When You Testify

by Melissa Smith

Two tormented souls clash, intertwining as they search for love and solace, but will they find it, mending their souls as one?

Billy has moved on with his life in a new town, a new state, attempting to run from the pain of his past. But can you truly run from the things that haunt you? The worst moments of his life hover, waiting for the time when they can reveal themselves and torment him once more.

Cassiya is literally running from her years of physical torment, only to run right into Billy. She needs a miracle to escape her fate, and Billy, with his connections to the local police, may just be that and more.

When testifying is the only way to save her life, Billy accepts his role, only to reveal his life’s darkest secrets.

Will they both be able to heal from their traumas to find a future or will closure and happiness remain an illusion for each of their lives?

*This book is part of a series of character connected stand-alones. It also contains scenes of domestic violence, mentions of horrific acts while held in captivity, and other crime-related issues. It is a romance for 18+ audiences as well.*

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

About the author

A hopeless romantic and someone curious about the universe, I am a writer of sweet romances and adventurous sci-fi. Stories with heart, passion, and suspense.

I'm a stay-at-home mom writing because I love it and editing to help other authors. I write multiple genres because I love multiple types of stories, as do many readers. As someone passionate to help others and share my knowledge, I not only fill my stories with upliftment, life lessons, and happy endings, but also write multiple newsletters to share positivity and help other aspiring authors and editors in similar shoes.

If you would like to keep up on my current work, or learn more, you can follow me. Https:// linktr . ee / melsmithauthor (no spaces)

Reviews

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You Testify is book three in the Laws of Love series by Melissa Smith.

💜 traumatic pasts
💜 mystery
💜 healing
💜 forced proximity
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spice

Billy is settled. Living his life away from all of the pain he went through in the fallout of his friendships. He’s succeeding in prosecuting the bad guys, and his love them and leave them attitude when it comes to women. Making a stop in the morning to his favorite coffee shop, Billy steps out with his cup of hot coffee in hand and gets plowed into, spilling everything down his front. But when he inspects the person who ran into him, little does he know that his world will never be the same.

I love how this is Billy’s story after he was such a jerk in the beginning of the series. Yes this book can be read without reading the others first. But, I wouldn’t recommend it as the character depth and world depth from reading the prior books adds so much more to this one. You can’t help but start to fall in love with his redemption story and how much he grows in this book. I highly recommend this series if you are looking g for a contemporary romance series.

[Cristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very intense story to read. The characters both have their own demons to deal with, whether living in the present with them or burying them so deeply that you end up annihilating the people you care most for. The strengths that they found in one another led to two unlikely people forming a bond that inturn sets them both free from physical, emotional and mental shackles that kept them from their true potential.
Their undeniable connection was solely built on a foundation of trust, compassion and ultimately love.

Beautifully written Melissa

[Mary Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first two books in this series, I never thought I would get over how Billy treated his friends. Having said that, I also trust this author to prove me wrong, and she absolutely did! We get insight into his past. We watch him realize how his behaviors were harmful as genuine remorse sets in. Cass very literally bumps right into his world, and at first, he doesn't understand his connection with her, so he denies it. As the story progresses and his walls come down, his growth is amazing, and I begrudgingly came to like him. This story is charged with emotion and gives readers a unique take on dealing with trauma. By the end, Billy and Cass are the perfect match!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve waited for this book for ages so I had high expectations, and I was not disappointed. Melissa really puts her passion and care into this series and it shows in her writing. This is my favourite series by Melissa and I can’t wait for the next book!

[Sarah Strawinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read the other books in the series but I wasn’t totally confused. It did make me want to do a binge re-read of the whole series though.

[Laura Beltran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book is an amazing addition to the Laws of Love series. I was hooked right from the start, completely drawn in and couldn't put it down. I absolutely love Billy and Cassiya these two are both such emotionally strong characters. Cassiya is escaping from years of abuse when she literally runs into Billy who also has a tortured past. She feels safe at with him and he feels drawn to protect her even though he's not sure he can. It's beautiful how their connection helps them to heal themselves and each other. Melissa Smith does a fantastic job making us feel their emotions. . The ending is so perfect. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

[Karly Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off in a way that makes you concerned and pulls you in. The characters are strong, even when they are broken! It is a beautiful journey and an ending that is everything we need it to be.

Billy we know from the other books and it is great to get more of him and in his head for why he did the things he did! Cas is stronger than she will ever believe and I’m so proud of her!

This is a great book!!

[Tamara Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to move on when you didn’t finish a chapter of your life. You’ve checked out and submitted to your situation with a feeling of despair but your body is still there and your mind is elsewhere. One minute you’re proving your worth to survive and the next you’re crashing into an angel of a man that could be your undoing or your saving grace. Or is it both? Cass has had a hard 10+ years and Billy pushes everyone away. They both have nightmares of a man that has done each of them wrong. Will this bring the two of them together or will this man come between them?
I absolutely loved this. It was not hard to follow and loved the storyline. The things they both had to endure would have made life hard for sure. I couldn’t imagine going through this and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Melissa brings you despair, torture, kidnapping and tenderness all in one novel. There’s sadness, anger and happiness throughout. Basically an emotional rollercoaster and I am for one glad that I had the opportunity to read this and experience first hand the writing of Melissa Smith. So thank you Melissa. Happy reading!

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartfelt read! Definitely a must read and a page turner! Two people who don’t even know each other brought together one day in Las Vegas after Cassiya bumps into Billy, and spills his coffee all over him.

Cassiya has lived a very awful life for twelve years. Never seeing the outside world or her family. Times have change and things happened while she was gone. One day that changes and she’s hopefully saved by Billy. Or is she? Can she escape her life of torment or is she doomed forever?

Billy is starting a new life in Nevada after a terrible childhood. When he runs into Cassiya, what happens next, isn’t what he expected. From trying to help Cassiya and keeping her safe from any harm, to developing feelings for her, Billy begins to think he has something worth living for. Their chemistry and bond grows more and more each day. Cassiya feels a sort of safeness with Billy. She wants nothing more than to move on with her life. Can Billy be that person to her? Wait til you find out.

This book definitely pulls you in wanting more! You find out how broken Billy and Cassiya were and how that potentially helped them be the one for the other. Billy testifying in court was definitely a pivotal moment in this book also. The ending was everything and more and couldn’t have ended any better.

[Laci Steimel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intense story, with some sweet and steamy bits. I love the bond that Billy and Cassiya had almost instantly. She has an immediate effect on Billy, and started his character redemption. This story gave a unique perspective for trauma, the character depth and growth was phenomenal. I loved how the author made.me feel connected to the story and feel what the characters were feeling. Great read!

[Donna Zug · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG- this story was amazing. I cried, I laughed, I was so angry and fell in love with Cassiya and Billy. They both survived and watching them heal was rewarding. So much strength, patience, compassion, the will to experience the life they wanted was empowering. Read the trigger warnings but experience the true power of love in this story.

[Melissa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best book in the series yet, and the most intriguing, in my opinion. I can't wait to get to Ashton's story!