The sequel to the explosive, enemies-to-lovers dark romance novel Seeds of Sorrow. Loosely inspired by the Hades and Persephone myth.
Peyton Dimitra is no longer a good girl. She was ruined the second she met Hadina Adis.
After her life imploded and a lifetime of secrets were uncovered, Peyton found herself running from her problems. But the dark is a scary place to be alone and Peyton is kidnapped by her birth mother, the woman determined to kill her and hit Hadina where it hurts.
While Peyton is held in captivity, Hadina must battle her own demons as she searches for her love. Joining forces with her family, Hadina vows to find Peyton and kill anyone who harms her.
Both women are determined to find their way back to each other, but danger and death plagues their paths. The only way out is to embrace their darkness and hope that the light will find them when they are reunited.
Branches of Betrayal is the second book in a dark contemporary romance series, loosely inspired by Greek mythology. This book contains mature themes, explicit content, triggers, violence and strong language. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
This book is an exceptionally well-written and engaging read. The plot is action-packed and suspenseful, with a healthy dose of romance. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the writing is phenomenal.
The book commences from where the first book concluded (do not fret, there is a summary of sorts at the beginning). The narrative was impeccable. I thoroughly relished the vengeance aspect of the book. It is dark and utterly brilliant.
Hadina and Peyton share a genuine and credible connection, and their mutual attraction is palpable. They are absolutely suited for each other. The steamy scenes are sinfully good and spicy they will have you hot under the collar in all the best ways.
Overall, this is a highly recommended read for anyone who enjoys dark romance. I genuinely found this a literary masterpiece and can't recommend it enough. I highly recommend that you read "Seeds of Sorrow" (Book 1) before embarking on this epic novel, as it is equally remarkable.
I am excited to see what Sarah comes up with next in this incredible series.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
It was everything a reader would expect from Sarah James’s Modern Goddess series. There’s blood, shifty characters, death, murder and spicy scenes. There were also moments of tenderness, character introspection and family. I enjoyed book 2 and looking forward to book 3!
I just finished this book! Let me start by saying that I am very grateful to have received an ARC for this book by the author! The book continues exactly where Seeds of Sorrow left us! There was a lot of suspense and I had a hard time putting it down! There were some shocking points and twists that I didn’t saw coming! The biggest surprise for me was Zellie! After Seeds of Sorrow I really despised her and in this book we saw a totally different side of her! Yes, she has made some huge mistakes but I actually respect her now and for me she has become the most interesting character in the story! Hadina was a wonderful badass just like in the first book, but we also got to see a vulnerable side to her which I loved seeing! We saw Peyton getting even stronger even after everything she goes through! We got to meet Dario and Itza, two new characters for me! Itza was totally lovable and so sweet! I have to say that I need more of Piper and Adrian! I desperately want to read their story! All in all I thoroughly enjoyed it! A beautiful dark romance!
i’m not a fan of more than one book about the same couple because i tend to think the story could have been resolved in one book, but in this case it made sense. book one was more than a romance story, it established the overarching plot of the series. moreover, if book one was hadina’s then this was payton’s; it wasn’t her redemption arc, but almost like a villainess origin story. this second installment allowed the couple to finally be together without lies between them, they grew into themselves individually and as a unit because of the aftermath of the climax that resulted in the cliffhanger in which book one ended. it was dark and raw and emotional. most of all, this book set in motion zellie’s story, the next one. she might’ve been my favorite part of it all. i’m partial to sisters’ dynamics and hers and hadina’s touched me deeply. she’s the one who got her redemption arc, or the beginnings of such a journey and i can’t wait to experience her in all her badassery.
*i was sent and arc by the author in exchange for a honest review
I loved the continuation of the story between Hadina and Peyton. There is so much character growth and hardships overcome in this 2nd book. I think Peyton grew immensely as a character, both physically, mentally and emotionally. The characters in this book are all well developed, and I absolutely LOVED the cameo of certain characters introduced and cannot wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
I really enjoyed that the author left us breadcrumbs for future books and relationships/chemistry. I also enjoyed the way the story progressed while still staying true to the plot and the overall characters paths to redemption.
Kudos, Sarah for writing such a great series! I can't wait to read more from these characters.
This book gave me everything I didn’t know I needed right now. Apparently I had been really missing my dark romances and Branches of Betrayal delivered on that beyond what I was expecting. I’m not sure if I could pick a favorite character because Sarah James wrote them all so well, but I’m pretty sure it’s a tie between Piper and Daddy..I mean Don Adis because a silver fox will do it for me ever. single. time. no questions asked or necessary. If you love mythology & lgbtq+ representation in your [dark] romances, please read this.
Picking up where book 1 left off, we can clearly see the characters have a lot to come in terms of a “happy ending”. The growth of certain characters (Peyton) from book 1 to book 2 is so well done. I cannot brag on James writing enough. The resilience that Hadina displays to overcome certain things, makes me fall more in love with her than I was before. Sometimes we have to lose ourselves a bit to truly know what we’re capable of and I think that’s a major discovery in this book.
The spice was spicing so hard for me: 4.8/5 spicy level, but the writing is what kept me engaged and not purely seeking out spicy scenes. Overall rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
I received an e-arc copy of this book. My thoughts are my own and not paid for in any way.
Peyton was doomed to embrace the darkness when she met Hadina Adis. But when her birthmother kidnaps her to cause pain to the woman she loves, she has no choice but to unleash the darkness brewing inside her. And there is no way back to the light once you have stepped into that world. Hadina Adis would tear the world down to have her tentadora safely back in her arms. Last time, she couldn’t protect the woman she loves. This time? Well, let the world know they would have to face the whole Adis family to get ahold of her tentadora this time. Branches of Betrayal concludes the story with an ending that will leave satisfaction in the hearts of readers.
As a reader who loved Seeds of Sorrow, I was waiting so long for the chance to read Branches of Betrayal. All of the characters have their own story to unfold, and each chooses a different path when given a choice. Some had chosen the wrong path and tried to redeem themselves afterwards, some had to choose the dark to survive, and some chose the dark in the first place when they had a choice. Sarah James gives life to the story not only by adding the tension of the violence of the mafia world but also by adding complicated characters that have layers of both good and bad in their lives. I hope to see more of Hadina and Peyton and how they would process the events of this book afterward if the author decides to publish the next book in the series. Enjoyed reading it!
Now I wanna preface this with the fact that MY three stars are never a bad thing. I love my three star reads even if at times I struggle with them, and Branches of Betrayal was a journey that made me want to throw my phone at the wall yet continue because I'm invested.
Hadina and Peyton grow so much, and this book goes in heavy on the love and vengeance themes. It's a good "Good for her" story, a hundred percent! Peyton gives herself over to the dark side while Hadina realizes she's not just a cold hearted baddie. They compliment each other nicely. Also they can never make me hate you Piper Adis. Best character imo. Zellie, dare I say, even grew on me. ZELLIE. The sorcery of it all.
Sarah James Branches of Betrayal: The sequel to the explosive, enemies-to-lovers dark romance novel Seeds of Sorrow (Modern Goddess Series)
The narrative resumes seamlessly from its previous climax, unveiling a multitude of secrets, betrayals, and deceit. Hadina is driven to the brink of madness due to the loss of Peyton, the one person she cherishes above all else in this vast world. This installment has been eagerly anticipated for several months, and it certainly delivers. The story intricately explores the hidden aspects of life on the trail, turning everything on its head and revealing an abundance of information that can be quite overwhelming.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It stands out as one of my favorite series, and I am eager to explore more works by this author.
Peyton's journey is particularly compelling, showcasing her struggles and triumphs throughout the story. The initial seven chapters feel like a thrilling roller coaster ride.
In the second book, we are introduced to new characters, and the author excels in character development, guiding readers through the experiences of both protagonists and their extended families. The depth of love shared between them becomes evident, highlighting Peyton's inner strength, which she often underestimates. I am enthusiastic about the continuation of their story and hold hope that they will eventually marry and start a family. Despite the dark romance theme, the author has hinted at intriguing possibilities that pique my interest. The book is accessible on Kindle Unlimited, and I highly recommend it. I eagerly await the next installment.
My bisexual ass needs to read more sapphic novels because the way I flew threw this duet! I always love a good Greek mythology retelling, add a WLW twist with a dash of the start of a villain era and I was hooked. While the first book was more about Hadina accepting love into her life, this book was more Peyton learning to accept the truth and learning to harness her darkness.
It was overall beautifully written and I fell in love with both Hadina for her rough on the outside but gooey on the inside mentality and Peyton for her sunshine-y but equally tough disposition. The references to mythology are mostly subtle and incorporated very naturally instead of feeling forced. Overall a great read and I cannot wait to see what happens in the rest of the series!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes & Kinks: 🔥Grumpy x Sunshine 🔥Sapphic Romance 🔥Latinx Representation 🔥Vigilantes 🔥Family Secrets 🔥Inspired by Hades & Persephone
Getting right back into the story from where the first book left off, my heart was once again racing, my adrenaline was pumping and I was literally on the edge of my seat!
Hadina and Peyton continue to take us on one hell of a dark, bloody, violent and twisted rollercoaster ride that had me screaming with excitement! These are two amazingly badass women!
Hadina and Peyton are so perfect together. Their banter was always fiercely intense and utterly poignant. Their connection is incredible and their chemistry is insane. I just loved the two of them together. And the spicy moments they gave us, were so freaking HOT and body achingly delicious.
Action packed, suspenseful, violent, emotional, and passion filled, this was a phenomenal story from beginning to end with some exceptionally badass women, whom I fell hopelessly in love with!
Peyton grew up in a foster home, cherished her foster parents, but tragically lost her mother. Her biological mother gave her up, and her adopted sister was her pillar of support until a devastating discovery. Kidnapped, Peyton learns her biological mother orchestrated it, aiming to achieve two goals at once. Uncovering painful truths about her mother's past actions is more heartbreaking than imaginable. Rescued, they seek justice against her mother for all the harm caused. Peyton and Hadina reconcile, with Hadina committed to safeguarding Peyton at all costs. This gripping tale is truly remarkable and a must-read for all. Start with book 1 first. Sarah James, your storytelling is exceptional – I admire your work!
This book comensed where the first finished off (on a cliffhanger) and while you can read the second without the first, it's helpful to understand the characters, growth and backstory if you read the first one!
This book was more story/ action but still had a sprinkle of romance and spice. Being an FF books, which I don't normally read, I have been pleasantly surprised with how much I have enjoyed the story throughout these 2 books. I do love the connection between Hardina and Payton. Including the strength they have to support one another in their toughest times (especially after the kidnapping).
I also loved the twists and turns throughout the story, with some interesting revels in both books.
I read this in one day and really really did enjoy it. The only reason why I marked it as 4 instead of 5 is because I wish there was just a bit more involved I feel like we jumped a bit here and there but other than wanting MORE of this authors writing and of these characters it was a great read. (And some spice toward Hadina more but that’s a personal preference) I loved the redemption arc here and though I knew Peyton was going to develop more of a back bone I wasn’t expecting quite the badass! I also love how she left breadcrumbs to interlock more stories with other characters, and realllly really hope we get something with Adrian and Piper! Great read and highly reccomend!
I expected to love this a little more than I did. The story was enjoyable, but extremely predictable. In the first book, I loved both MCs, Hadi was fierce, roofless and dominating and Payton sweet & innocent, and their dynamic was beautifully written, this book however, Payton was completely different, I understand her story changing but her character did a full 180 and Hadi lost everything that made her the domineering queen she was. I found myself skin reading a lot and being bored by the minor details of the story.
I really enjoyed the start of this. The previous book left us at a cliffhanger, so I was excited to see where this one would take us.
After rescuing Peyton it went downhill for me. I don’t understand why they didn’t just wait for Demi and kill her when they rescued Peyton. It seems like this was done just to prolong the plot? I also feel like introducing a bunch of new characters at 70%~ completion was a lot, and I did not feel for these characters at all.
The last 30-40% of the book I had to force myself to complete. I just lost interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved that one of the characters was able to seek the revenge and "closure" they needed, but I did not love this as much as book 1.
I was a bit turned off by the docile way some of the characters turned for the sake of another. It just did not fit the vibe we got from book 1.
I honestly thought the book would have ended a particular way, and that was honestly one that I could have gotten behind. It would have definitely shot my rating up by at least half a point.
In order to preserve my love for book 1, I do not think I will continue this series ... unless there is a cool spin off.
Well first of all, I wished I had read the first book before diving into this one. But even though I started off with book 2, I kind of understood the dynamics behind everything that has unfolded because the narrative was really good. I like the characters but Hadina is my favorite! I absolutely adore her. The book ended in a very fulfilling way. I would recommend this to those who love to read about vengeance.
I am quite happy to be around Hadina Adis again. I was happy to see Peyton become stronger. You can't be weak mentally or physically if you want to stand next to someone like Hadi. This was definitely more fast paced than book one. At a little over 200 pages it's pretty much GO from page one. I see that the author left it open for my relationships with other characters.
I still don't care for Zellie...but I guess I have to put up with her. 😒🤣
This book concludes the story of Peyton & Hadina, It starts with a punch of drama from the very first page which instantly had me on the edge of my seat wanting more! ~ I love the development of Peyton as well as the fierceness of Hadina! She is a woman to be reckoned with that’s for sure. ~ This was so well written giving you suspense, romance, drama, betrayal & a lil bit of spice 🙌🏻 Book 1 must be read before you jump into this one!
Payton, so strong and courageous, finally found Love and Vengeance. Her young life brutally ripped apart until her soulmate, Mafia Queen brought 😍, 🔥 loving , sizzling passion into her life. A 5🌟 for this mindblowing, earth shattering, gripping love that took on trauma. Please ... Don't let us wait so long again . Book 3?
Loved that this one picked up where the last left off and it is the same couple. Great suspense with good twist and turns. Lots of growth from the characters. Also loved that there were sneaks of others characters and possible Easter eggs for future books
Normally, FF is not my thing, but I took a chance, and I am so glad I did. The love between these is dream worthy. The triggers are there, but the twists, the turns, and the love is what made this book for me! I held onto the pages seeing what happened next.
Sarah James is sooo good at writing action scenes. I enjoyed this duology a lot. This book is more on the lovey side of things compared to the first but who doesn't love the cheesiness of new love?!
Faced with hard truths we all allowed to follow the path where we need to be. Making the choice towards Forgiveness frees yourself to become and live authentically.
for the characters living such a dark life of taking out the worst people imaginable, the stakes don’t ever seem that high for them. it all gets resolved so easily for them.