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Marital Privileges #3
Vengeful Vows
Mara
The rich powerful men I work for never associate with the help, so I’m shocked when the latest resident of Myasnikov notices me, and even more astounded that he pays enough attention to decipher that my stutter is a fear-based reaction.
Arkadiy Orlov is the epitome of wealth and power. He’s politically successful, handsome, and has the funds to buy anything he wants.
Except the wife his campaign manager insists he needs to reach the top of the political ladder he’s been climbing for the past two decades.
I could have been the Cinderella of his story if our dark pasts hadn’t collided with dire consequences.
Our union could destroy Ark’s campaign for presidency before it even begins. But with our attraction hotter than the inferno we barely survived in our childhoods, will we risk everything for the chance of love?
Or are not all fairytales meant to have a happy ending?
Arkadiy
My life was meticulously planned. Individual success in the private sector, wealth beyond imagination, and then the ultimate power—domination of the political world.
Then I saw her, the maid with a stutter and a bucket load of secrets in her pretty eyes.
There was something about Mara that drew me to her. I feared it was because a victim knows a victim, but I could have never predicted the similarities of our childhoods.
We faced the same pain, endured the same heartache, but Mara’s life proves that not all secrets need to be shared.
Sometimes burying them is the only way you can move past them—both physically and mentally.
Please note: although this is book three in the marital privilege series, it can be read as a complete standalone.
*
** Check the author's website for TWS**
The rich powerful men I work for never associate with the help, so I’m shocked when the latest resident of Myasnikov notices me, and even more astounded that he pays enough attention to decipher that my stutter is a fear-based reaction.
Arkadiy Orlov is the epitome of wealth and power. He’s politically successful, handsome, and has the funds to buy anything he wants.
Except the wife his campaign manager insists he needs to reach the top of the political ladder he’s been climbing for the past two decades.
I could have been the Cinderella of his story if our dark pasts hadn’t collided with dire consequences.
Our union could destroy Ark’s campaign for presidency before it even begins. But with our attraction hotter than the inferno we barely survived in our childhoods, will we risk everything for the chance of love?
Or are not all fairytales meant to have a happy ending?
Arkadiy
My life was meticulously planned. Individual success in the private sector, wealth beyond imagination, and then the ultimate power—domination of the political world.
Then I saw her, the maid with a stutter and a bucket load of secrets in her pretty eyes.
There was something about Mara that drew me to her. I feared it was because a victim knows a victim, but I could have never predicted the similarities of our childhoods.
We faced the same pain, endured the same heartache, but Mara’s life proves that not all secrets need to be shared.
Sometimes burying them is the only way you can move past them—both physically and mentally.
Please note: although this is book three in the marital privilege series, it can be read as a complete standalone.
*
** Check the author's website for TWS**
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
320 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
Shandi Boyes
96 books2,201 followersShandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.
You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!
Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi
SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)
Enigma:
Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot
Bound:
Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained
Russian Mob Chronicles:
Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me
You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!
I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU
Enjoy reading!
In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.
You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!
Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi
SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)
Enigma:
Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot
Bound:
Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained
Russian Mob Chronicles:
Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me
You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!
I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU
Enjoy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
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May 3, 2025I read book 1 - didn't like it. Skipped book 2. Book 3 caught my attention on Bookstagram and I took the bait. Surprise, surprise - I shouldn't have.
This book was not for me. We did get a dual POV which I appreciated, but once again the characters lacked chemistry for me. Mara had more chemistry with Raphael than with Ark. We didn't see any bonding with Ark and Tilly. Mara's past as well as Arks didn't make sense to me and didn't give anything to the story. I struggled with the book and hoped it would get better - it didn't.
This book was not for me. We did get a dual POV which I appreciated, but once again the characters lacked chemistry for me. Mara had more chemistry with Raphael than with Ark. We didn't see any bonding with Ark and Tilly. Mara's past as well as Arks didn't make sense to me and didn't give anything to the story. I struggled with the book and hoped it would get better - it didn't.
April 20, 2025
difficult to understand sometimes.
The story line was good. I just don’t think the author conveyed what she was trying to say to get across. I felt like she used a thesaurus and just replacing common words with something more complicated. A lot times the story became confusing and hard to follow.
The story line was good. I just don’t think the author conveyed what she was trying to say to get across. I felt like she used a thesaurus and just replacing common words with something more complicated. A lot times the story became confusing and hard to follow.
April 17, 2025
3 Stars
The first book in the series was the best!
The MMC, Ark was such a martyr, then the MFC, Mara drove me nuts… their relationship appears quick and fast and he loves her so he is willing to lay on the knife . Overall, it was ehh read, probably one I won’t remember.
FYI: I don’t think this book has enough warnings about the long term abuse children experienced in the book, even though off page. It was not a trigger for me but it could be for some, so beware and read with caution.
The first book in the series was the best!
The MMC, Ark was such a martyr, then the MFC, Mara drove me nuts… their relationship appears quick and fast and he loves her so he is willing to lay on the knife . Overall, it was ehh read, probably one I won’t remember.
FYI: I don’t think this book has enough warnings about the long term abuse children experienced in the book, even though off page. It was not a trigger for me but it could be for some, so beware and read with caution.
June 2, 2025
Good story, but poorly executed.
I liked this story of these two very damaged MCs coming together to help heal each other but the writing unfortunately was tedious and confusing and made this very difficult to enjoy.
1. Pacing - For every line of dialogue, there were just paragraphs and pages of exposition, description, back story and inner monalogue. It really slowed the story down and made the pacing crawl.
2. Confusing plot - keeping track of all the characters involved in his abuse and then her abuse was exhausting. The way the plot was sprinkled in... was a choice BUT would have been better told all at once bc there were so many other things found on.
3. Ending - all the confessions got a bit ridiculous
4. Relationship between the FMC's daughter and the MC came out of nowhere. He didn't have but 1 or 2 conversations with her and now he loves her like she's his daughter?
Got it on KU so read if you want but I definitely wouldn't read again
I liked this story of these two very damaged MCs coming together to help heal each other but the writing unfortunately was tedious and confusing and made this very difficult to enjoy.
1. Pacing - For every line of dialogue, there were just paragraphs and pages of exposition, description, back story and inner monalogue. It really slowed the story down and made the pacing crawl.
2. Confusing plot - keeping track of all the characters involved in his abuse and then her abuse was exhausting. The way the plot was sprinkled in... was a choice BUT would have been better told all at once bc there were so many other things found on.
3. Ending - all the confessions got a bit ridiculous
4. Relationship between the FMC's daughter and the MC came out of nowhere. He didn't have but 1 or 2 conversations with her and now he loves her like she's his daughter?
Got it on KU so read if you want but I definitely wouldn't read again
April 21, 2025
Geez I struggled to rate this book. The survivor part of the story was more than five stars. However then ending was rushed and abrupt. So much there that needed to be expanded upon . I felt robbed to be honest. The two damaged, strong souls were beautiful.
did-not-finish
April 19, 2025Book Name/Series: Vengeful Vows
Author: Shandi Boyes
DNF at: 19%
Why: I really didn’t like the writing in this book unfortunately. It just felt rushed and disjointed, which was really disappointing because I thought the premise sounded interesting.
Author: Shandi Boyes
DNF at: 19%
Why: I really didn’t like the writing in this book unfortunately. It just felt rushed and disjointed, which was really disappointing because I thought the premise sounded interesting.
April 16, 2025
0.5/5
honestly it's so all over the place that it's crazy confusing.
honestly it's so all over the place that it's crazy confusing.
April 3, 2025
Well once again no disappointment here. I was hooked from the beginning. The men of Myasnikov don’t disappoint. Both Mara and Ark are survivors and they see something in each other that will bring them together. Honestly I’d love to tell you so much but I can’t do it justice so you just have to read. Honestly I bawled my eyes out several times but every tear was worth it. And let’s not forget the steam. Just enjoy this read, you won’t be sorry. Thanks Shandi.
June 26, 2025
The more I think about this book, the more confused I feel about it. I feel like this book wasn't written by a real person, maybe AI? It's such an extremely hard book to understand. It's hard to follow what the characters know, and even harder to follow how* they come to know things they didn't before. I still have no clue about how long the book takes place because they mention days passing several times but the main part of the book I think is only like 3 weeks?
She goes from trusting no man to taking the blame for murder and leaving her child with a stranger she only knew a few weeks ago so that he wouldn't go to jail. I have no clue who's murder she was on trial for anyways her dad's or Dr. Babkin?? because they said she took the blame for Ark but it was Dr. Babkin who they were talking about in the trial so I have no clue. I also don't have a clue how her daughter knows or what her daughter knows about Dr. Babkin and how she got the information from an article about soccer??
This is the first book to really make me question my ability to read because the words are written but they do not make any sense as far as answers to plot questions. Also the whole shampoo thing was creepy as heck and gave me the ick after the way they kept bringing up how many bottles he's gone through, it's weird.
The plot had so much potential but the book failed to really do anything with it so I'm disappointed.
She goes from trusting no man to taking the blame for murder and leaving her child with a stranger she only knew a few weeks ago so that he wouldn't go to jail. I have no clue who's murder she was on trial for anyways her dad's or Dr. Babkin?? because they said she took the blame for Ark but it was Dr. Babkin who they were talking about in the trial so I have no clue. I also don't have a clue how her daughter knows or what her daughter knows about Dr. Babkin and how she got the information from an article about soccer??
This is the first book to really make me question my ability to read because the words are written but they do not make any sense as far as answers to plot questions. Also the whole shampoo thing was creepy as heck and gave me the ick after the way they kept bringing up how many bottles he's gone through, it's weird.
The plot had so much potential but the book failed to really do anything with it so I'm disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
Shandi Boyes is a brilliant author and I absolutely love her work. Book three of the Marital Privileges series, Vengeful Vows, did not disappoint in the least and was on par for some of her most amazing writing.
In this installment, Shandi explored the potential and ultimate HEA from a perspective of not being "broken" but being a survivor. Both main characters, Mara and Arkadiy "Ark," were survivors of massive childhood trauma, both sexual and nonsexual in nature. Shandi leveraged these histories with a nuanced balance of finesse in order to move her characters toward their ultimate HEA.
As a survivor of massive childhood trauma myself, I appreciate Shandi's trigger warnings at the outset, which made me particularly look for the issues to reconcile my own lived experience with her depictions. She did a brilliant job of capturing the tortured souls of the characters while allowing for them to thrive into a state of reconciliation, freedom, and release in order to move forward in a healthy relationship. Just nothing short of brilliant!!!
Now, I would like to point out that I would have liked more detail on the "pink" and "new" scar that Mara noticed on Ark. I would have also liked to have had a much more dramatic closure to Ark's abuser. There was a lot of talk "around" his abuser without much detail as to her comeuppance. I like knowing that comeuppance was served/received/dished. It is important to my survivorship to see that the abuser was held accountable and with as much, if not more, stringency as the abuse itself based on the choice of the adult abusing a/the child.
Overall, I fell in love with these beautiful characters and this amazing story. Shandi, you got me with those plot twists in the end. Gurl ... your brain is on fire~
4 out of 5 chili peppers for steaminess ~
#SlowBurn #ExcellentTension #SoWorthTheRead
In this installment, Shandi explored the potential and ultimate HEA from a perspective of not being "broken" but being a survivor. Both main characters, Mara and Arkadiy "Ark," were survivors of massive childhood trauma, both sexual and nonsexual in nature. Shandi leveraged these histories with a nuanced balance of finesse in order to move her characters toward their ultimate HEA.
As a survivor of massive childhood trauma myself, I appreciate Shandi's trigger warnings at the outset, which made me particularly look for the issues to reconcile my own lived experience with her depictions. She did a brilliant job of capturing the tortured souls of the characters while allowing for them to thrive into a state of reconciliation, freedom, and release in order to move forward in a healthy relationship. Just nothing short of brilliant!!!
Now, I would like to point out that I would have liked more detail on the "pink" and "new" scar that Mara noticed on Ark. I would have also liked to have had a much more dramatic closure to Ark's abuser. There was a lot of talk "around" his abuser without much detail as to her comeuppance. I like knowing that comeuppance was served/received/dished. It is important to my survivorship to see that the abuser was held accountable and with as much, if not more, stringency as the abuse itself based on the choice of the adult abusing a/the child.
Overall, I fell in love with these beautiful characters and this amazing story. Shandi, you got me with those plot twists in the end. Gurl ... your brain is on fire~
4 out of 5 chili peppers for steaminess ~
#SlowBurn #ExcellentTension #SoWorthTheRead
August 12, 2025
interesting premise, somewhat disappointing realization
1St person dual pov, - Myasnokiv, Russia or somewhere close. I was disappointed that the author Americanized the locality, despite referring to it as Russian or related to Russia. Also the secondary characters were sadly shallow, even Rafael, who should have been considerably more important, but even Darius and Riley. Like the confession at the end in the stories own words: the story left many gaps, partly on purpose, like the man calling on Ark, asking about Miskaela, who then disappears till the end of the story. But also, dear mama was not really dealt with, only behind the scenes. A lot was dealt with behind the scenes. The story focused on survivors of abuse, and the injustice of the legal system, but I thought even that was dramatized and yet shallow. I finished the book, as I was invested in the characters, but I won’t search out other books by this author immediately. It is a stand alone within a specific universe, and it does have a hea.
1St person dual pov, - Myasnokiv, Russia or somewhere close. I was disappointed that the author Americanized the locality, despite referring to it as Russian or related to Russia. Also the secondary characters were sadly shallow, even Rafael, who should have been considerably more important, but even Darius and Riley. Like the confession at the end in the stories own words: the story left many gaps, partly on purpose, like the man calling on Ark, asking about Miskaela, who then disappears till the end of the story. But also, dear mama was not really dealt with, only behind the scenes. A lot was dealt with behind the scenes. The story focused on survivors of abuse, and the injustice of the legal system, but I thought even that was dramatized and yet shallow. I finished the book, as I was invested in the characters, but I won’t search out other books by this author immediately. It is a stand alone within a specific universe, and it does have a hea.
May 10, 2025
I'm not crying you are
Omg this book hurts and hits so different 😢 from most romance books sooo many people have to life with the pain of what they Went through what they had to live with through. So many people who don't ever tell their story. Now get the chance to tell their story. It's sad that they had to go through stuff. I got to begin with, It doesn't just happen to females, it happens to men too A lot of them are just too scared to speak up because they're ashamed.
There is nothing to be ashamed about by speaking up. Rather, you're male or female. Don't let abusers get away with stuff like that. Speak your truth, don't be ashamed.
It hurts to read this book, but it was very well written. And I thank you for sharing a book like this.
I hope it really does help.Someone who has been abused like this
Omg this book hurts and hits so different 😢 from most romance books sooo many people have to life with the pain of what they Went through what they had to live with through. So many people who don't ever tell their story. Now get the chance to tell their story. It's sad that they had to go through stuff. I got to begin with, It doesn't just happen to females, it happens to men too A lot of them are just too scared to speak up because they're ashamed.
There is nothing to be ashamed about by speaking up. Rather, you're male or female. Don't let abusers get away with stuff like that. Speak your truth, don't be ashamed.
It hurts to read this book, but it was very well written. And I thank you for sharing a book like this.
I hope it really does help.Someone who has been abused like this
April 15, 2025
Protecting the ones you love
I don't have the words to express how I feel about this book. The trauma both these characters endured as children is heartbreaking. Failed by the people who was supposed to protect them. Mara and Arkadiy, are two souls drawn together not just by their feelings of lust for each other but so much more. Ark recognizes something in Mara that he has kept secret his entire life. The need to protect Mara and her little girl hurts more than anything for Ark but Mara is strong enough to push back. This book isn't just about abuse and the abuse of power adults have over children. It's about protecting the ones you love and doing whatever it takes to keep them safe. A beautiful story of two fractured souls finding and healing each other.
I don't have the words to express how I feel about this book. The trauma both these characters endured as children is heartbreaking. Failed by the people who was supposed to protect them. Mara and Arkadiy, are two souls drawn together not just by their feelings of lust for each other but so much more. Ark recognizes something in Mara that he has kept secret his entire life. The need to protect Mara and her little girl hurts more than anything for Ark but Mara is strong enough to push back. This book isn't just about abuse and the abuse of power adults have over children. It's about protecting the ones you love and doing whatever it takes to keep them safe. A beautiful story of two fractured souls finding and healing each other.
April 17, 2025
Mara and Arkadiy
Deep complex story about two multifaceted people with very painful pasts. This was an emotional rollercoaster. Mara and Arkadiy are perfect for each other but there’s so much baggage they both carry that gets in the way of their HEA. They had to learn to trust each other and believe that they’re meant to be together before they could work together. It’s well written and the characters, including side characters, have lots of depth. The plot is tight with interesting and heartbreaking revelations.
This is the 3rd book in the series and for me, definitely the best one.
Deep complex story about two multifaceted people with very painful pasts. This was an emotional rollercoaster. Mara and Arkadiy are perfect for each other but there’s so much baggage they both carry that gets in the way of their HEA. They had to learn to trust each other and believe that they’re meant to be together before they could work together. It’s well written and the characters, including side characters, have lots of depth. The plot is tight with interesting and heartbreaking revelations.
This is the 3rd book in the series and for me, definitely the best one.
April 10, 2025
I'm in love with Ark. He's growly, surly and has the biggest urge to touch and hold Mara even though he abhors physical touch. I love how he still looks out for her, even though being with her could cost him everything.
It's a must read story. They both come from tragic back stories, and the way that Mara loves her daughter is something that has to be mentioned. She's such a strong FMC that she is perfect for someone like Ark. They balance each other perfectly. The book has spice, heart and one mouthy MMC. Another great edition from Shandi!m
It's a must read story. They both come from tragic back stories, and the way that Mara loves her daughter is something that has to be mentioned. She's such a strong FMC that she is perfect for someone like Ark. They balance each other perfectly. The book has spice, heart and one mouthy MMC. Another great edition from Shandi!m
April 26, 2025
Where do I even start? Wow. Just WOW. Another amazing book by Shandi Boyes. This book does not disappoint. I would recommend checking trigger warnings before reading. Mara and Ark had to deal with so much trauma individually that it breaks my heart. Reading the journey that these two characters go through is nothing short of amazing and gave me all the feels. It made the chemistry and tension between them so emotional and full of passion. The story was so well written and full of twists. I could not put it down. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
May 1, 2025
Sad, touching and wonderful
This book was so very different from the others. The demons of the main characters past and present that are in figures that shouldn't exist haunt these two in obvious ways. My heart broke for both of them and I thought they were absolutely perfect for each other. The heat was there but in a different way compared to the other books in this series. My only complaint if it is even one is the ending was a bit abrupt in my opinion. I could have used a bit more of an epilogue. Otherwise as always I love this author and all that she writes.
This book was so very different from the others. The demons of the main characters past and present that are in figures that shouldn't exist haunt these two in obvious ways. My heart broke for both of them and I thought they were absolutely perfect for each other. The heat was there but in a different way compared to the other books in this series. My only complaint if it is even one is the ending was a bit abrupt in my opinion. I could have used a bit more of an epilogue. Otherwise as always I love this author and all that she writes.
May 4, 2025
Heartbreakingly beautiful
My heart broke for Mara and Ark for what they had to endure. This story had a lot of twists and some heartbreaking moments. Two broken people came together and healed each other. I loved Mara's strength and how great a mother she was. She didn't have much but she gave her daughter a great life filled with love. Ark saw himself a monster, but in actuality he was a fierce protector. I do feel that there were questions left unanswered and that the book ended with little closure, but it was still a four-star read.
My heart broke for Mara and Ark for what they had to endure. This story had a lot of twists and some heartbreaking moments. Two broken people came together and healed each other. I loved Mara's strength and how great a mother she was. She didn't have much but she gave her daughter a great life filled with love. Ark saw himself a monster, but in actuality he was a fierce protector. I do feel that there were questions left unanswered and that the book ended with little closure, but it was still a four-star read.
March 5, 2025
Shandi once again did an amazing job at telling a very emotional traumatic story without making it triggering. She has a way of going into details without telling too much details if that makes sense. Ark and Mara are to damaged souls who find a way to heal each other. The story is emotional heartbreaking intriguing and healing. There are some side characters I would like to find out some more about which I hope we do and some coming stories highly recommended  
April 12, 2025
Best one yet
Wow. Well Shandi has done it again! I have to admit this was probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. So far I think it's the best of the three books that she's written in this series. She sure knows how to write and keep you in all the feels. You go from laughing 1 minute angry the next crying a few minutes later to just gasping and hoping everything works out. You will for sure love this book.
Wow. Well Shandi has done it again! I have to admit this was probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. So far I think it's the best of the three books that she's written in this series. She sure knows how to write and keep you in all the feels. You go from laughing 1 minute angry the next crying a few minutes later to just gasping and hoping everything works out. You will for sure love this book.
April 25, 2025
Such a good but heartwrenching story
The lives of these two characters and what some of the secondary characters go through were tough to read and process but so worth the read. I love how the author made both characters vulnerable. Toward the end, I was a bit nervous about how it was all going to play out, but the ending was happy. I was looking for a book that had spice but also had a great, in-depth storyline, and this book delivered.
The lives of these two characters and what some of the secondary characters go through were tough to read and process but so worth the read. I love how the author made both characters vulnerable. Toward the end, I was a bit nervous about how it was all going to play out, but the ending was happy. I was looking for a book that had spice but also had a great, in-depth storyline, and this book delivered.
August 7, 2025
Rollercoaster
This book is wrought is back and forth, but none is miscommunication which is a breath of fresh air for this genre. The will they won't they, fast paced, power imbalance is based on their abilities to process their own traumas while fully accepting the others trauma survival as the strength it is. Great story, I feel like the ending is left open for a part two of their story.
This book is wrought is back and forth, but none is miscommunication which is a breath of fresh air for this genre. The will they won't they, fast paced, power imbalance is based on their abilities to process their own traumas while fully accepting the others trauma survival as the strength it is. Great story, I feel like the ending is left open for a part two of their story.
May 4, 2025
Vengeful Vows
Heartbreaking story of two abused people who find each other and begin to heal from the terrible things they went through by the very people who should have done everything to protect them!! Ark and Mara are wonderfully written! And the plotline has some twist and turns great ending! Bravo Shandi Boyes !
Heartbreaking story of two abused people who find each other and begin to heal from the terrible things they went through by the very people who should have done everything to protect them!! Ark and Mara are wonderfully written! And the plotline has some twist and turns great ending! Bravo Shandi Boyes !
May 5, 2025
It’s more like 3.5 stars. The plot was great as well as the character growth for both main characters. The only issue I had was that some moments felt like things had been skipped but then were talked about as if the reader should know what had happened. It just felt a little confusing at times. Overall it was a good read and I will definitely read more of her books.
May 10, 2025
The pacing of this book...awful. The relationship between Mara and the old lady child keeper was more developed than Mara and Ark. A nonexistent relationship existed between Ark and Tilly. Speaking of Tilly, She talked like a 20 year old sorority cheerleadee turned life coach influencer instead of a 10 year old. Just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2025
Mara and Tillie
Snap. Snap. Snap. This book was everything I loved it. It’s so mental health/SA advocating and it’s a great representation of what it’s like dealing with abuse and trauma. As a survivor I have to say I loved it and the way Ark fights for both of them to get the life they deserve! Highly recommend! I will definitely be going in for more of these books!
Snap. Snap. Snap. This book was everything I loved it. It’s so mental health/SA advocating and it’s a great representation of what it’s like dealing with abuse and trauma. As a survivor I have to say I loved it and the way Ark fights for both of them to get the life they deserve! Highly recommend! I will definitely be going in for more of these books!
July 9, 2025
Umm, no…
Two stars for the effort.
This one was boring. I almost DNF’d but skimmed to the end. The maid was basically SA’d by her doctor and got her pregnant, when she was basically a teenager. This totally weirded me out and put me off the book.
KU read. This one didn’t do anything for me, sorry.
Two stars for the effort.
This one was boring. I almost DNF’d but skimmed to the end. The maid was basically SA’d by her doctor and got her pregnant, when she was basically a teenager. This totally weirded me out and put me off the book.
KU read. This one didn’t do anything for me, sorry.
April 14, 2025
Once again Shandi has Delivered. not only is the spice there but the story Line is immaculate and deep. Key note, Read the TW before diving in but if none of those bother you. highly recommend this book be a must read
April 15, 2025
Heartbreaking and Perfect
This book is a perfect example of two broken souls making each other perfect. Ark and Mara heal each other in a way I've never seen. It was heartbreaking. It was chemistry brought to life. It was...perfection.
This book is a perfect example of two broken souls making each other perfect. Ark and Mara heal each other in a way I've never seen. It was heartbreaking. It was chemistry brought to life. It was...perfection.
April 15, 2025
Excellent story, although very emotional. Both main characters had so much to overcome yet it was beautiful to watch them solve the issues. Loved the twist at the end, not expected, but great ending.
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