together and build for the future they so desperately crave.
But what happens when Veronica proves she'll stoop so low in her pursuit to have Ben all to herself? Can they really come out the other side as a team or will Veronica's schemes drive them apart for good? How much can either of them really take before it all become too much and their trust is put to the test? You definitely don't want to miss this conclusion full of angst and twists!
It seems Veronica will stop at nothing to drive a wedge between these two at any cost. Knowing how things ended for them the first time, Chelsea is determined not to let history repeat itself. She wants the life she's dreamed of with Ben by her side. Putting the pieces back together is always a struggle but one she's willing to fight for.
Ben is in constant fear he'll wake up and having Chelsea back in his life will be all just a dream. So he'll do anything he can to keep from waking up into a nightmare. He wants it all with her, to give her his last name again, start a family when the time is right, and even work from home so they can have more time to be together and build for the future they so desperately crave.
But what happens when Veronica proves she'll stoop so low in her pursuit to have Ben all to herself? Can they really come out the other side as a team or will Veronica's schemes drive them apart for good? How much can either of them really take before it all become too much and their trust is put to the test? You definitely don't want to miss this conclusion full of angst and twists!
February 6, 2024
I hate Veronica. I hated Veronica on the last page of book one, and she doesn’t redeem herself in book 2. I was so angry on two parts of the book, I wanted to reach out and touch someone.
This book was a wonderful finale to Ben and Chelsea’s story. Very suspenseful and emotional. Also read this within a matter of a few hours. Also, I’m going to say it louder for those in the back, I CANNOT STAND VERONICA!!!
Lots of twists in this book, didn’t call any of them ahead of time and I love when a book surprises me. That one scene, the catalyst of the story, had me crying and pissed off. What a twist. I was expecting a different, but equally horrible scene to play in, was NOT expecting what happened at all.
If you like a spicy romance with twists and turns and an evil villian…this might be your next 5 star read.
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a wonderful finale to Ben and Chelsea’s story. Very suspenseful and emotional. Also read this within a matter of a few hours. Also, I’m going to say it louder for those in the back, I CANNOT STAND VERONICA!!!
Lots of twists in this book, didn’t call any of them ahead of time and I love when a book surprises me. That one scene, the catalyst of the story, had me crying and pissed off. What a twist. I was expecting a different, but equally horrible scene to play in, was NOT expecting what happened at all.
If you like a spicy romance with twists and turns and an evil villian…this might be your next 5 star read.
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2024
I absolutely devoured this. I read the entire book in one sitting.
I was a huge fan of book one. It had me hollering and screaming at 3am.
This book was just as good. I still hate Chelsea. She just bothers me. Ben does, too, really. Lindsey is the only person who has the right idea and isn't scared to tell his friends they're being stupid. Because they are. 😅
I still loved this, though. A good duet. Quick read. The spice started on page one and continued throughout the entire book.
I would check trigger warnings for this book and be aware that the pregnancy/breeding trope is a big part of this one! If that's not usually your thing, just be aware! I still loved the book, and the plot and storyline are both wonderful. Character development was great. It had a great ending. I didn't feel like anything was left untouched. Everything tied up nicely.
I was a huge fan of book one. It had me hollering and screaming at 3am.
This book was just as good. I still hate Chelsea. She just bothers me. Ben does, too, really. Lindsey is the only person who has the right idea and isn't scared to tell his friends they're being stupid. Because they are. 😅
I still loved this, though. A good duet. Quick read. The spice started on page one and continued throughout the entire book.
I would check trigger warnings for this book and be aware that the pregnancy/breeding trope is a big part of this one! If that's not usually your thing, just be aware! I still loved the book, and the plot and storyline are both wonderful. Character development was great. It had a great ending. I didn't feel like anything was left untouched. Everything tied up nicely.
February 9, 2024
Chelsea and Ben finally have what they wanted — each other. The two are planning another wedding and trying for a baby. Nothing could go wrong. Until Veronica reappears and brings her usual bullshit. Only this time karma is going to get her but she might’ve already shredded the trust the evidently reunited couple worked so hard to get back in the process.
I feel like this story caused my blood pressure to spike but wrapped the story up nicely. I felt so bad for Ben who really is just trying to be the best he can be for Chelsea and as someone who doesn’t ever want to be pregnant, I can imagine how Chelsea felt. This also is a short enough book that you can read in one sitting.
So Lindsey’s story is coming next right? Because he is my new favorite.
I feel like this story caused my blood pressure to spike but wrapped the story up nicely. I felt so bad for Ben who really is just trying to be the best he can be for Chelsea and as someone who doesn’t ever want to be pregnant, I can imagine how Chelsea felt. This also is a short enough book that you can read in one sitting.
So Lindsey’s story is coming next right? Because he is my new favorite.
February 17, 2024
Tainted Truths Book 2 in the Torn Loyalties by Gayla J. Reel and Brandi Reed and its is great!! If you like second chance, emotionally charged, redemption romance that’s a completed duet then you will love this book. I definitely HAVE to go back to read book 1 in the series Forgotten Vows to see how it all started.
Chelsea and Ben are back together even though their relationship is still rocky. They are living in her house, getting married, and having a baby. Things take a turn when Veronica comes back and wants to take back what she feels is hers. What she does is despicable.
I have to say that Lindsay is my favorite character in this book. He brings much needed humor to this book but when things get rough and always comes running when they need him. However, when things start to unravel you see him be what they both need someone who is loyal, honest, blunt, and tells them both truths. His character made me like this book so much more. I was give then book as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
Chelsea and Ben are back together even though their relationship is still rocky. They are living in her house, getting married, and having a baby. Things take a turn when Veronica comes back and wants to take back what she feels is hers. What she does is despicable.
I have to say that Lindsay is my favorite character in this book. He brings much needed humor to this book but when things get rough and always comes running when they need him. However, when things start to unravel you see him be what they both need someone who is loyal, honest, blunt, and tells them both truths. His character made me like this book so much more. I was give then book as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 14, 2024
The second book in this duet was a good read. I love that Chelsea and Ben finally get their HEA although Chelsea was annoying at times with her behaviour.
I knew Veronica was going to cause problems and boy was I right! A villain and not in a good way.
I found myself falling completely in love with Lindsey and his blunt and loveable ways.
Again I got a little confused with storylines and there were some questions that I felt were unanswered but I enjoyed the story that unfolded in both books.
This book shows that even when it seems that everything is against you..if you have love you can weather it all!
The spicy scenes were fab and over all I’d recommend it.
Check your trigger warnings. Your mental health matters ❤️
I knew Veronica was going to cause problems and boy was I right! A villain and not in a good way.
I found myself falling completely in love with Lindsey and his blunt and loveable ways.
Again I got a little confused with storylines and there were some questions that I felt were unanswered but I enjoyed the story that unfolded in both books.
This book shows that even when it seems that everything is against you..if you have love you can weather it all!
The spicy scenes were fab and over all I’d recommend it.
Check your trigger warnings. Your mental health matters ❤️
February 21, 2024
Finished this book in two days. It was so good.
Read the first one and I just couldn't wait to dig into the next one.
As with the first book it was so relatable. Just like you would be with everyday friends. It was as though you were there with them, apart of the friend group. It was so down to earth.
Ben and Chelsea have now moved on with their lives and are trying to figure out how to live in the future. While there is a that one person that haunts their everyday living.
This was a great fun read. And the conversation with their friend Lindsey is so funny. I laughed so much, just because he reminded me of my friends. So blunt and so straight forward.
I love everything about this book.
Read the first one and I just couldn't wait to dig into the next one.
As with the first book it was so relatable. Just like you would be with everyday friends. It was as though you were there with them, apart of the friend group. It was so down to earth.
Ben and Chelsea have now moved on with their lives and are trying to figure out how to live in the future. While there is a that one person that haunts their everyday living.
This was a great fun read. And the conversation with their friend Lindsey is so funny. I laughed so much, just because he reminded me of my friends. So blunt and so straight forward.
I love everything about this book.
February 4, 2024
Ben and Chels are amazing characters. The way they are with each other, how they grow and fall in love time and time again is breathtaking.
This book touch subjects that are not common, but even though, is flawless. You vibrate with her words and the way she unfold each part in a way that touches you and stays with you days after finished reading.
I laughed and cryed and curse on every part of this book. Gayla is the type of writer that can make you feel every emotion that she writes. You love her characters, you hates some of them and you can't get enough of them all.
I want to read more of Gayla and felt again every feeling she want me to feel.
This book touch subjects that are not common, but even though, is flawless. You vibrate with her words and the way she unfold each part in a way that touches you and stays with you days after finished reading.
I laughed and cryed and curse on every part of this book. Gayla is the type of writer that can make you feel every emotion that she writes. You love her characters, you hates some of them and you can't get enough of them all.
I want to read more of Gayla and felt again every feeling she want me to feel.
February 13, 2024
Tainted truths is the second book following the rise and fall and rise again of Chelsea and Ben Black after such a heart wrenching experience of lose and suffering Chelsea and Ben decide to rebuild their lives together getting remarried and having a baby but can Veronica let them live such a happy life after the death of her brother that he she blames Chelsea for? If you’re going to read Tainted truths I’d definitely recommend reading forgotten vows first.
Also I’d like to add that the spice was definitely spicy in this one 🌶️🌶️ I honestly wasn’t expecting it. But once again this was a great read from Gayla.
Also I’d like to add that the spice was definitely spicy in this one 🌶️🌶️ I honestly wasn’t expecting it. But once again this was a great read from Gayla.
February 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the duology as a whole. I went into this series blind and this genre isn’t what I’m normally into it, but I couldn’t put it down!
I like how this book started right where the first book ended. You can’t help but root for Chelsea & Ben. The only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5, is because I don’t like reading about pregnancies/couples and their fertility, these are for my personal reasons and it’s a sensitive topic for me, however I will say it did focus a lot on this topic and it was well written.
However, if you love romance, drama, jealousy, smut and don’t mind reading about pregnancy this series is for you!!
I like how this book started right where the first book ended. You can’t help but root for Chelsea & Ben. The only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5, is because I don’t like reading about pregnancies/couples and their fertility, these are for my personal reasons and it’s a sensitive topic for me, however I will say it did focus a lot on this topic and it was well written.
However, if you love romance, drama, jealousy, smut and don’t mind reading about pregnancy this series is for you!!
February 4, 2024
Tainted Truths is book 2 in the Torn Loyalties duet, it picks up right where Forgotten Vows left off.
I loved seeing Ben and Chelsea prove how love should be. No matter what Veronica threw at them they stuck with each other and proved its possible.
When that ONE part happened with Veronica I was floored. Totally surprised and was sucked further into the story needing to know how this was going to pan out. How was this going to be fixed. How were they going to get through it.
Of course Gayla was able to pull it all together in the end. I can't wait to read when she comes out with next.
I loved seeing Ben and Chelsea prove how love should be. No matter what Veronica threw at them they stuck with each other and proved its possible.
When that ONE part happened with Veronica I was floored. Totally surprised and was sucked further into the story needing to know how this was going to pan out. How was this going to be fixed. How were they going to get through it.
Of course Gayla was able to pull it all together in the end. I can't wait to read when she comes out with next.
February 5, 2024
I will be the first to admit that I cried so much in this book. The way even through fighting Chelsea made sure that Ben could witness the birth of their daughter even if her friends had to miss it. The way it put in the SA roles were reversed in this book and how people can turn a blind eye when men are SA'ed. I love how they used therapists to overcome trauma and how they knew they weren't perfect but fight because they are perfect for each other. Over all, an amazing and wonderful book, 5/5 for everything, even the spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
Easily a five star for me. I was waiting to finish up Ben and Chelsea’s story. This is book two and picks up where we left off on forgotten vows. They are planning their weeding when that b!atch Veronica strolls back in and attempts to separate them. This book had my emotions all over the place. Had to grab tissues at one point. Gayla did a great job with the plot twists, the spice and the emotions. I was left wanting more after book one and she delivered with book two. Ten out of ten recommend run don’t walk to get this book. 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽
February 14, 2024
Rating 3.75 rounded up to 4 for Goodreads
Book 2 and the conclusion of Ben and Chelsea's story. After rediscovering their love for each other after Chelsea's car accident in book one, they are planning a wedding, a baby and their future together.
Then Veronica rears her horrible, vindictive face and tries to ruin their lives again and has friends helping her.
This book has spice, twist and turns but Chelsea and Ben annoyed me with their immaturity at times. I found myself thinking 'grow up'. But this was still an okay read and I felt like I needed to know what happened to Veronica.
Book 2 and the conclusion of Ben and Chelsea's story. After rediscovering their love for each other after Chelsea's car accident in book one, they are planning a wedding, a baby and their future together.
Then Veronica rears her horrible, vindictive face and tries to ruin their lives again and has friends helping her.
This book has spice, twist and turns but Chelsea and Ben annoyed me with their immaturity at times. I found myself thinking 'grow up'. But this was still an okay read and I felt like I needed to know what happened to Veronica.
February 15, 2024
Another 4.5, and it's well earned. It threw me that the first couple chapters were filled with smut, but it made way to an AMAZING story. I couldn't put it done, and finished war too quickly. It was an emotional roller-coaster, amazing character development for the MFC, and it was nice seeing the MMC's best friend have more of a role this time. Plus, the cliffhanger at the end of the 1st book was answered, but wow that was an intense ride itself. This was just a beautiful story, and I'm so glad I read it.
February 18, 2024
This book was a definite rollercoaster! I laughed, cried, and was scared it was all going to fall apart! The love between Ben and Chelsea is adorable! Throughout the book, you can see the love for each other and what they are willing to fight for. Chelsea wants the normal life and to move on after Veronica. Ben worries what Veronica might do to mess up everything that him and Chelsea built. Now, I wasn't a huge fan of how Chelsea reacted to what Veronica did to Ben, Chelsea owned up to her mistakes after Lindsey told Chelsea off. Lindsey is the best friend everyone needs! I LOVED Lindsey's character, and I hope we get a book about him! He was so sweet and protective with the baby! Pick up this duet! It's a great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2024
This is my first book like this and though it is not my normal type of read I rather enjoyed it. I do recommend that you read the first book first as there are some details I felt that I was missing that seemed to play a big part into some of the things happening in this book.
Definitely recommend this book if you like Realistic stories with some twists in it. There was a lot of Spice, more than I have ever read in a book before. It was very well written and had a lot of loveable characters and some you just couldn't help but hate.
Definitely recommend this book if you like Realistic stories with some twists in it. There was a lot of Spice, more than I have ever read in a book before. It was very well written and had a lot of loveable characters and some you just couldn't help but hate.
February 19, 2024
Tainted Truths is the second book in the Torn Loyalties duet, picking up right where book one, Forgotten Vows left off. Ben and Chelsea are back together and working through their relationship, facing a million obstacles in the process. They had some really good spicy scenes through the book. You definitely don't want to miss this conclusion full of angst and twists!
Overall, it was a really good book. If you love a second chance at love, with some twists, lots of spice and a HEA, this is a duet you need to read!
Overall, it was a really good book. If you love a second chance at love, with some twists, lots of spice and a HEA, this is a duet you need to read!
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