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Unburdened

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As truths spill and buried grudges are resurrected, could these three be exactly what each other needs, or will their presence in each other’s lives only serve to tear them apart for good?

Before he was the guitarist for Beautiful Deceit, Sloan Alexander was a solider for the U.S. Army. A kind soul who’s always held his cards close to his chest, using humor to deflect his true feelings. But when his past shows up on his literal doorstep in the form of Luke Blackwell, all bets are off. Sloan can no longer hide. When Luke pulls the rug out from under Sloan yet again, Sloan wants revenge. It only gets worse when Sloan’s relationship-skittish, pseudo-girlfriend finds Luke attractive. Sloan wants Jen all to himself while Jen wants them both. Over Sloan’s dead body.

Major Luke Blackwell is a homophobic, over-achieving, ass-kissing, tattletale. Or that’s what Sloan would say at least. Straight-laced and riding his moral high horse, Luke’s always made choices based on protecting those closest to him. Unfortunately, one of Luke’s choices ended up costing Sloan everything he held dear and cost Luke their friendship. Now, Luke’s back to deliver another blow, except this time, he’s determined to stick around and fix what he broke all those years ago. However, he’s not prepared for Sloan to try and break him in the process.

Jennifer Hayes is as stubbornly independent as a woman can be. Not wanting to be tied down or answer to anyone but herself, she’s found the perfect open, no-strings-attached relationship with the world’s hottest guitarist. She’s perfectly content until she meets Luke Blackwell and is instantly attracted. The possibilities seem endless. Only, Sloan makes it obvious he hates Luke’s guts and Jen’s determined to find out why. Wanting to help them repair the friendship they once had, her plan backfires when Luke’s and Sloan’s past becomes a threat to her and Sloan’s present.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

19 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Jillian D. Wray

16 books122 followers
Jillian lives in North Carolina with her incredibly supportive husband and three awesome stepkids. After over ten years in the healthcare industry, it was time to pursue a new passion. An avid reader her whole life, she sat down one night and let the words begin to flow. Four hours and ten thousand words later, a love of writing was discovered.
She writes spicy, bingeable reads that encourage self-discovery and come with all the angst and excitement of a new relationship.
When she isn’t reading or writing, you can either find her in her vegetable garden, at CrossFit™, or on a plane headed toward her next adventure.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Haylie Sherner.
107 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2024
**** ARC READ REVIEW*****


Okay so to start this review I would like to thank the author, thank you for letting me read this!!!

Now onto the review, this book held so many types of emotions, I was laughing and crying sometimes the same spot, for the final Beautiful Deceit book I was absolutely hooked. The emotions that were at play, and the back story of a certain guitarist, our amazing nurse and sexy Army Man, this MFM love triangle made my heart melt and my eyes water. There where times I had to put it down because I was crying way to freaking hard, but hey that’s okay..

To see Sloans journey and his healing was the perfect way to end this series! Did I scream when I finished. Yes I did, and im not sorry about that. If you need a sign to read this, this is it.
Profile Image for Hayley Cook.
211 reviews3 followers
September 17, 2024
I just ate this book up

Oh my goodness the way this book tore me apart then put me back together is insane! I felt every single emotion while reading this! I felt sadness, anger, love and hopefulness. This book made me cry and laugh and scream and I absolutely ate it up! I could not put it down! This book was just so amazingly good!
Profile Image for A.
326 reviews23 followers
September 13, 2024
❤️ Guitar Bassist
🤍 Army Major/Doctor
❤️ Independent AF Nurse
🤍 Biawakening
❤️ Secrets Revealed
🤍 Why Choose/Poly
❤️ MMF w/ DP

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


I DEVOURED this book within 24 hours. I DID NOT WANT IT TO END! Unburdened is the final installment in the Beautiful Deceit series, and in my opinion, the best one! The series is amazing! It has been wonderful to see how the band’s lives have changed and their love has grown over the four books. But there is something about this book that made me want to live in it… forever. Jillian Wray went deeper with this storyline, both in feelings and topics, and it hit! Did I tear up several times? Yes. Did I gasp and swoon and melt? Also yes. I also giggled and cackled out loud too. This book has. It. All. And I was absolutely, 100%, here for it.

The story picks up directly from the epilogue of Beast of Burden, sucking you in and keeping you engaged throughout the story. The tension is one that starts off with ill feelings between our MCs but eventually becomes different. More. Luke has shown up in Sloan’s life after all these years to deliver some news. Just seeing Luke stirs up all kinds of feelings for Sloan, which equates to Luke possibly being punched more than once. He feels like he deserves it so he’s willing to take whatever Sloan throws at him.

Sloan is former Staff Sergeant turned Rock god, one of the most wanted men in the world. It’s not easy for him to date when women, and men, throw themself at him daily. When Emma’s (Ryan’s fiancé) best friend Jen comes around, the two find common ground and start a casual relationship, something easy for each of them. Though, the two have more feelings for one another than they’re quite willing to admit. Until Luke shows up, then feelings of all types start to fly around.

The tension, the heartache, the guilt, the self discovery, the revelations, the banter, and the spice, is some of the best I’ve read in a very long time. This book checks absolutely every box I have for an epic five star read. I was enthralled from start to finish. I don’t want to give too much away because this is a journey every reader needs to go on to discover for themselves. You will likely come away with a new book boyfriend, I know I did. Luke. Is. Mine. 😏

To Jillian…Thank you. Thank you for giving me my first ever ARC (Invisible Burdens) and allowing me to ARC each of the Beautiful Deceit books. Thank you for being an amazing author, not only writing your stories, but in leading a Street Team. You are such a joy, so extremely talented, caring, and kind. And thank you for becoming my friend! This has been a special experience and I appreciate being part of it with you! 🩷

Sloan- commanding, sëxy,
Jennifer- fierce, independent
Luke- swoonworthy, possessive (in a green flag way!)

🎸 “Sloan’s band, Beautiful Deceit, is now the hottest rock band in the world. But to me, he’ll always be Staff Sergeant Sloan Alexander. A kind soul with a smile a mile wide and a personality that just made you feel at home.”
🩺 “I f*** even better than I play the guitar. Think about that.”
🎸 “Saving your life was the best thing I’ve ever done. I’d still dïe for you in a heartbeat,” I answer without hesitation, my heart f***ing disintegrating in my chest. “But you won’t live for me?”
🩺 “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never tasted you… there.”“Make sure you do this time.”
🎸 “If you think I’m not prepared to swallow every f***ing drop, you’re in for a rude awakening, soldier. Now c*me.”
🩺 ““Christ, that’s a lot of d**k in one fell swoop.””
39 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
Unburdened review
5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
Possible spoilers ahead
🫣
🫣
🫣
🫣

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! Jillian out did herself with this book! She left us all wanting more throughout this whole series with the quiet guitarist who no one knows anything about (not even his bandmates). I have been anxiously waiting for Sloan’s book and now that I have read it I am so glad she saved him for last!!! This story!! These characters!!! The SPICE!!!🥵🥵 Sloan is this beautiful broken man trying to love after loss. Jen is this head strong, independent, fierce woman who has abandonment issues and is trying to learn to be in a monogamous relationship. Luke is also a beautiful broken man who has lived his whole live in denial, of letting love pass him by because of his own fears and insecurities. I love seeing Jen and Sloan’s relationship blossom and learn to love each other while Sloan and Luke figure out their feelings for each other. I loved seeing Luke and Jen’s relationship build and form an amazing friendship. I hate how much Luke is denying his feelings for Sloan… but I love watching Sloan and Luke’s relationship heat up!! I love how Jillian wrote these characters and this story! The club scene was had me so giddy… I was literally in Jillian’s DMs like YASSSS!!! The gun range scene😮‍💨🥵 I needed to take a cold shower. It was heartbreakingly beautiful seeing Sloan overcome so much hurt and anger and grief and finally moving forward with his life. I am truly sad to see this series come to an end and I did get teary eyed in the last chapter because fuck… it’s really over!😭 Jillian was fearful of not doing these characters and the mmf aspect justice but I think she absolutely kicked ass! I hope she writes many more books with mmf or mfm or even RH because she writes stories so well and I believe she can do them the justice they deserve! Thank you, Jillian for saving the best for last🥰 Sloan has definitely taken my heart! Now I have to go make a new “who is your favorite Beautiful Deceit member” post😝
10 reviews
August 16, 2024
It’s a weird feeling finishing this series, very bittersweet. Series usually tend to plato somewhere, but Jillian has surpassed herself in creating attaching, and to some extent, relatable characters. Brett has been a favourite of mine since the first book, but Sloan’s book takes it all. Everything falls into place and finishing this interconnected series with Sloan is the perfect ending to this series.

The book grips you from the start, giving you all the feels; anger, hate, heartbreak, hope, happiness and most importantly sexiness. The book is told from a multiple POV which gives such a great insight to the inner turmoils of all the characters; my favourite thing was the acknowledgement of each character about being “fucked” and going for “their happily ever-after”. The book is about Sloan, and his love/personal journey; I loved the fact that the book got straight to the point exposing the difficulties, ambiguities and tensions within Sloan, Luke and Jen without dilly-dally.

Thanks, Jillian, for writing such an amazing, gut-wrenching and heartwarming book series. I have loved every one of them and you have managed to convert a solid fantasy reader to rockstar romance. This series will without a doubt be in the re-read pile. Can’t wait to read more of you.

Tropes: dark secrets; second chance; righting wrongs; unrequited love; sexual awakening; love triangle; redemption

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Profile Image for Tiffany {tiffanyreviewsbooks}.
136 reviews37 followers
September 8, 2024
Jillian went and done it again!

The way these characters have grabbed my heart and soul ...

Sloan's story is heartbreaking.
But it's also a second chance + a new start.
This book was emotional, for real.
I was crying Every time I turned around lol

The emotional connection Luke & Sloan had was really beautiful. The bond they shared, but also shared with Jen -- I was so intrigued by them.
And the spice! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I fell in love right alone with Sloan, Jen, and Luke.
The way they stood up for each other and genuinely loved each other, was something.

I was so invested in the whole series.
Each character will forever live in my head rent free 🤍

I was incredibly blessed to have been chosen for this ARC. I'm not sure I could've survived waiting another week+ to read it!
Profile Image for Grace Lyttle alyttlebookblog.
214 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2024
I have loved this series, and honestly, I don't think there could have been a better character to end with. I knew Sloan had a good story and a soft side behind his sh*t talking. I was not at all disappointed. I think Sloan is definitely my new favorite Beautiful Deciet character!
Jillian is an author who doesn't skimp on side characters, and each side character plays a part and has a personality. It's always very impressive to me. I love that you don't lose the other characters even when they aren't the main focus. Even the body guards have a purpose and a personality outside of just being a body guard.
Anyway, I'm obsessed with another Jillian Wray book 🫶🏻

As a fair warning ⚠️ I slept with my Kindle under my pillow, and every time I would wake up in the middle of the night, I would read this book... so do not start reading unless you are willing to lose sleep over it.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,745 reviews21 followers
August 16, 2024
Sloan, Luke & Jen
MMF
Bi-awakening
Second Chance
Rockstar romance

What another beautiful book by Jillian!

I have been excited for Sloan’s book since first meeting him! He was always the quiet, brooding one who we didn't know very much about... and then the ending of book 3 left us all 😱😱😱 waiting for his story!!

What an incredible, emotional ride! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, I could not put this one down!

And the 🌶🌶! Holy moly!! 🥵

I'm so sad this series is over as I absolutely love these characters, but I'm so excited to see what Jillian writes next 😍
Profile Image for Jenny Lynn.
98 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2024
I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this series because the band, the relationships, the banter, and the connections between all the characters was so well written. But I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.

I knew from previous books that Sloan would be my favorite and Jillian didn’t disappoint, in fact she went above my expectations with this book. This story of self discovery, grief, and above all else… love, is simply incredible.

I know without a doubt that the Beautiful Deceit men will forever be in my heart. Thank you for that.
Profile Image for Sophia weaver.
9 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2024
This book is sooo good I couldn’t put it down unless absolutely necessary!! I love a good HEA (happy ever after). A throuple and the real life worries and concerns it comes with, Jen and Sloan were going great content with their relationship when someone from Sloans past comes and recks it all!! Ugh I was hooked. It’s so beautifully written and the spice is spicin!! Such a perfect read! Read triggers beforehand but I absolutely loved this book so so much!!
Profile Image for Dani.
8 reviews
September 11, 2024
--ARC REVIEW--

While reading the series I had a pretty good idea that Sloan would end up being my favorite and I was very right. You will be enthralled from the very beginning. There are so many layers to the man and his demons. Had I not already read the other three books in the series the tropes of this one alone would have grabbed my attention. I recommend reading the entire series in order, but this book can be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone. The final member of Beautiful Deceit getting his story told will stick with you.
Profile Image for Amanda Eastling.
114 reviews
August 14, 2024
Oh my gosh this book had me in the edge of my seat and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The steam from all 3 of them holy crap hot!!! This whole series was amazing and I am so sad that’s its ending.
Profile Image for Jess.
22 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2024
Unburdened is the 4th and final book in the Beautiful Deceit series.
This is a rockstar romance series focused around a band called Beautiful Deceit.
Each book focuses on 1 of the 4 members of the band.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

The book is well written, I was so emotionally invested in the story of Sloan, Luke and Jen.
I felt the confusion, the hurt, the fear, the joy and everything in between.

The struggles the 3 of them went through to find themselves, to heal and to figure out their feelings.
Sloan trying to heal from the past and move forward, Luke figuring out who he is and learning to love himself and Jen finally finding love and fearing losing it, losing them.
This book was full of pain but it was also beautiful, to watch them grow and come together.

I recommend this series, this book in particular may not be to everyones taste, being a threesome with MMF and I understand some people won't like that.
But for me personally it was freaking hot and I loved it. The spice was wow!
4 reviews
August 17, 2024
This book is a must read. Very intriguing. A book you won’t want to put down!!! There is anger, hate, sadness, love and happiness. You will love Sloan, Jen and Luke. A very well written book you will definitely enjoy reading.
2 reviews
August 19, 2024
This book is hot, steamy and very well written. If you like this genre you will love this whole series. I very highly recommend.
Profile Image for Paige (wingsandsmut).
914 reviews87 followers
September 11, 2024
Jillian, dare I say Sloan might be my favorite over Ryan now…. It’s definitely a close call! Unburdened finally gives us Sloan’s story and wow, is it powerful. It’s raw, emotional, beautiful and gave me a piece of my soul that I didn’t know was missing. My heart hurt for Sloan reading and see just how much he has experienced and lost. Despite all that trauma and hurt, he’s so sweet and full of emotions, even if he keeps them hidden away.

The spice in this book is so hot and I absolutely loved it!

I’m sad this is the end to our Beautiful Deceit boys, but what a perfect way to have written this last book! It is set to release on September 17th and is a must read if you love rockstar romances!

What to expect:
🎸 Enemies to Lovers
🎸Second chance romance
🎸Rockstar/Nurse/Soldier
🎸MMF
🎸Fast burn AND slow burn
🎸Begrudging bi-awakening

Thank you so much to Jillian Wray for letting me read/review an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
Profile Image for Antonina.
53 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2024
First let me start by saying that I am not emotionally ready to be done with these books and reading about the band. I can't believe the beautiful deceit series has actually come to an end. I loved Sloan's story. He really had been such a closed off character throughout the first three books, so getting to really get to know him in Unburdened made for an amazing story.

** WARNING MINOR SPOILER BELOW (without context) **
Jennifer really had me stressing in the second half there. Anyone else want to grab her shoulders and just give her a little shake?!?!!
Profile Image for Cressthebookdragon.
155 reviews
August 24, 2024
Oh Jillian you wrote the perfect final book to this series! I absolutely did not want this book to end because I love these characters so much! This book made me laugh and cry. The spice 🥵 good god! Just like the other books I devoured it in one day! So damn good!

Sloan is the guitarist in the band, Beautiful Deceit, who’s been broken for the last ten years. He refuses to talk about his experiences in the military to anyone until the past shows up at one of their concerts, Major Luke Blackwell, forcing him to face that past.

Jen is a strong independent woman who is trying to work through abandonment issues and trying to have a monogamous relationship with Sloan.

And confused Luke. Who hasn’t been able to be honest about what he wants and who he wants.

When I first saw the cover for this book in the street team chat I freaking squealed because how could I not! Thank you Jillian for the chance to read not just this ARC, but also the last 2 ARCs for this series! I’m going to miss these characters.
Profile Image for Patricia.
239 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2024
Wow, Jillian ended this series beautifully. Everything we'd seen from Sloan throughout the other 3 books has literally led us on this path to finally understand him. So well written from all three MC perspectives, there isn't a thing readers need and don't find in these pages.
Profile Image for Bookish Lady Night.
530 reviews16 followers
September 21, 2024
Book Review: Unburdened by: Jillian Wray

So this is definitely a true fangirl moment for me! I was a fangirl of this series when it was a twinkle in Jillian’s eye! I met her after reading Submit as an ARC and begged her to allow me to make a card of that book ( coming out next month.) She tells me that she’s in the beginnings of a new series about a rock band and says I can also make a card of that one too!! This card will also be releasing soon but you can find a cute tote and make up bag of the guys, Sienna and Bri. Anyway back to the story… so I’ve been with the band since before they were famous! I’m the ultimate groupie on not only these guys but the brilliant author Jillian too! I’m so sad to have this series come to an end but it’s been such a spectacular ride as they find themselves and love. Jillian can write and when she does she shatters you into a million tiny pieces and slowly and eloquently builds you back together with a new found appreciation and strength from all that the characters go through. I think Bearing the Burden and Unburdened are the most beautiful and emotional stories ever! I cried so many times in this book. But I also giggled and squealed in delight! I literally devoured this book in record time! This was a beautiful story about living your truth, trusting and opening up even when you are terrified, and accepting yourself fully. The men in this book had me swooning, dancing, and fanning myself. There is so much angst, slow burn, and inferno in this book. Both Sloan and Luke are 1000% book boyfriend material and they are fierce with their love.

There are a kaleidoscope of emotions grief, sadness, pining, self doubt, self reflection, confidence rocking moments, and so much more. Sloan is such a kind person and Luke is a possessive golden! Jen is such a bad ass FMC and all she brings to their lives she’s loyal, and selfless! They are the perfect unit and it was beautiful to watch them get there! If you want a book to complete destroy you only to make you better then these books are for you! Wonderful and deep plots in all the books and the chefs kiss of spice! Jillian is phenomenal so definitely recommend reading this series! Also if you want an up close view of Jillian check out my interview with her on YouTube or the podcast version on Spotify!!! It’s been my absolute honor Jillian!

🎸 Guitar Bassist
🪖 Army Major/Doctor
🩺 Independent AF Nurse
🏳️‍🌈Biawakening
🤫 Secrets Revealed
👩‍❤️‍👨💁‍♂️ Why Choose/Poly
💁‍♂️👩‍❤️‍👨MMF

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️++++
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️


Profile Image for Laura.
362 reviews12 followers
September 17, 2024
🌟Rockstar MMC
🌟Military Doctor MMC
🌟Nurse FMC
🌟MMF
🌟Second Chance
🌟Grief/Loss
🌟Betrayal
🌟Guilt
🌟Healing
🌟Girl Squad
🌟Band of Brothers
🌟Multi POV
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

*Unburdened* is one of the most emotionally driven books I’ve ever read. It dives deep into the complexities of the human experience, unflinchingly exploring themes of heartbreak, loss, and healing. It’s a story that grips you from the start, both gut-wrenching and, ultimately, deeply cathartic.

Sloan is one of the most emotionally devastating characters I’ve ever encountered. He hides his immense pain behind humor and the wild facade his rock star lifestyle provides, but beneath that is a man shattered by loss. His story had me in tears multiple times as I felt the full weight of everything he’s endured. Sloan craves connection and love, yet it feels perpetually just out of reach. His struggle to capture what his soul needs is heartbreaking.

Luke, on the other hand, carries the burden of guilt, shame and regret, and his journey of seeking reconnection with Sloan—despite the cost—is both beautiful and tragic. I loved watching him push beyond his own sorrow, slowly allowing himself to embrace the truth of what he feels for Sloan. He’s always known he loves and misses his best friend, but for the first time, he fully grasps the depth of those emotions. Luke’s internal battle to reconcile with his feelings and his past is raw and powerful.

Then there’s Jen, who has built walls around her heart so high that even she can’t breach them. Her desire to maintain control over her emotions and relationships initially feels like strength, but it’s clear that it’s a self-imposed prison, preventing her from truly connecting deeply. Jen’s relationship with Sloan works as a no-strings-attached arrangement, but when Luke emerges, her carefully constructed world is turned upside down. As the story unfolds, she’s forced to confront her vulnerability in ways she never expected.

What I also loved about *Unburdened* is the humor and wit that Jillian masterfully weaves through the story. The banter between the characters adds levity to the intense emotional moments, balancing the heartache with laughter. And the ending? It’s an incredibly sweet, heart-mending HEA that left me feeling joy.

That said, I’d recommend checking the trigger warnings, as there were moments when I had to pause just to absorb the emotional weight of it all. But that speaks to the profound nature of this book—it doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Jillian captures the depths of human pain with breathtaking honesty, and for that reason, *Unburdened* is truly remarkable. I can’t recommend it enough.

Thank you Jillian for the eARC
Profile Image for Alicia  Ruby.
47 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2024
Unburdened is a story about love lost, love gained, second chances and creating the love that works for you and is a beautiful and sexy conclusion to the Beautiful Deceit series. Knowing Sloan's story was the last in the series, I knew in my heart that it was going to be the most gut wrenching and boy was I right.

When I first read about what happened during Sloan's time in the Army, I sobbed for ten minutes straight. Knowing how much heartbreak and pain he went through and has been carrying since then really gives you a deeper understanding of why Sloan is the way he is. We really get a deep dive into Sloan, his mind and his sexuality. We get more of Jen, Emma’s best friend and we get to meet someone from Sloan’s past, Major Luke Blackwell. Even Nina comes back to hang out for a bit!

Sloan is feeling like the rest of his bandmates, he misses home and the ones he leaves behind each time they leave for tour. This being a new sensation for him, we get to ride along as he figures out how to manage his new role(s).

I wouldn’t call this a Why Choose or a Poly story because to me, it is simply about a man who loves two people differently but equally and comes to realize that he cannot live without both of them in his life.

This desire might be based on hatred. Or it might be based on love. The lines aren’t just blurry anymore, they’re non-existent.


I don’t want to spoil the book so I’ll simply say this, you will need a cold shower after reading.

Things to Know Before You Read:
🎸 MMF/MF/MM
🎸 Anal Play (On page)
🎸 Workplace Harassment
🎸 Light Dom/Sub

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for Anne Mitchell.
155 reviews6 followers
September 11, 2024
ARC Review: Release 10/17

Spice Rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I really enjoyed this book, after about the 50% mark. I think if I had read the books prior to this in the series and had a bit more background on the band and side characters it would have been more enjoyable, but because I hadn’t, the first half of the book kind of felt like coming in too late in a story and trying to catch up. That’s on me and not the Jillian! Once I got into the book and caught up a bit I really enjoyed it.

The will they/wont they lasted maybe a little too long, but it also worked! I loved how the relationship between Luke and Jen developed, and how much Sloan and Jen grew! Luke and Sloan had a lot of hurt from the past to work through, and once they did they created a beautiful relationship!

I think we could have gotten more time where the three of them were good together. We got a lot of Sloan and Jen and Sloan and Luke, and even a good amount of Luke and Jen, but very little of the three of them together as a happy throuple! I would have loved that.

Overall it was a good book, I think I just had a hard time because I came in so late. Again, that’s on me!

#smut #bookstagram #spicynovels #romancenovels #spicyromancenovels #booktok #bookboyfriend #mmfromance #friendstoenemiestolovers #rockstarromance #rockstarxarmydoctorxnurse
Profile Image for XenyMarie.
590 reviews15 followers
September 16, 2024
There's so much I want to say about this book, but at the same time I don't want to give anything away.

I loved this book from beginning to end. I am so happy that we finally got to know Sloan on a much deeper level and got to know his background, which had pretty much been a mystery throughout the whole series.

Jillian did an excellent job at maintaining a balance between Sloan, Jen and Luke as a trio, but also as separate duos. We saw the different struggles they had in the process of coming to terms with their feelings and the type of relationship they needed to have. Luke's journey to self discovery was brilliant, same with Jen's acceptance of being taken care of by not one, but two men. I loved their dynamics and how they complimented each other, and how beautifully they worked together. And that FaceTime call... one word... H.O.T.

I loved the banter between the crew, and Nina's appearance in this book made me wish we had seen more of her throughout the series. All in all, this book had me crying ugly painful tears one minute, and crying from lmao the next. This was a beautiful ending to the series and it had me feeling like I was saying goodbye to my best friend.

Quote: “With all due respect, sir, sucking dick doesn’t make you special. Sucking Sloan Alexander’s dick though? That makes you King.”
Profile Image for Julia Rick.
104 reviews
September 15, 2024
When love has 3 sides can it truly work? With Sloan it most definitely can. I have been dying for Sloans book since I read the first in the series and it did not disappoint. The intensity from beginning to end is pure magic. Sloan may keep things close to his chest but he does not hide from his emotions. He feels and feels deeply. Jillian Wray does a beautiful job of showcasing what it means to forgive and what that process truly looks like. It is not an easy road. I love the absolute beauty in Jen’s love for Sloan and essentially for Luke to because she chooses to put them above herself. Even while dealing with her insecurities she was selfless enough to put them and their relationship first. The communication that Sloan has with Jen and Luke is truly something special. He leaves nothing up for interpretation. Throughout the series you see the true friendship of the band and this book doesn’t skimp on it. The band members truly show their love friendship and loyalty to Sloan in amazing ways. This really was the best book to end the series on. Looking to get lost in the melody of love and longing Unburdened is the song for you.
Profile Image for Jazzmine Eshleman.
4 reviews
August 19, 2024
Firstly thank you Jillian Wray for letting me read this masterpiece!! This book is an amazing heart wrenching (in a good way not a bad way) story that kept me on the edge of my seat in anticipation the entire time!!! While it is book 4 in the series, it can be a standalone as well considering I haven’t read the first 3, yet; and I enjoyed and understood everything going on! I didn’t find anything I didn’t understand. And of course all of the, uh, spicy 🌶️💦 is a very big bonus, but I absolutely love how the storyline flows. It’s a story to where even though there is a lot of, spicy content, I’m excited to see what happens in the next part of the story development and truly this book had me laughing and crying. It truly strummed my heart strings in a way I won’t be forgetting anytime soon; it’s also definitely on my to-be-read again list!!!! 50,000/10 recommend!!! I cannot speak highly enough of this book, add it to your to-be-read list and I promise you won’t regret it!!!! Make sure as always to check the trigger warnings etc because your mental health is the upmost important! 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Kat (BostonKatReads).
146 reviews
August 22, 2024
Unburdened is the 4th and final installment of the Beautiful Deceit series, and I am both ecstatic and also mourning the end of this amazing series. Invisible Burdens was my first ever rockstar romance, and now I casually have four new book boyfriends in EVERY MMC of this series :cries:

Unburdened reveals everything about Sloan's past that's been bottled up and behind-closed-doors in the previous three books. We knew that Sloan was a veteran, but that's about it. Hearing his backstory was revolutionary and heartbreaking. I was also thrilled to see more of Jen in this book, as she's one of my ever-favorite sassy BFFs.

Jen and Sloan have a good thing going, but it could get either better or worse when Major Luke Blackwell reenters from Sloan's past. Everyone's attractive, everyone's driven, and everyone wants love. Jillian did it again and arguably better than ever with this one. She ripped my heart out and stomped all over it while I said "yes mother, more please."

Beautiful Deceit is a series of interconnected standalones, but as I've said before, I highly recommend reading them in order!! You'll come to know and love the characters better with each book and be able to fully appreciate the culminating work of art that is Unburdened.
Profile Image for Celina  Rosa.
324 reviews
September 17, 2024
It is so odd to say this series is complete, but Jillian saved the best for last with the final member of the band Sloan. A story of self discovery, heartbreak, second chances, raw emotions, spice and love that has left me feeling complete. I read this book knowing it was going to be the last of the series and I tried to hold on to it but that was impossible, and with a box of tissues in hand I devoured it.

I truly recommend you read this book as well as the whole series. Normally I would suggest your TBR, but we all know how long those can be so trust me when I say don't miss one of the best series you will ever come across and read it.

Thank you, Jillian D. Wray, for this ARC and introducing me to the band! Noah, Brett, Ryan and Sloan will always hold a special place in my heart and for that I will forever be grateful! 💗
77 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2024
This book was perfection 🤌!

Getting to know the band members and their significant others has held a special place in my heart for months!

This has easily become one of my favorite series!! Im sad this is the final book, but the way it ended was everything and more!! 💜

Getting to know Sloan more broke my heart with everything he has been through and then put it back together with him healing and finding happiness again.

I've always been a sucker for cute nicknames and I never knew how much I needed an MM romance with nicknames to boot 😍

Lucky, Sloany, and Jen will forever hold a special place in my heart!!

Jen is a force to be reckoned with!! She is strong, independent, caring, and selfless. She also drives a Camry (which is what I drive) and has my same name which is also bad ass lol.

The spice was out of this world hot 🔥 🥵 and I loved the dynamics of the trio.

If you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for!?

I highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Christy Corliss.
140 reviews
September 23, 2024
Book 4

This is such a bitter sweet moment, reading the last book of the Beautiful Deceit series. Each book is such a unique and hear melting story. Unburdened is no different! I've been dying for Sloan's story, and Jillian hit it out of the park! I loved how Sloan and Luke got a second chance, but Jennifer is my absolute favorite character. She is so selfless and willing to give up her happy ending in order for the other two to get theirs. I had moments of frustration, giddiness, sadness, hope, and happiness while reading. It's definitely an emotional roller coaster, but 100% worth the ride! I hate to say good to the Beautiful Deceit family, but I'm so excited to see what Jillian has in store for us next.
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