No Simple Sacrifice

Secrets of Stone #6

by Angel Payne

The Secrets of Stone series  can be read as stand-alone books, though continuity of secondary characters and storylines is best enjoyed when reading the series in order. "No Simple Sacrifice" is Book 5 in the series.
The Secrets of Stone now continues with Talia, Drake, and Fletcher's story...

If I could turn back time...

You know what they say about wishing for the impossible.

My name is Talia Perizkova, and time is usually my best friend. It's been good to me in the months since I left the man who nearly killed me, and I've returned the favor by working hard at Stone Global Corp, even getting promoted to lead one of SGC's key expansion projects.

There's only one mar on that record. The night I told time to kiss my ass, during a business trip to Vegas with my bosses--yes, my bosses--and experienced a night for the record books with them both. But what happened in the City of Sin refuses to stay there for any of us, and time has joined forces with his pal, karma, to exact payback where it most matters. In my heart.

Fletcher Ford. Drake Newland. They're two of the business world's sexiest, most sought-after bachelors, and I've fallen for them both. Their passion is everything I crave, their protection is everything I need--and their love is everything my orthodox family will never let me accept.

The solution, according to them, is simple. One man steps down, so at least two of us are happy.

I could find a way...

But sacrifices are rarely simple, and one plus one doesn't always equal happily-ever-after. That means all three of us have some huge, hard decisions to make. Take a chance on this rare love we've been given...or give in to fear, and lose each other forever?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Menage

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2016

About the author

Writerly sort, with angst + kissing + other stuff.
USAT Bestseller.
Passionate Traveler.
KPop Girlie (StayTiny, Engene, FOHA)
SoCal Girl.
Love is the best super power.

The other parts:
Books & their fun facts:

Lost Princes: Immortal rock stars, mafia, glam world travels

Speed Dating, Hercules and Apollo: Duet with modern mythology and angsty urban suspense

Blood of Zeus Series: Modern mythology, Dante-type hell dives, Professor/student, star-crossed love, fish out of water--and Brock O'Hurn covers!

Shark's Edge (Books 1-6): Glam family saga, romantic suspense, billionaires and their secrets, workplace shenanigans.

The Bolt Saga: Tony Stark meets Christian Grey. Super-powered hero meets sassy heroine for electric attraction. Bad guys follow. Body count rises. More "electric" fun.

Honor Bound: Military Doms and their headstrong heroines in romantic adventures across the globe.

The Cimarron Saga: Dark & brooding royal heroes on a Mediterranean island that's been sealed off from the world for 150 years.

Temptation Court: Cimarron spinoff set in modern-day New York. Yep; another dark & brooding hero too.

Secrets of Stone: Sweeping family saga with emotional twists and turns. And maybe a few "kissing parts". And maybe a little more than that...

Misadventures with a Time Traveler/Misadventures with a Duke: Time-traveling brothers in modern-day settings, meeting their destined loves.

Suited for Sin: High heat alphas who know how to knot more than a tie.

Reviews

[Corinne Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Simple Sacrafice - Indeed!!

Oh my!! Making an unconventional relationship work is tough. The writers of this book had a challenge , but this love story was so beautifully written. The heartbreak in this book was devastating to read, but once again having faith in Angel Payne and Victoria Blue does not go to waste. They always deliver! This is another amazing book in this series, now onto the next one!! I loved this book so much and I can’t wait to see what these ladies have in store for the other characters in this series as well as Talia, Fletcher & Drake!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another steamy, emotional, awesome Secrets of Stone book. I loved it.

[CJ Villacote ♡ Ceej Bookshelves ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the usual story. This is so freaking awesome! I really love Drake Newland and Fletcher Ford ❤️❤️

[Jae Mod · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***

Stop what you are doing right now and read this amazing book! Words can not describe the hotness that poured off these pages. Even though No Simple Sacrifice by the talented duo Angel Payne and Victoria Blue is the sixth book in the Secrets of Stone series, it can be read as a standalone. I am a sucker for ménage romances, but this story gives you so much more. More passion, more love and the feels… oh, the feels that you are given.. Swoon-worthy!

One night with Talia Perizkova and both Fletcher Ford and Drake Newland can’t get enough of the little beauty who turned their world upside down in Vegas. They want her in every way imaginable but she’s in the wind at every turn and they are done waiting. Taking control is what they do best and they will have Talia again, but at what cost?

Heartbroken and abused by an ex-boyfriend Talia is reluctant to let love in. She knows deep down that Fletcher and Drake love her and would do anything for her, but being hurt one time is one time too many. Add in her family pressuring her to settle down to start a family and take a load off at her job within Stone Global Corp; she can’t seem to manage which way is up with her emotions and thoughts. What will it take for her to fully let go?

“Your breaths are our breaths. Your life, your happiness, is our greatest joy. You’re ours, Talia. We won’t let you go.”

Angel and Victoria sure do know how to write a passionate yet enticing novel that will leave you hot and bothered! Your head will spin on more than one twist and leave you with excitement not wanting to put the book down even for a second. Fletcher and Drake were a perfect duo; one sweet with a smooth personality the other dark and dominant! There brother-like banter was great and made the story a little lighthearted at points. I love me some Drake Newland! Can’t wait to begin No Broken Bond!

5+ Stars

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

God I love when Angel & Victoria team up on a book. I have
been anxiously waiting for this book. When we got the short
story No Lucky Number by Victoria Blue in the One Night in
Vegas set, I was hooked I had to see where this would go.
God I am glad they wrote this book. I devoured it in one
night. I had to wait simply because I knew I would not get
any sleep till I finished the book. They just have a way of
pulling you in and holding you hostage till the books ends.
I fell in love with Talia, Drake and Fletcher’s story when they
were in Vegas. But knew her mom was going to be a major
problem. Her mom an old world Russian, was not going to
like her unconventional relationship. Which of course Tally
Knew and was what was causing her so much anguish.
Wanting something so much and not being able to have it.
But make no mistake Drake and Fletcher are not going to
let her play that game for long, not before they go and find
their princess. Now as all things go there is still one problem
of how to make things work and in true fashion for our
dynamic writing duo. There is that one tear ridden part of
the book where our trio has to learn how to make it work
or let it go. And the emotion packed story that will have you
in tears that came with it. So make sure you have the tissues handy.

Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you
enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book,
please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like
it when you do; they value your opinions too

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

After an amazing weekend in Las Vegas, (No Lucky Number) Drake and Fletcher thought things would change and move forward between them and Talia. Wrong. Talia feared her families strong traditional values would cause much agony if she pursued an unconventional relationship with two men. So she chose to hide from them, in all manners possible, even using the "I've got to wash my hair" excuse. But Drake and Fletcher, were not going to let that happen for long. They searched her down, all the way to her niece's birthday party.
Just when, Talia opens up and finally admits her true feelings for Drake and Fletcher, and the three start a true relationship together, things shift. Drake changes, deciding that things need to be different. What happened? Things were so good.
But this time, Talia is the one that won't give up on the two men she loves, and her family, will not stand in her way.
As always, I can't say enough about the excellent writing skills of Angel Payne and Victoria Blue. No Simple Sacrifice is book 6 in the Secrets of Stone Series. I can't wait to see what Angel and Victoria has in store for us with No Broken Bond.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint... I do definitely recommend reading No Lucky Number prior to this so that you have the background of the story... You will be missing parts if you do not.

WOW!! Fletcher, Drake and Talia are ON FIRE.. They are so incredible together. It is emotional, steamy and just a beautiful story all in one!

You really get to see a lot of Talia in this book.. She is really struggling with her emotions and sorting through all of her feelings.. One night... ONE night changed so much for her. Is it possible to love 2 men and be involved with both? These 2 are HOT... They are really zeroed in on Talia and making sure she is secure and taken care of.

Drake makes a decision that effects them all.. It is really heart breaking, but he is doing in the best interest of them all... or so he thinks.. It was definitely not an easy choice for any of them. Can the pieces be picked up? Is there a way to make it all work out where everyone is happy? READ THIS BOOK!!!

I cannot wait to read more!

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Triangle Crumbles....

One weekend in Vegas changed the universe for Fletcher, Drake and Talia. Talia had all her dreams come true with these 2 gorgeous men. They adored her, craved her, worshipped her but most of all loved her. So what was the problem? Talia could not let go of the binds that tied her to her family. To them this relationship was unconventional, forbidden and unheard of in their eyes.

Rather than have Talia suffer through this torment of having to make a choice between family and the men she loved, someone had to surrender. But surrendering came with a huge loss that destroyed everything Talia desired, wanted, needed and longed for.

Talia had to dig deep to free the ropes that bound her to worrying about what everyone thought of their relationship, considered not the "norm". I look forward to No Broken Bond as Fletcher, Drake and Talia join forces to fight for their love for each other.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I cried with the saga of Margaux and Michael - nothing compared me for this one....Talia, Drake and Fletcher are at the beginning of their romance but the question of her family accepting her with two men keeps Talia from committing fully. It is not until Drake walks away from both Talia and his best friend Fletcher that Talia understands that she cannot just have one. But why did Drake walk away? And can Talia finally put herself first and to hell with her family's old world views? With beautifully written characters and a storyline that not only locked me in from the opening pages but kept my emotions all over the place I highly recommend this book - this series just keeps getting better and better.

[Paula Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Fletcher and Drake. Angel and Victoria has moved up to two of my favorite authors and thus series is now part of my top 10. If you’re a bit of a straight lace don’t read these three books in this series, but if you’re not then holy guacamole you’ll fall in love all over again. I like Fletcher and Drake when introduced in previous books, but getting to know their story and see the relationship between them and Talia grow was fantastic. This might have become my favorite storyline in this series.

[Paula Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this series within the first two chapters I was hooked and drawn in. I haven’t been able to stop reading did had it not been for work and kids I probably would have read these within a few days rather and just a book a day. I’ve lost sleep and I have not regretted it. Drake, Fletcher and Talia have fast become my favorites and be prepared to get up in all the feels and emerald yourself in this story. I can’t wait to find out what happens in Book 7. I highly recommend this series.

[Cristina Pacilio · Rating 5 out of 5]

After coming back from Vegas, Talia starts to have second thoughts about what happened with Drake and Fletcher. Not because she regrets what happened but because of the fall out. How can she be with two gorgeous men who happen to be her bosses? Drake and Fletcher start to worry when Talia keeps pushing them away. They know this is more than a fling but can they get Talia to accept her feelings and theirs. Once they do can they hold onto it. With your heart breaking for all three of them, since it's either all or nothing. The ending fit them perfect.

[Laurie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talia, Drake and Fletcher face so many challenges in this book. The first being tying to come to terms with their feelings for each other and being together as only they can be. The second one is trying to deal with Talia and her family. She loves them deeply but she knows if she pursues this relationship with Drake and Fletcher they will disown her.

There were times when I was glad to have tissues handy as Victoria and Angel know how to write a story that hits all of the feels.

Onto No Broken Bond next to see how their story progresses.

[Melissa Nailor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talia Perizkova was keeping her feelings at bay until a trip to Vegas for work with her bosses Fletcher Ford and Drake Newland turned everything upside down. After experiencing a awesome night at the hands of Fletcher and Drake, she finds herself in deep, deeply in love with this dynamic duo.
Just as they finally come to terms and get Talia to agree to give them a try, one try’s to bow out so two of them can be happy but it really just falls apart.
Such an awesome story, twists, turns, heartbreak and bravery!!

[Shel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a magic number

Talia is in love with her whole heart and Drake & Fletcher loved her just as fiercely. Together they will make you smile, swoon and sweat. Until one fateful meeting. Then your heart will break. Followed up with agony you aren't sure you can bear. Grab the tissues because you will need them. This pain an only end in so many ways. And oh man, what a way to do it. Smile, you will love the resolution! Bravo Angel and Victoria! You are brilliant!

[April Beatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fletcher, Drake,Talia

These three are In love. Drake thinks it's best to leave and it shaders them all completely. She decided to stand up to her parents and proved she loved theses men. They had to prove it to her. Once again it was a page Turner! I definitely didn't want it to end

[Amanda Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!! Book 6 in the Secrets of Stone series and I couldn't put it down! Filled with heartbreak and so much love at times it could be overwhelming. 5 stars EASY. Angel and Victoria never disappoint.

[Lisa Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Least favorite of this series. Like pulling teeth to finish

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had almost thought that we had the happily ever after with this threesome when shocker! We do not have a happy ending. This sixth book is yet another roller coaster and a runaway train all at the same time. Fletcher and Drake have their work cut out for them with Talia for sure.

Where we left off in the last book, we saw these three come to terms with the true nature of how they felt about each other, and agree that there is something special there. So many obstacles still stand in their way and that’s what this book is about.

It’s almost like we’re watching a cat and mouse game although the mouse has sort of been caught. She’s learned evasive techniques though and this puts the men in a position that they’ve never been in before, where they have to outsmart her and tread sooo lightly otherwise it’ll all go to crap.

These two powerful impressive men are also among the most patient men out there as well. They know what they want, they take the steps to get it and make it happen. The distance between San Diego and Chicago isn’t enough to make them stress and they make a temp home base in SD for work and to spend more time with her. She has a tough time though seeing the future with them because chicago is so far away and she doesn’t believe that she’s special enough or the only one.

That’s only one facet of this story though – the fact that she doesn’t think that she’s enough. We can’t forget that she’s from a really traditional family and the idea of being with both these men will bring shame to her family and that’s not going to be an easy hurdle to get over.

Apparently there’s more to the story that anyone knows – because just when it seems like things are going to be ok with the trio, Drake bows out. He sends a letter by courier to Fletcher and Talia saying that he has to choose to step away because there is too much at stake and he needs to give Fletcher and Talia a chance to be something amazing. That’s not what anyone wants and as a result, everyone goes their separate ways. Bad choices are made, hearts and spirits are broken, and King Killian needs to come back in with some wisdom in the hopes of fixing things.

The challenge here is that there’s so much adversity with this situation, that no wise words will fix it. Family tradition and heritage is huge. not blood family is even more. Being honest with yourself is almost impossible. So where we are left throughout the back third of this story is wondering what has to break and be given up since there’s no chance that everything can stay intact.

Add to that anxiety though all the heat and romance that is shared between these three when it’s GOOD. I mean, we’re talking some great chemistry that we haven’t truly seen in other installments. So, i’ll leave you with that thought and then head over to book SEVEN!

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Simple Sacrifice is book six in Angel Payne, and Victoria Blue's Secrets of the Stone series and it's a sultry, emotional, and at times amusing read.  I ran the gamut on feelings with this one! This book is about the relationship between Talia, Fletcher, and Drake.  Having just come into this series here, I was concerned whether I would be lost or not. The blurb was enough to make me want to try and I am glad I did.  You can read this by itself as I was easily able to keep up, but I think the read would be better had I at least read the book prior to this.  This book has made me want to read the ENTIRE series now!!

Talia is trying to figure things out.  Since she had an earth-shattering weekend with her bosses, Drake and Fletcher, she's trying to sort it out about her feelings for them as well as her family.  Her family is decidedly old school and does not look kindly to anything out of the ordinary so it doesn't reflect bad on them. But she has serious feelings for these two men and it's not begrudgingly going away like she'd hoped. The men are seriously hot! And so very dedicated to Talia! All their endearments tugs on those heartstrings and I ate up every.single.one. of them!!

When Drake makes a rash decision to remove himself from the equation-it was heart-wrenching! Fletcher and Talia were left with denial, anger, confusion, and were dumbfounded on how to pick up the pieces and move forward. Could they? Did they even want to?? I felt so bad for all of them. They were literally miserable.  In trying to do the "right" thing, it tore up the lives of three people! How is that right?? I know I couldn't have handled it any better than Talia did herself that's for sure!

You knew we had to get some closure and these three needed to come to some understanding and sort it all out. The angst had a stranglehold on me and I had to get to the HEA so I would feel better myself!  I truly was invested in their struggles and wanted it to all work out.  From the outside looking in, I figured what needed to be done, but to do it-well that's two very different things.  Talia had to decide if what she had with her men outweighed what she was getting from her family.  Only she was able to make that decision. I get that however, her getting to that point was chaos and the pain getting there was excruciating! Yet have no fear! With Angel Payne and Victoria Blue driving the boat, you know they will give you the ending that you want and their characters wholeheartedly deserve!

4 Stars/4 Flames

This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for an honest review.  The ratings and review are solely my opinions.

[Bonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this story to be disturbing ... obviously I'm too old fashioned, and just "too old" to be reading stories of this type. Frankly, I never got as far at the first direct encounter between these guys and the girl. Angel Payne and her co-author are good writers, and as I did scan all the many 5-star reviews for this book before deciding the story just isn't my cup-o-tea, I'm certain they delivering an exciting, and entertaining story for those who like reading challenging erotic content (challenging in the sense of 3-somes, not challenging in the sense of violence or alien abductions, or sudden death scenarios). I'm Christian ... there's no prescribed "appropriate" behavior for this kind of event in my library of appropriate behaviors. I had to bow out at the front desk of the hotel, and go somewhere I could have a hot chocolate and something for my stomach upset.

[Amber Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing

Tolly, Drake, and Fletcher are a wet dream come true. Fighting against all odds to make there brand of live work for them. While is seems everything is working against them family, fear and insecurities. They ml ust work together and lift each other up to find there happy ever after.

[Krystal Wike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy bananas

Holy cow! I did not think i would be that into this threesome's story. All of the personal hidden stuff they each hold is really deep!!!! Their love for Talia is amazing, what they awaken in her is priceless.
I've truly loved each book in different ways. Thank you for great reads.

[Andrea Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensually seductive and beautifully romantic journey to go on with Talia, Drake, and Fletcher. Although this was full of hot and steamy moments, this was more about devotion, loyalty, and of course love. Drake and Fletcher’s determination to win Talia over was endearing. Their chemistry was palpable, and their connection was a thing of beauty. I adored this book.

[Kierstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I asked for a full length novel for this group, and I was granted it. So far I am a fan of all three characters which doesn't happen that often. However they should have realized what happened immediately. But instead it took half the book to figure it out and fix it. Will obviously still continue to read the series.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this couple!!

Love Drake, Fletcher and Natalia!! Such wonderful chemistry!! The connection between Natalie and Fletcher is so special. And Drake being able to read both of them

[Kari Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the fence

I don’t know if I really enjoyed this trios story. At least in this book there was a story. It was mostly sex in the last one, so at least there was a story in this one.

[Kika Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh so freaking awesome, it was so damn sexy Drake, Fletcher and Talia are just scorching hot and breathtaking.
This was definitely a story society would not accept because of their tabu’s, the old way of thinking is respected but definitely obnoxious.
I just loved it and cried with it!!

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fletcher and Drake understand Talia's beliefs and one is willing to step down just so Talia can be happy. But Talia wont because she wants both of them. Will Talia give up everything she believed in to take a chance on love read and find out

[Dhamiera Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

this isn't the first threesome story that I've read, but it was pretty good. I'm glad she found her backbone with her parents eventually. the plot was good, but the ending was very foreseeable. the narration was great too.