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The Emerald Triangle

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There is a magic about the forbidden
that makes it utterly desirable.

Father Truman Burgess: I broke my rules for her.
Brought together again after ten years when a suspicious death has gossiping tongues wagging all across town, I don't want to believe what they're saying about Simone Wharton. She was mine ten years ago and I crave her again now. My adulterous desire would topple me again from my throne. I've barely survived one scandal. Can the citizens of Cinnabar forgive another one?

Simone: Truman has matured into a fine, mysterious, devoted man. Unfortunately, he is eminently fuckable. The white collar he wears is a continuous reminder how out of my reach he is. I want to scream from the rooftops that he's my man! But does he only belong to God?

He broke his rules for me. It's the most delicious, sensual thing to ever happen to me.

290 pages, ebook

Published November 26, 2016

34 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

About the author

Layla Wolfe

86 books503 followers
Bestselling author Layla Wolfe likes to bring you alpha males--sometimes two at a time--and the kick-ass women who love them. Her BARE BONES MC series explores the dark, disturbing life of the biker club in Arizona. Her spinoff series THE BENT ZEALOTS MC is a gritty MM saga. THE ASSASSINS OF YOUTH MC is a spinoff set in Utah. For a FREE COPY of THE BARE BONES #1, sign up for her newsletter at: http://www.subscribepage.com/d3s7p6

You can find her at:
www.laylawolfe.com
www.facebook.com/layla.wolfe
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/layla...
https://www.instagram.com/layla_wolfe...
www.twitter.com/LaylaWolfeAutho
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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5 stars
28 (52%)
4 stars
14 (26%)
3 stars
6 (11%)
2 stars
4 (7%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,677 reviews28 followers
November 29, 2016
Layla Wolfe has done it again. I absolutely love this forbidden second chance love story about Father Truman and Simone, the former bad girl. If you're looking for a sexy read, then you should definitely one-click this book. Layla gives us plenty of background, so we understand the relationship between them better. This book has a murder investigation included, so it's a double win in my book! Oh, we can't forget Orson, Truman's brown Newfoundland dog. You'll wish you could give him some hugs yourself.
Profile Image for Tina.
2,696 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2017
The Emerald Triangle by Layla Wolf is a really intriguing read. I couldn't put this one down. It is a forbidden priest romance along with a contemporary suspense. I would never have thought to put those two things together but makes for one hot steamy and incredibly interesting read.
Truman is a priest. He really wants Simon he is torn between his vows and his love.
Simone has a boyfriend. She is finding herself drifting away from her current lover. She is in nursing school and out growing tired of being abused by her boyfriend. She is an ex drug addict. And turning her life around. So she decides to go home. She ends up being accused of killing her boyfriend.
Truman his high school flame Simone is being accused of murder. He doesn't want to believe it. Being with her brings back memories best left forgotten. After all he is a priest now. He used to be the former bad boy of the town. Can he keeps his hands to himself with the woman who has always had his heart?
The POV in this story goes from Simone to Truman's back and forth. So you really can get into the mind of each character more deeply than if it was just in one POV. I really enjoyed this story a lot. When you want love and a good mystery this is a great story to pick up, especially if you like your love on the forbidden side.

Five Shooting Stars
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,298 reviews36 followers
November 22, 2017
The Emerald Triangle is a Forbidden Priest Romance by Layla Wolfe.

From the get-go let me just say that if I had a priest that looked like the one on the cover of this book I would become a regular churchgoer!! Hot hot hot. Picturing him as the main character in this book it is very easy to see why Simone Wharton realised her mistake in letting him go when they were teenagers.

Truman Burgess was very much in love with Simone when they were in high school and although they dated for a while it was definitely a one-sided romance. Simone loved to tease Truman and let him get to first base with her, but never let him go further. She wanted excitement and when she finished school she moved away and pretty much became various drug dealers tart. She returns home years later after she realises she has had enough of that lifestyle, and after her current boyfriend beats her up.

In the years that Simone has been away, Truman has joined the priesthood. Life hasn't been good to him though, his wife had an affair and he's had to have a divorce which is a huge rigmarole when you are a priest. When he sees battered and bruised Simone again, as well as the anger at who hurt her, he realises that he still loves her. The fact that she has the reputation she has, and the fact that she is a murder suspect after only one month back in town doesn't help convince him that she could ever be his wife. But if he is to have a relationship with her then it has to lead to marriage.

Now that Simone has well and truly sown her wild oats, she is happy to be home despite all the rumours going around about her. She is especially happy to see Truman again and it doesn't take long until she is having lustful thoughts about him. She realises that she gave up a good thing years ago, but also realises that she had to live her life as she had in order to be ready to settle down. She would like nothing more than to settle down with Truman!

The forbidden part of this romance is the fact that Truman needs to spend a year on his own before he can start dating (church ideals), and then he has to be with a woman worthy of being a priest's wife. His love and lust for Simone has him getting carried away more than once. Can they have any future, can he keep his hands off her for as long as he must, will their second chance at love end up with a happy ever after for them?

So, that's the premise of the story, add to that the whodunit over the murder of somebody's husband and you have a great book. BUT that said, I was expecting more of a Thorn Birds type of deal, where the priest is a godfearing Catholic, one whose ultimate sin would be to lay with a woman. Truman may be a priest, but he certainly doesn't look like one, plus he smokes pot, drinks, swears and rides around on a Harley. To me, it wasn't such a big deal when he was tempted by Simone, and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to read this book. I wanted a Thorn Birds type of romance but this time with a happy ending, unlike the series. Apart from that, the story was a good one, and the passionate scenes were just that, passionate! You might need to have a fan ready!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
December 7, 2016
Just to start off, this is a romance with a “forbidden” trope, a priest that falls far short of his vows. Clearly stated in the synopsis, you’ve been warned. But I’m all about the experience, and knowing Wolfe’s ability to craft characters and a story that will keep me entertained, thinking and engaged, I’m all in.

Truman had an unusual road to the priesthood, and this former bad boy (although far from choir boy) has a divorce in his past that left him bereft and fueled his desire for showing people a better way. Hence the dog collar and vow of celibacy. But just because you are celibate, doesn’t mean you have to give up your whiskey or pot. And he doesn’t. But this small town is full of chatter, and soon his first love, the one he still dreams of is the topic of the gossips.

Simone left town years ago, but life just kept kicking at her, so she’s returned to the town she knows too well. Unfortunately, her return coincides with a murder, and those old “do you remember her when” moments pop up. Of course, she sees the “new” Truman, and she’d be damned if he didn’t still make her drool.

Oh the twists, turns, laughs (with Orson the Newfie) and steam. Serious steam. Simone and Truman spark off one another, and I know my ereader overheated more than a few times from the tension….crick in your neck, squirm in your seat tension that comes off these two in waves. With secondary characters and a murder investigation to keep a nice balance and show other views of both characters, Wolfe had me clamoring for Truman to make a decision….

Another that I couldn’t help but enjoy from Wolfe. Characters to think on, situations that they eventually work through in ways that feel natural and right, and plenty of heat to keep you warm in the chill autumn evenings. Sure to tease, please and engage readers who like a complex hero with divided loyalties and desires.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
December 7, 2016
Just to start off, this is a romance with a “forbidden” trope, a priest that falls far short of his vows. Clearly stated in the synopsis, you’ve been warned. But I’m all about the experience, and knowing Wolfe’s ability to craft characters and a story that will keep me entertained, thinking and engaged, I’m all in.

Truman had an unusual road to the priesthood, and this former bad boy (although far from choir boy) has a divorce in his past that left him bereft and fueled his desire for showing people a better way. Hence the dog collar and vow of celibacy. But just because you are celibate, doesn’t mean you have to give up your whiskey or pot. And he doesn’t. But this small town is full of chatter, and soon his first love, the one he still dreams of is the topic of the gossips.

Simone left town years ago, but life just kept kicking at her, so she’s returned to the town she knows too well. Unfortunately, her return coincides with a murder, and those old “do you remember her when” moments pop up. Of course, she sees the “new” Truman, and she’d be damned if he didn’t still make her drool.

Oh the twists, turns, laughs (with Orson the Newfie) and steam. Serious steam. Simone and Truman spark off one another, and I know my ereader overheated more than a few times from the tension….crick in your neck, squirm in your seat tension that comes off these two in waves. With secondary characters and a murder investigation to keep a nice balance and show other views of both characters, Wolfe had me clamoring for Truman to make a decision….

Another that I couldn’t help but enjoy from Wolfe. Characters to think on, situations that they eventually work through in ways that feel natural and right, and plenty of heat to keep you warm in the chill autumn evenings. Sure to tease, please and engage readers who like a complex hero with divided loyalties and desires.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,384 reviews35 followers
December 1, 2016
Got to love small town living, where everyone know your business and will judge you for your past and current.

Formerly known as a bad boy-ish, fell in love with his high school sweetheart and was faithful to Simone until broken up and ran from him. Each one lived their own life that put them on paths that will lead them back together, but their paths, like everyone else's was cliff size bumps. Can after 12 their love can be transcended to the people they are today or will current events stand in their ways as solid barriers or temporary ones...

Duel p.o.v., hea, celibacy (he is a priest and is under strict rules- to a point) until the end, no MC's, but plenty of pot and some other drugs, even for a preacher man that loves his pot and whisky. Be in for a forbidden adventure of a leader of the flock priest and a second chance at the girl he had loved for a long time.


ARC was exchanged for a honest review
Profile Image for Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms.
2,511 reviews
December 1, 2016
The Emerald Triangle was a little different book by Layla Wolfe. It is a forbidden romance between a Priest Truman Burgess and Simone Wharton a previous high school girlfriend. I will let you read the synopsis that this author has provided per my usual review.

I have to say I am a little confused probably because I am not Catholic. But, I thought a Priest can’t be married let alone divorced. I know of other religions that allow it though or it could that this is a work of fiction and that gives a lot of leeway for an author.

I thought The Emerald Triangle was pretty tame from other books that I have read by Layla Wolfe. Oh don’t get me wrong this book is Hot as well as others that I have read by this author. I just thought it was much tamer than her the books that I have read.

I love reading Layla Wolfe’s books. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I give The Emerald Triangle 4 Stars.
Profile Image for Andrea Huseman.
148 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2016
I am glad I stepped outside my typical style of reading to enjoy this 5 star standalone. The synopsis caught my attention immediately. Every aspect of storyline sounded intriguing and just made me want to read.
Very quick read. Once I started it was a one setting read. I couldn't put it down. The writing and storytelling was excellently done.
I really got caught up in the various elements of the storyline. I love when a story has alot going on. This one had so many twist. It had romance, suspense, drama, forbidden relationship, etc....a little of everything.
The characters were amazing. Each was very well written and I became so attached.
Lots of hottness! Lots of entertainment!
I definitely suggest reading!!!!
AndreaGAH ( ARC)
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,398 reviews27 followers
December 6, 2016
Layla's Wolfe's books are usually great, and this one is no exception. I really liked this book, it follows the characters of Father Truman Burgess and Simone Wharton. The pair dated off and on in high school, until Simone left the small town of Cinnabar to explore the world, and Truman became a devoted man of the church. When a suspicious death has the small town gossiping that Simone is the killer, the pair cross paths and begin to realize all that they missed when they were apart. He broke his rules for her, but does that really mean that they can be together? Or will the church and the citizens of Cinnabar keep them apart once again?
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Kirsty Turner.
322 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Layla and it most certainly will not be my last! I love forbidden romance and I got very excited when this landed on my kindle. I swear my kindle almost melted at some point in this book. I loved both Truman and Simone. As soon as these 2 see each other, sparks immediately fly and you just know this is going to be an exciting read. Layla definitely kept me entertained as I read this and I honestly will re-read this again and again. Layla Wolfe has a new fan and I can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for Alison Chewning.
732 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2016
This was another good book by Layla Wolfe for I enjoyed reading The Emerald Triangle. The Emerald Triangle is one hot read between a sexy priest and a murder suspect. Truman is the hot sexy priest who falls in love with Simone these two characters were so great together. This book is filled with great characters, awesome story and sexy scenes between two forbidden lovers. Looking forward to reading more in the future.

*** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book ***
Profile Image for Terry.
334 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2016
Truman is a sexy hot priest who is still in love with Simone . Simone is a hot mess hooking up with losers and being abused/stoned until she finally got her stuff together and went back home . When they seen each other again after years magic happen . This book is about first love , losing it , then finding it . I think this is one of the best book Layla has written so far .
Profile Image for Maddie  k.
443 reviews5 followers
December 1, 2016
*What's not to love with something forbidden.*

I loved this book we have Truman a former bad boy who became a priest but he's not all that meets the eye, he is just getting over a divorce which left him with a wounded soul he's trying to be the man of god and show people the right paths.

But when a murder happens and he then finds out Simone is back in town that's when he starts to feel those old feeling rekindle. They were high school sweethearts who left on different paths but are you really ever over your first love so when Simone hits her rock bottom she moves back to the hometown she has always known, Things get interesting.

The town want to see there priest with a good woman, so when they cross paths again it's like old Sparks, he has rules but she's just like an old scarf that you don't really want to throw away she's the warmth and comfort you once felt.
As they get to know each other again his rules are pushed.
it's all in second chances - forbidden is so much more tempting which will have heart, mind and body fighting to the core.
I highly recommend this book it's great with a hot mix.
Your love the journey on this path.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,398 reviews27 followers
April 10, 2020
Layla's Wolfe's books are usually great, and this one is no exception. I really liked this book, it follows the characters of Father Truman Burgess and Simone Wharton. The pair dated off and on in high school, until Simone left the small town of Cinnabar to explore the world, and Truman became a devoted man of the church. When a suspicious death has the small town gossiping that Simone is the killer, the pair cross paths and begin to realize all that they missed when they were apart. He broke his rules for her, but does that really mean that they can be together? Or will the church and the citizens of Cinnabar keep them apart once again?
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary review.
1,712 reviews14 followers
June 12, 2017
This book has such a hot cover but I was disappointed by the story. The use of technical terms for descriptions during sexual encounters and such was a turnoff. The story itself was lacking and slow moving. Then all of a sudden there was were not going to hide it, will you marry me, then they're married the end. Really? The whole book was about how they would have to wait and the towns reaction and the church allowing it and then we as the reader don't get any of it at all??
Profile Image for Kimkbries.
1,730 reviews
November 30, 2016
This book had my needing to see what happened. Truman and Simone liked each other when they were younger. Then she left to chase a dream and Truman became a priest. Now years later, they meet again. What can happen in a relationship that should be forbidden? Can they get past the challenges to find a HEA? I enjoyed finding out their very steamy story.
2,249 reviews18 followers
June 27, 2017
This book is a great sexy, steamy forbidden romance with suspense. It will pull you in from the beginning. Its well written with both Truman and Simone's POV. After years apart when Truman and Simone reconnect the attraction is hotter than ever. Will Truman break his vows and give in to temptation? Don't want to miss this steamy read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Julie Bastian.
64 reviews
January 14, 2020
Couldn't finish! And i love to read about priests having sex! But, he also wasn't a priest. Stopped at 50%.
Profile Image for Meaghan Royce.
326 reviews12 followers
February 25, 2017
This was a great book by Layla Wolfe. I loved the storyline about the priest and his long lost love. They found each other after many years and found their love grew stronger than ever. There's a little bit of mystery, a little romance, and a lot of heart in this book. It keeps you reading because you want to know how the story will turn out for the main characters.
Profile Image for Niki Driscoll.
889 reviews17 followers
December 19, 2016
Not quite the usual for one of Ms. Wolfe's books as we have no rival Motorcycle gangs but non the less interesting. I found the twist on the second chance loves story unique and original, the mystery engaging and the character interactions some what humorous at times. Both main characters, Truman and Simone both have issues and their history can be seen as a blessing or a curse. The storyline was heated, even steamy at times. The war between what we want and what is expected is never easy but does however lead to a gripping story that keeps the reader turning the page eager to find out if the devil or the angle sitting on the characters shoulder wins the argument. As always Ms. Wolfe writes a captivating tale, sometimes dark and brooding, dangerous and eye opening and other times with a more light feeling. However, what ever she writes is sure to be an experience you will not want to miss.
I volunteered to review this story and leave my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Molly Lolly.
834 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2016
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
Oh man this was a fun story. I liked the illicit nature of Simone and Truman’s relationship. It felt far more taboo than it really was. But that underlying feeling is what made the story so much more enjoyable. My favorite line was “hand to gland combat”. I was chuckling out loud as I read it. The mystery was interesting but it wasn’t a large part of the story.
Simone was someone I enjoyed watching grow. How she got out of her bad situation and dealt with how people treated her when she moved home. She showed her strength as a person. She had a few instances of insecurity and to act a little immature. But we all have those moments and it just made her feel more real.
Truman was fascinating. From his past to his calling and his feelings for Simone. He had me wanting to know more about him right from the beginning. You could tell his feelings for Simone ran deep but he was conflicted by them. I enjoyed seeing him give in to his feeling and be with Simone in the ways he could given his situation.
The mystery storyline was good. It just wasn’t a huge part of the story. It came in as the story progressed. However it was well developed and executed. You truly didn’t know who did it until right at the end and everything was revealed. I liked how there was more than one suspect as it progressed. It kept me guessing.
We don’t get to see a two year chunk on page where some important things happen. However we do get to see Simone and Truman’s happy ending and it’s so very sweet. I enjoyed getting to see how Simone and Truman end up. Their happily ever after is perfect for them and you know they’re going to make it long term.
Profile Image for Sheri.
322 reviews
February 13, 2017
The Emerald Triangle is the story of forbidden love between a priest and his former high school sweetheart. The chemistry between Father Truman and Simone was sweet, sexy, and oh so right! Think: The Thornbirds and The Scarlett Letter rolled around in a good ol' murder mystery 'whodunit'.
Layla Wolfe has done it again with her descriptive scene setting of beautiful Northern California. Pair that with the sassy characters with the uniquely Layla Wolfe names and you have another well written story.
This might be my favorite LW book yet.
Profile Image for Amber.
682 reviews11 followers
December 7, 2016
3.5 STARS! What a nice romance story filled with drama, a murder, a gossiping congregation, humor, a super-hot priest and great sexy scenes. Although this book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting after reading the blurb, I did enjoyed the lightness of it (even though there was a murder) and I found this book more of a romantic comedy of sorts instead of a dark taboo story of a priest trying to do the right thing and not give into temptation. The banter between the characters and some of the things that came out of their mouths had me chuckling and this story left me with a big smile on my face at the end. It was also refreshing to read a standalone story for a change with no cliffy.
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