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The Blood Between Us
Fourteen years ago, Grace Martin survived the night her parents were murdered.
She’s never stopped searching for the truth.
She just never expected the truth to be him.
When Grace joins Moretti Global Group, she believes the company hides the answers she’s been chasing. Instead, she finds herself under the watch of its enigmatic CEO, Declan Moretti—controlled, brilliant, and strangely protective.
What she doesn’t know is that Declan carries the darkest secret of all.
He was there the night her parents died.
He was ordered to kill her too.
But he didn’t.
As Grace uncovers a trail of buried contracts and family betrayals, she unravels a violent feud linking their pasts—and a deadly plan that still targets her. The truth shatters everything she thought she knew, forcing her and Declan into a collision course with the man who wants her dead.
Two families bound by vengeance.
Two survivors shaped by the same crime.
And a love forged from the ashes of violence.
When Declan risks everything to protect her, Grace must confront the
Can she walk away from the man who destroyed her world… and saved her life?
Perfect for fans of Catherine Steadman, Lisa Jewell, and Taylor Adams, The Blood Between Us is a gripping romantic thriller about trauma, forgiveness, and breaking the cycle of violence and how love conquers all.
She’s never stopped searching for the truth.
She just never expected the truth to be him.
When Grace joins Moretti Global Group, she believes the company hides the answers she’s been chasing. Instead, she finds herself under the watch of its enigmatic CEO, Declan Moretti—controlled, brilliant, and strangely protective.
What she doesn’t know is that Declan carries the darkest secret of all.
He was there the night her parents died.
He was ordered to kill her too.
But he didn’t.
As Grace uncovers a trail of buried contracts and family betrayals, she unravels a violent feud linking their pasts—and a deadly plan that still targets her. The truth shatters everything she thought she knew, forcing her and Declan into a collision course with the man who wants her dead.
Two families bound by vengeance.
Two survivors shaped by the same crime.
And a love forged from the ashes of violence.
When Declan risks everything to protect her, Grace must confront the
Can she walk away from the man who destroyed her world… and saved her life?
Perfect for fans of Catherine Steadman, Lisa Jewell, and Taylor Adams, The Blood Between Us is a gripping romantic thriller about trauma, forgiveness, and breaking the cycle of violence and how love conquers all.
574 pages, Paperback
Published January 11, 2026
8 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 27, 2026
The Blood Between Us is a story that pulls you in right from the start. It’s part mystery, part romance, and part look at how the past can follow us forever. The book made me think about how pain and secrets can shape who we are, and whether love can really heal those wounds.
The main character, Grace Martin, has been carrying a heavy burden for a long time. She remembers the rain, the gun, and the man who saved her but then disappeared. That night changed everything for her, and it’s clear she’s been trying to move forward but can’t fully escape her past. What’s interesting about her is her quiet strength—she’s tired of hiding, and she’s ready to face the truth, even if it puts her in danger.
The story explores some tough themes like trauma, violence, and how people sometimes repeat patterns from their past. Grace’s quest for answers leads her to Declan Moretti, a powerful man whose secrets seem connected to what happened to her family. Their attraction is intense and forbidden, making every moment between them feel risky. The author does a good job showing that love often comes with a price—especially when it’s born from pain and secrets. It made me think about whether love can really survive when you’re carrying so much baggage.
The book moves quickly but also takes time to show the characters’ feelings. The story is well-structured, with surprises and reveals that keep you guessing. The writing is simple but effective, capturing the mix of hope and hurt that both Grace and Declan feel. The pacing is just right—fast enough to keep you interested, but slow enough to understand what’s really going on inside these characters.
What I appreciated most was how respectful the author was with the difficult subjects. There’s no glorifying violence or pain, but instead a real look at how these experiences shape people. The characters feel real—flawed, vulnerable, and strong all at once. And even when the story gets dark, there’s a sense of hope that things might get better in the end.
The relationship between Grace and Declan is complicated. They’re drawn to each other, but their pasts threaten to tear them apart. Their chemistry is natural and intense, making it hard to put the book down. It’s a good reminder that love can be complicated, especially when it’s based on secrets and pain. But it also shows that love might be the one thing that can help heal old wounds, even if it’s dangerous.
Overall, The Blood Between Us is a powerful story about love, pain, and the courage it takes to face the truth. The author put a lot of effort into making the characters feel real and the story believable. It’s a gripping read that makes you think about how much our pasts influence us and whether we can find happiness despite everything.
In the end, this book isn’t just about secrets and suspense—it’s about resilience and hope. It’s a story that stays with you, making you wonder if love can really survive when it’s born from blood and tears.
The main character, Grace Martin, has been carrying a heavy burden for a long time. She remembers the rain, the gun, and the man who saved her but then disappeared. That night changed everything for her, and it’s clear she’s been trying to move forward but can’t fully escape her past. What’s interesting about her is her quiet strength—she’s tired of hiding, and she’s ready to face the truth, even if it puts her in danger.
The story explores some tough themes like trauma, violence, and how people sometimes repeat patterns from their past. Grace’s quest for answers leads her to Declan Moretti, a powerful man whose secrets seem connected to what happened to her family. Their attraction is intense and forbidden, making every moment between them feel risky. The author does a good job showing that love often comes with a price—especially when it’s born from pain and secrets. It made me think about whether love can really survive when you’re carrying so much baggage.
The book moves quickly but also takes time to show the characters’ feelings. The story is well-structured, with surprises and reveals that keep you guessing. The writing is simple but effective, capturing the mix of hope and hurt that both Grace and Declan feel. The pacing is just right—fast enough to keep you interested, but slow enough to understand what’s really going on inside these characters.
What I appreciated most was how respectful the author was with the difficult subjects. There’s no glorifying violence or pain, but instead a real look at how these experiences shape people. The characters feel real—flawed, vulnerable, and strong all at once. And even when the story gets dark, there’s a sense of hope that things might get better in the end.
The relationship between Grace and Declan is complicated. They’re drawn to each other, but their pasts threaten to tear them apart. Their chemistry is natural and intense, making it hard to put the book down. It’s a good reminder that love can be complicated, especially when it’s based on secrets and pain. But it also shows that love might be the one thing that can help heal old wounds, even if it’s dangerous.
Overall, The Blood Between Us is a powerful story about love, pain, and the courage it takes to face the truth. The author put a lot of effort into making the characters feel real and the story believable. It’s a gripping read that makes you think about how much our pasts influence us and whether we can find happiness despite everything.
In the end, this book isn’t just about secrets and suspense—it’s about resilience and hope. It’s a story that stays with you, making you wonder if love can really survive when it’s born from blood and tears.
February 2, 2026
This was such a good book. I read it in 5 days. I 10/10 recommend this book.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
February 8, 2026
This is story that not only draws you into it, but has you wishing that Declan would just be honest. Grace lost her parents to a monster, who she still saw in her nightmares. Yet for some reason he'd let her live. Now fourteen years later she's sure its him walking through her campus as if everything is normal. Graduating and finally being able to prove herself, instead of relying on Celeste. Even though she'd looked after her all this time Grace just needed the truth, but nobody would tell her anything. Declan had tried to become something better, something that didn't erase his past but at least proved he'd changed. Now CEO of the company and his uncle failing threw age, he'd at least put the company on a more legal pathway. But now employing the one person who could burn his world down, wasn't only irrational but something he knew he had to do. This way he could protect her. But protection and truth have a way of colliding and who will be left standing when their past history crashes together. "I hate that loving him hurts. And I hate it hurts because its real" "Love is cruel that way". Who will be left standing. Will love survive the truth. Or will it all crumble to nothing. This is a story that just keeps giving and keeps you guessing eight until the end. I can't recommend reading this book enough. I will be reading more from this author.
February 20, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a hard book to review, because I can appreciate the story, BUT there were several factors that made it a difficult read.
There are a few repetitive phrases and descriptions, and also many moments that just didn't flow. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of whose POV I was reading as well
This is a hard book to review, because I can appreciate the story, BUT there were several factors that made it a difficult read.
There are a few repetitive phrases and descriptions, and also many moments that just didn't flow. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of whose POV I was reading as well
February 5, 2026
The Blood Between Us by Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book is a darkly intimate romantic thriller that lingers in the mind long after the final page. From the opening chapters, the novel establishes a heavy, almost hushed atmosphere—one shaped by violence, memory, and the quiet persistence of grief. Rather than relying on shock or spectacle, the story pulls readers in through emotional tension and an undercurrent of inevitability, making it impossible not to feel that every moment is leading toward something both beautiful and devastating.
👉Grace is a deeply compelling protagonist whose trauma is portrayed with care and restraint. Fourteen years after losing her parents in a brutal act of violence, she is no longer defined by the event—but she is undeniably shaped by it. Her guardedness, her instinctive awareness of danger, and her longing for answers feel painfully real. The author allows Grace’s past to exist in the margins of her present, surfacing in subtle behaviors and quiet thoughts rather than dramatic monologues, which makes her journey feel authentic and emotionally resonant.
👉Declan Moretti is equally nuanced and refreshingly understated. He is powerful without being performative, dangerous without being cruel. What makes him so compelling is his restraint—his constant effort to protect Grace not only from the world he inhabits, but from the truth he carries. His internal conflict is one of the strongest elements of the novel. Knowing who Grace is and what his past actions mean for her creates a tension that seeps into every interaction, turning even their most tender moments into something fragile and charged.
👉The romance unfolds slowly, built on proximity, shared silence, and an almost instinctive pull neither character fully understands. There is no rush to declarations or dramatic gestures; instead, the relationship develops through trust, vulnerability, and the rare comfort of feeling seen.
Happy reading ☺️
#bookreview
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book is a darkly intimate romantic thriller that lingers in the mind long after the final page. From the opening chapters, the novel establishes a heavy, almost hushed atmosphere—one shaped by violence, memory, and the quiet persistence of grief. Rather than relying on shock or spectacle, the story pulls readers in through emotional tension and an undercurrent of inevitability, making it impossible not to feel that every moment is leading toward something both beautiful and devastating.
👉Grace is a deeply compelling protagonist whose trauma is portrayed with care and restraint. Fourteen years after losing her parents in a brutal act of violence, she is no longer defined by the event—but she is undeniably shaped by it. Her guardedness, her instinctive awareness of danger, and her longing for answers feel painfully real. The author allows Grace’s past to exist in the margins of her present, surfacing in subtle behaviors and quiet thoughts rather than dramatic monologues, which makes her journey feel authentic and emotionally resonant.
👉Declan Moretti is equally nuanced and refreshingly understated. He is powerful without being performative, dangerous without being cruel. What makes him so compelling is his restraint—his constant effort to protect Grace not only from the world he inhabits, but from the truth he carries. His internal conflict is one of the strongest elements of the novel. Knowing who Grace is and what his past actions mean for her creates a tension that seeps into every interaction, turning even their most tender moments into something fragile and charged.
👉The romance unfolds slowly, built on proximity, shared silence, and an almost instinctive pull neither character fully understands. There is no rush to declarations or dramatic gestures; instead, the relationship develops through trust, vulnerability, and the rare comfort of feeling seen.
Happy reading ☺️
#bookreview
January 30, 2026
The Blood Between Us by Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros is a gripping romantic thriller that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. At its heart is Grace Martin—a survivor shaped by loss, trauma, and unanswered questions. Fourteen years after her world was shattered, she steps out of the shadows and into the lion’s den, determined to uncover the truth. The tension is immediate, the atmosphere heavy with secrets, and the writing carries a quiet intensity that makes every chapter feel loaded with meaning.
What truly sets this book apart is the emotional complexity between Grace and Declan Moretti. Their connection is dangerous, magnetic, and deeply conflicted—built on unspoken truths and buried sins. The author does a beautiful job of exploring trauma, guilt, and inherited violence while weaving in a slow-burn romance that feels both irresistible and unsettling. Every glance, every moment of closeness feels risky, making the emotional stakes just as high as the thriller elements.
Dark, intense, and emotionally layered, The Blood Between Us asks powerful questions about forgiveness, love, and whether the past ever truly lets us go. Fans of suspenseful romances and psychological thrillers will appreciate how this story balances heart-pounding tension with raw vulnerability. This is a novel that lingers long after the final page—haunting, thought-provoking, and impossible to forget.
What truly sets this book apart is the emotional complexity between Grace and Declan Moretti. Their connection is dangerous, magnetic, and deeply conflicted—built on unspoken truths and buried sins. The author does a beautiful job of exploring trauma, guilt, and inherited violence while weaving in a slow-burn romance that feels both irresistible and unsettling. Every glance, every moment of closeness feels risky, making the emotional stakes just as high as the thriller elements.
Dark, intense, and emotionally layered, The Blood Between Us asks powerful questions about forgiveness, love, and whether the past ever truly lets us go. Fans of suspenseful romances and psychological thrillers will appreciate how this story balances heart-pounding tension with raw vulnerability. This is a novel that lingers long after the final page—haunting, thought-provoking, and impossible to forget.
January 21, 2026
✨ Book Review: The Blood Between Us by Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros ✨
The Blood Between Us is an intense, emotionally charged story that explores love, fate, and the powerful ties that bind us—even when they hurt. Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros weaves a gripping narrative filled with longing, conflict, and raw emotion, drawing readers into a relationship that feels both magnetic and dangerous.
The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, pulsing through every interaction with tension and desire. The story delves deep into themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the struggle between what the heart wants and what destiny demands. Emotions run high, and the writing captures that beautifully—each moment feels heavy with meaning and consequence.
What stands out most is the emotional depth. This isn’t a light romance; it’s a story that challenges its characters and readers alike, asking hard questions about love, identity, and the cost of staying connected. The atmosphere is moody and dramatic, perfectly matched to the story’s themes.
Ideal for readers who enjoy passionate, dramatic romances with strong emotional stakes, The Blood Between Us is a compelling read that stays with you long after the final page.
📖 Dark, intense, and unforgettable—a powerful story of love and destiny.
#bookreview #thebloodbetweenus #emotionalreads #romancedrama #bookstagram
The Blood Between Us is an intense, emotionally charged story that explores love, fate, and the powerful ties that bind us—even when they hurt. Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros weaves a gripping narrative filled with longing, conflict, and raw emotion, drawing readers into a relationship that feels both magnetic and dangerous.
The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, pulsing through every interaction with tension and desire. The story delves deep into themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the struggle between what the heart wants and what destiny demands. Emotions run high, and the writing captures that beautifully—each moment feels heavy with meaning and consequence.
What stands out most is the emotional depth. This isn’t a light romance; it’s a story that challenges its characters and readers alike, asking hard questions about love, identity, and the cost of staying connected. The atmosphere is moody and dramatic, perfectly matched to the story’s themes.
Ideal for readers who enjoy passionate, dramatic romances with strong emotional stakes, The Blood Between Us is a compelling read that stays with you long after the final page.
📖 Dark, intense, and unforgettable—a powerful story of love and destiny.
#bookreview #thebloodbetweenus #emotionalreads #romancedrama #bookstagram
January 27, 2026
From the very first page, The Blood Between Us grips you with a dark, haunting intensity that’s impossible to ignore. My first impression was how emotionally heavy yet irresistibly intriguing the premise is—a survivor confronting the man she believes destroyed her world. The storyline unfolds with layered suspense as Grace infiltrates Declan Moretti’s life, balancing revenge and vulnerability, while the past lurks like a shadow that refuses to fade.
Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros writes with a sharp, cinematic style—smooth, tense, and deeply emotional. The pacing keeps you hooked, and the chemistry between Grace and Declan is electric yet unsettling, making every interaction feel dangerous. Beneath the romance and thriller elements lies a powerful theme of trauma, inherited violence, and the cost of truth—asking whether love can truly survive when born from pain and blood.
Personally, I found this book both thrilling and emotionally thought-provoking. It’s not just a romantic thriller; it’s a story about survival, forgiveness, and confronting buried truths. The conclusion leaves you reflective, reminding you that love isn’t always safe—but sometimes it’s worth the risk. A gripping, unforgettable read for fans of dark romance and psychological suspense.
Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros writes with a sharp, cinematic style—smooth, tense, and deeply emotional. The pacing keeps you hooked, and the chemistry between Grace and Declan is electric yet unsettling, making every interaction feel dangerous. Beneath the romance and thriller elements lies a powerful theme of trauma, inherited violence, and the cost of truth—asking whether love can truly survive when born from pain and blood.
Personally, I found this book both thrilling and emotionally thought-provoking. It’s not just a romantic thriller; it’s a story about survival, forgiveness, and confronting buried truths. The conclusion leaves you reflective, reminding you that love isn’t always safe—but sometimes it’s worth the risk. A gripping, unforgettable read for fans of dark romance and psychological suspense.
January 15, 2026
The Blood Between Us pulls you in from the very first page and keeps you hooked. It’s not just a story about violence or revenge. The novel also explores loss, survival, memory, and the ways the past continues to shape our lives.
The writing is intense from the beginning. The emotional scenes stand out, and the author conveys grief, fear, and pain in a believable way. This helps the characters feel real. From the start, the story is honest, direct, and beautifully written.
The characters make this novel special. Grace stands out, not because she’s fearless, but because she has a quiet strength. Her story feels genuine, shaped by the questions she can’t answer and a difficult childhood. The book shows her struggle with her past, her hopes for the future, and what it takes to search for the truth. Even the characters who aren’t clearly good or bad are written with care, adding depth and realism.
I appreciate how the novel covers dark topics without overdoing it. Even though it addresses serious issues, it remains balanced and never feels overwhelming. It explores how violence and power shape people’s minds, and how choices can have lasting effects. The story moves at a steady pace, blending mystery, emotion, and tension to keep you engaged.
This book is perfect for anyone who likes dark romance, crime drama, or character-driven stories. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you, not just for the plot, but because it makes you feel the cost of survival and the weight of unanswered questions.
The writing is intense from the beginning. The emotional scenes stand out, and the author conveys grief, fear, and pain in a believable way. This helps the characters feel real. From the start, the story is honest, direct, and beautifully written.
The characters make this novel special. Grace stands out, not because she’s fearless, but because she has a quiet strength. Her story feels genuine, shaped by the questions she can’t answer and a difficult childhood. The book shows her struggle with her past, her hopes for the future, and what it takes to search for the truth. Even the characters who aren’t clearly good or bad are written with care, adding depth and realism.
I appreciate how the novel covers dark topics without overdoing it. Even though it addresses serious issues, it remains balanced and never feels overwhelming. It explores how violence and power shape people’s minds, and how choices can have lasting effects. The story moves at a steady pace, blending mystery, emotion, and tension to keep you engaged.
This book is perfect for anyone who likes dark romance, crime drama, or character-driven stories. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you, not just for the plot, but because it makes you feel the cost of survival and the weight of unanswered questions.
January 20, 2026
If you enjoy mafia romance with depth, emotional stakes, and characters who feel painfully real, this book will stay with you. The Blood Between Us is intense, tender, and haunting in the best way. It reminds us that sometimes love is not about saving someone, but about choosing each other despite the damage. This one left my heart a little bruised and very full 🫶
January 21, 2026
Book Review : "The Blood Between Us" by Mercy Jane Porquez Ballesteros
A steamy and suspenseful romantic thriller, The Blood Between Us involves ideas of how trauma influences identity and trauma's ability to develop love out of tragedy. The main character is Grace, who survived having her parents murdered when she was a child; although she had built a life upon silence, unanswered questions, and painful truths associated to that event, nothing could prepare her for the arrival of her past and what came along with it.
Declan Moretti represents the past that came back to Grace. He is a man who was powerful, dangerous and frighteningly familiar to her, as he took everything away from her except for her life the night her parents were murdered. Declan is both the enemy and the lover — their relationship was formed against both people's will or knowledge. It is also the deep emotional connection at the heart of the novel; the power is compounded by everything that is happening in the story and the way both characters feel towards one another, which is confusing and contradictory because of their circumstances (i.e. guilt, attraction, unresolved violence) but it is extremely intense.
While The Blood Between Us is a romance novel, it does balance suspense with romance and vice versa. Through the mafia's influence, a series of betrayals and acts of revenge serve as fuel for the story, while the internal struggle by Grace remains human and relatable. The story plays out like a movie; there is a rising sense of urgency and anticipation for the conclusion, ultimately ending in emotional resolution and contentment.
The Blood Between Us is dark, romantic and haunting; this story leaves readers with the age-old question — can truth and love exist if they are born out of bloodshed?
A steamy and suspenseful romantic thriller, The Blood Between Us involves ideas of how trauma influences identity and trauma's ability to develop love out of tragedy. The main character is Grace, who survived having her parents murdered when she was a child; although she had built a life upon silence, unanswered questions, and painful truths associated to that event, nothing could prepare her for the arrival of her past and what came along with it.
Declan Moretti represents the past that came back to Grace. He is a man who was powerful, dangerous and frighteningly familiar to her, as he took everything away from her except for her life the night her parents were murdered. Declan is both the enemy and the lover — their relationship was formed against both people's will or knowledge. It is also the deep emotional connection at the heart of the novel; the power is compounded by everything that is happening in the story and the way both characters feel towards one another, which is confusing and contradictory because of their circumstances (i.e. guilt, attraction, unresolved violence) but it is extremely intense.
While The Blood Between Us is a romance novel, it does balance suspense with romance and vice versa. Through the mafia's influence, a series of betrayals and acts of revenge serve as fuel for the story, while the internal struggle by Grace remains human and relatable. The story plays out like a movie; there is a rising sense of urgency and anticipation for the conclusion, ultimately ending in emotional resolution and contentment.
The Blood Between Us is dark, romantic and haunting; this story leaves readers with the age-old question — can truth and love exist if they are born out of bloodshed?
February 13, 2026
I loved this story these are my favorite they start of Haiti f they pwrson and nothing will happen but the. They met fairy her doe. In life and then they like or love each other and they find each other live it highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews