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Stern Family Saga #2

Art of Forgiveness

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Can love survive years of pain?
Liam Stern lived a charmed and carefree life. Always surrounded by friends, he was the boy who could have any girl he wanted, and did.
Until Avery.
She was pure and innocent. She was the one he never saw coming.
She was the only thing that mattered, but the time came for him to fulfill his destiny. To protect Avery from a life she was not made for, he would have to give up the one thing he loved most in this world: her.
Now the decisions made years ago come back to cost them both, dearly.
Avery Edwards was a good girl, never stepping out of line, always the obedient daughter.
Until Liam showed her everything she was missing in her life: love.
Liam was her future, or at least she thought.
Until he broke her.
That was the beginning of her nightmare.
After years apart, Liam and his family hold her future in their hands. Rebuilding a girl who no longer cares to live.
After years of hating Liam, can Avery truly give him her forgiveness?

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2018

90 people are currently reading
222 people want to read

About the author

Monique Orgeron

16 books534 followers
Monique Orgeron is a Contemporary Romance w/ suspense author. Stern Family Saga

Written by Monique Orgeron’s eldest, most beautiful, and intelligent daughter. (My sister is going to hate this part.)
My mom happens to be the most caring, loving, and stubborn person I know, well anyone knows. She gives 100% percent of herself to everyone and has given up so much of herself for my sister and I. For twenty-one years she has poured her heart and soul into making sure we know that we are loved and that we can do anything we put our minds too, but it was about time she figured that out about herself.
Up until this year I hadn’t seen my mom do anything for only her, but this book has allowed her to travel the world through the pages of a book, make new friends, and feel the joy of doing something exciting.
There is a new light behind her eyes and it is just making me feel more joy than she can ever imagine. While she might be annoying most of the time, I am so thrilled that she is finally allowing herself to grow as a person and not spend all of her energy on her family.
It has been a long journey of self-discovery for my mom; she has gone from domestic supermom to domestic goddess throughout the process of writing.
We are so very excited and proud of you! I love you as big as the world.
-Bria and Tony

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5 stars
206 (56%)
4 stars
95 (25%)
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44 (12%)
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12 (3%)
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9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for Dri ✰.
693 reviews239 followers
January 19, 2018
★ 3,5 stars!!! ★

Eu gostei desse livro, mas confesso que não superou o primeiro. Fui com muita sede ao pote e acabei me decepcionando um pouco.
Em algumas partes a leitura ficou arrastada e cansativa.
Liam & Avery não conseguiram me convencer.
Uma pena porque gostei muito dele em “Art of Seduction”


Esperando e torcendo pra que a história do Zander seja melhor❤️
Profile Image for Nicki White.
Author 1 book37 followers
January 22, 2018
I highly recommend you read Art of Seduction (Book 1), prior to reading Art of Forgiveness (Book 2) but, it isn’t necessary. You could read this as a standalone.

This book is positively amazing. In Book 1 you get a sense of the Stern family men and they are instantly likable, more like loveable. Your introduced to these strong alpha males and even stronger alpha female, Art of Forgiveness explores the softer side due to the extreme and dark circumstances in which our heroine Avery was thrusted into.

The exploration of Avery and Liam was uniquely presented in a past and present format that I admired. We got the chance to witness their young love begin and end (a heartbreaking ending of a boy thinking he was doing the right thing), after years apart they find each other . Then comes the question can love endure, can love forgive, can love continue? These are all question that Avery has to ask herself, when she finds herself living in Liam’s childhood home while under the care of the patriarch Catherine Stern, after finding her while in search of Fallon (heroine from book 1).

While Liam’s past is exposed to his family, the hurt in which he not only caused Avery but inflicted on himself is reopened. Can Liam be the man she needs, will he liet the past repeat, can he forgive himself for his callousness? Liam has always been portrayed as the sensitive of the Stern boys, the pretty boy, the boy that could get any girl. Your given the chance to watch Liam grown from a highschool student to a man learning the family business. And this man has so much more to learn than just the business. With the guidance of his brothers, will Liam come to terms before it is too late or has Avery already moved on with Phil a man who has lusted after her for years while in college.

The growth that occurs throughout the 335 pages is impeccably unraveled. While following Avery’s and Liam journey back to each other, secrets are revealed that are both harrowing and endearing. At the same time more secrets are set into play, setting you up to fall further and further into the Stern Saga.

Towards the end of the journey of Liam and Avery we are left with the hanging questions whats is in store for the rest of the Stern Men.

So Orgeron…Please bring on the Art of War ( A Stern Family Saga, Book 4 ), because I could always use another Stern man to lust over.
Profile Image for Jac K.
2,522 reviews489 followers
Read
August 7, 2023
DNF@ 33%

This is like a bad soap opera… and for the record… I LOVE soap operas, but this gave me the same feeling of watching robotic bad actors try to be compelling. And if you can push past the “bad acting” the plot was bananas. Secret mafia, evil stepdads, an evil sadistic senator… we’re talking like that dumb talking dog on One Life to Live or Jennifer bouncing back from her heart transplant surgery after it was recovered by organ hijackers on Days of Our Lives… bananas. (2000-2010’s storylines were whack)

Bottom Line- This may be a Jac thing, but I struggled to connect with the writing style. Nothing felt authentic or emotional. It was so flat that the h’s horrific felt like an info dump. I don’t understand where the H’s GIANT feelings are coming from out of nowhere and I don’t understand why the h isn’t tattling on who betrayed her. I know it’s still early, but I would think that would be the first order of business before they have the opportunity to hurt you or someone else.

Basically, I feel nothing except confusion. Her mom OTT loves her but treats her like she hates her. The H loves her dearly but forgot about her. His brother is dating another chick, then they’re rescuing his pregnant gf. The book opens with a letter from his mom about receiving forgiveness, but she’s around. I saw this could be read as a standalone, but I feel like I’m missing huge backstories. Maybe the timelines overlap 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews639 followers
January 23, 2018
I had never read anything by this author and I ended up hooked.
I read the first book and immediately read the second.
I can't wait for the next one.
I liked it very much and it gets better with each new story.
I recommend!

"It’s just like everyone in my life back home, I’m just a rug for them to wipe their feet on."

==>Cheating in my opinion<=="“I see, all right. I finally see. You are cheating, Liam. You cheat on Marcy with me, even though we don’t sleep together, and you cheat on me with her. I knew this wasn’t going to work.”"

"I was dating Marcy. I thought I was doing right by asking her to hide our relationship. I didn’t want her being messed with, and I didn’t want to be fucked with either for wanting her. So, we dated in secret for about a year."
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,944 reviews988 followers
January 26, 2018
Catherine is still the Matriarch of the Stern Family, driving from the helm and she has raised some fine sons !
Liam shines in this book, taking care of Avery and healing her inside and out. His high school, first love, now she's broken and devastated. He becomes the knight to slay her demons. The story is about love and forgiveness and has lots of tender moments right in midst of darkness. Book 2 had more scope for emotions and dialogue and I enjoyed reading it.
4 "Forget, not Forgive" stars
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Profile Image for Jenny.
3,160 reviews558 followers
January 19, 2018
Very dark book. Heroine lost her virginity after being raped. Despite that depressing theme I loved the hero and the heroine they had sizzling chemistry. The angst was delicious. I didn’t like that heroine was attracted sexually to another man even if she only kissed him. I was bothered by her “omg Phil is so sexy” thoughts. Minus one star for that. Also I was very disappointed the author didn’t give us an epilogue with pregnant Avery. I need lots of babies or cute pregnant heroine when I read a love story otherwise the story feels lacking. Again minus one star so 3 stars for this. Book one was so much better.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
January 13, 2018
Art of Forgiveness by Monique Orgeron is book Two in The "Stern Family" Saga. This is the story of Liam Stern and Avery Edwards. I have read the previous book (and Loved it!!) 'Art of Seduction', but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Liam and Avery knew each other when they were younger. They had fallen in love and in the back of their minds would get married. Although their relationship was a secret one that only they knew about it was series between them. But then Liam learned what his family really did and turned Avery away. Now years later Avery has found herself kidnapped, hurt emotionally and physically. But Liam ends up saving her when he and his brothers where looking for someone else that was taken.
Avery is broken not wanting to go on along with hurt feelings toward Liam for his past treatment of her. But Liam knows that he has to make this right with her. But can their love withstand all that they have been though?
I am so crazy about this series! I am so happy I found this author and her books!!
Profile Image for Jolene St Germain Triggs.
762 reviews9 followers
January 14, 2018
Wow, I mean just WOW! I would totally give this book WAY more stars if I could, I absolutely LOVED it! Amazing! I read this full length book in one sitting, I COULD NOT put it down! I can't believe this is only this Authors second book, I am in love with the way she tells a story. It drew me right into their world, I'm half in love with Liam (only half because I've decided my heart belongs to Zander *dreamy sigh* can't wait for his book!) I absolutely identified so much with Avery, she was written with such a soft heart, you really felt for her, and I feel the writer did an excellent job conveying the quiet strength within that soft heart. She had this iron resolve but she had to dig to find it within her and it was so well written. She had to really be broken to an almost elemental level to truly become whole, it was remarkably beautiful!
I loved that none of these characters are perfect, it makes them better, more real. Normally when I review a book I like to highlight a few exceptional parts, but its SO hard to do with this book because its really exceptional all the way around. Every situation was handled with dignity and grace, I don't want to get too in depth with it because I loved it so much going on only what I'd read in the previous book I don't want to spoil it for anyone else. It was so gritty, raw and real, all around GREAT read. I started and finished this yesterday and I couldn't write the review or even pick up another book or anything until this morning. If I REALLY love a book I get in a bit of a stupor after a book and miss the characters, some call it a book hang over, this went beyond that, it was a book coma lol! I loved that it was a stand alone but also had a continuation of Art of Seduction with the main couple in that book as background characters in this book, and I hope it continues with the next two because this is a great family and I enjoy reading about them. I think we have a few more secrets to uncover in future books.
I think even Catherine is growing on me ;)
Profile Image for Sandra.
636 reviews
January 7, 2018
This book is pure perfection! The author keeps making her books better and better.
This book is a bit darker than the first one. Another stand alone book about another brother and his soulmate.
In the first book we had a story about modern version of Pygmalion with strong heroine getting stronger. However, here we have the main heroine going through a lot and getting stronger and stronger in each passing page. I couldn’t stop reading it while being constantly on edge. The plot is perfect, narration great, characters well developed and a great dosage of heat and perfect chemistry. Can’t wait for another story! Another 10+ read! Drama+ mafia+living on the edge +hot alphas+strong heroines=great story and a must read another book
458 reviews9 followers
January 18, 2018
I love this book and the author is great with a story that's incridable with a great story with being able to forgive
Profile Image for Bunny.
368 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2018
I fell in love with the Stern family when I read Gabriel and Fallon's book. From Catherine, the matriarch to the boys. Liam and Avery's story did not disappoint. it was sad, frustrating and so, so crazy. A book should make you feel everything and it was amazing!!!
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews63 followers
January 20, 2018
Monique Orgeron has done it again this was such an enjoyable story that had me go through many emotions . Art of Forgiveness can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest that you read Art of seduction before you'll feel a even deeper connection to the characters . I can't wait for the next book in the Stern Family Saga it's going to be Zander the cocky gentle giant who protects the ones he loves with his fists . How Avery is introduced in the last book I knew her story was going to be painful but boy did I hurt for her plus finding out a Stern brother knew her in secret . I really loved the story line it kept me interested in what was happening adding in the fact that this is a second chance romance which is one of my weaknesses . Mama Stern is still an inspiring character I'm hopping she gets her own story because she deserves a happy ever after (wink ) . Adored the fact that we got to see how Liam and Avery met , fell in love , and had heart break through Flashbacks that were placed in just the perfect moments and to see them now adults who have been faced with darkness . Avery blossomed beautifully through out the story she finds strength thanks to the Stern family by showing her love , power , and confidence . Liam Liam Liam oh so sexy yet frustrating gave my whiplash with how he would handle certain situations even though he thought his choices were for the best I just wanted to shake him a time or two , he could be sweet , yummy , patient , and has deep love for his family and them him . Monique really knows how to write some pretty steamy sex scenes that are beautiful , intense , soft , and hard they will leave you breathless . OH MY GOSH have you seen this cover classy yet sexy and refreshing . You don't want to miss out on this read so while you're one clicking this beauty you need to get Art of seduction no regrets readers (wink) .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10 Chemistry=10 steam=8
romance= 7 humor=5 darkness level= 6 action=4 mystery=3
enjoyment= 10 angst= 3 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development= 10 pacing= 10
cover= 10 stars= 5 author= 10
would I recommend this book= yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
Profile Image for Laura Lee.
957 reviews174 followers
January 11, 2018
Art of Forgiveness (Stern Family Saga #2)
By: Monique Orgeron
4 Stars

This is the second book in the Stern Family Saga series. I recommend reading Art of Seduction (Stern Family Saga #1) prior to reading this one but it is not necessary.

Liam Stern is another son of Catherine Stern. He is also known as Catherine’s angel. Liam has been in love with Avery since high school. Never letting anyone know about his feelings towards his pure, innocent Avery. On Liam’s 18th birthday he finds out about his ‘position’ in ‘the family’.

Avery Edwards has been made fun of from everyone. From class mates at school, to her mother and step-father. Having zero self-esteem, she has a hard time accepting that Liam is paying her any attention. When she feels like she has built up enough trust with being with Liam, he breaks her heart.

Now years later, the two are in each other’s lives once again. Although the pure and innocent Avery has been through the worst of times. Can she overcome what has happened to her while being on ‘vacation’? Or is she too damaged to recover and learn to live her life for her and not others.

There were parts of this story that were dark. There were parts of this story that were full of love. There were parts of this story that were sexy as all get out. There were parts of this story that truly show what a great family Catherine Stern has raised.

I enjoyed Liam and Avery’s story. Bring on Art of War – Zander’s story!!!

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Profile Image for  Tania.
755 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2018
Art of Forgiveness is the 2nd installment of the Stern Family Saga

Although it can be read as a standalone I recommend reading the first book Art of Seduction.

This book contains triggers so if you have an issue with rape scences this book is not for you.

Art of forgiveness continues on from where the Stern's find Avery while rescuing Fallon.

This book is heartbreaking, there is only so much pain and anguish a person can handle before they give up on life.
We learn how Avery and Liam met and how they came to be.
Once again i love Catherine in this book, she had to face her own demons in order to help Avery heal, she is firm when needed but always there to show her she cares.
Liam frustrated me a little in this book, he should have manned up about his feeling and claimed his girl sooner.

Once again another great read by Monique.
Can't wait to read Zander' s book
Profile Image for BooksCastleIgnite.
767 reviews16 followers
March 15, 2018
Wow!!!! What a phenomenal series!! 🔥🔥

What I love about this author is how much her writing itself ✍️ is so unique. I always wanted more authors to write about strong, independent, fierce women that demonstrates how they don’t need someone to save them, but they can save themselves.

Lately, I noticed how their are so many romance novels out there with the same story line and I’m just glad that her series don’t follow that path and is such a breath of fresh air.

Art of Forgiveness would have to be my top favorite lol, well will see when Zander’s book come out lol!!!! I really love both books but with every read it just gets better and better. I know when Zander book comes out is just going to blow my mind because Monique is just like that, giving me so much suspense left and right lol!!

I’m so glad I was introduced to Monique works, this series is definitely one of my top read of 2018!!! Five stars is not even enough, so don’t think about it twice download this baby and fall in love with the Stern family cause I sure did!!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,402 reviews67 followers
January 3, 2018
Art of Forgiveness by Monique Orgeron is the second book in the Stern Family Saga. Every book can easily be read as a standalone.
Liam Stern is the golden boy, he gets what he wants, until he meets innocent sheltered Avery.
Avery Edwards lives under the thumb of her overbearing parents. She fell in love with Liam, but he had to give her up to protect her.
Yearts later, Avery´s back in her hometown, she´s still a good girl, a pleaser. Liam and Avery meet again, only now he helds her future in his hands. Avery gave up on love and on life. Liam amd his family have now to rebuild Avery, she doesn´t care anymore.
Art of Forgiveness is a raw and gritty read. I read the book in one sitting. Art of Forgiveness is full of twists and unexpected turns and I hurt for the characters.
Art of Forgiveness is a full length romance novel and I give 3,5 stars.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
March 30, 2018
Sometimes forgiveness is harder than love. This book is all about forgiveness. Liam and Avery were in love when they were in high school. But Liam never wanted anyone to know about it. Avery had a hard time in high school and Liam had a horrible ex-girlfriend.

When Liam finds out what the family business is he feels Avery is too pure to come into his life anymore and lies to her to break her heart. Years later when he goes to save his sister-in-law (last book) he finds Avery in a dungeon. Little does he know she had been missing for weeks.

Know Avery has to heal. Avery and Liam find that healing is the easy part. But forgiving for Avery is the hardest part for her.

This book is emotional, hard, and sexy at parts. I loved Catherine in this story. She has become such a great character. Fallon and Avery are great additions to the Stern family and I am excited to read the next book!
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,214 reviews42 followers
March 5, 2018
This is the second one in this series and just as good as the first one. This one starts off when the family finds Fallon. But with finding her they also find Avery. Avery is going through a lot from when she was taken. She is dealing with so much. But through it all Liam tries to be there for her no matter what. I absolutely love these two together. I love how strong he is for her even when he doesnt want to be because of the feelings he is having for her. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. So very enjoyable. I absolutely love how Avery becomes so strong after everything that has happened. You see a totally different person by the end. Well written enjoyable characters, great story line
Profile Image for Dawn.
141 reviews48 followers
January 6, 2018
This book is just amazing! there are so many layers and so many emotions all at once and throughout the book, you will have the biggest book hangover yet! The character are so deep and so beautifully broken, to watch them heal and mesh back together again, it's as if I'm being pieced back together too! This is an absolute MUST read! You do NOT want to miss this one, it's epic!
Profile Image for Susan.
1,161 reviews22 followers
February 21, 2019
Love these Stern Brothers.

Love love loved this book. This series has me in its grasp and I won't rest until I've devoured every book.

Avery and Liam have a beautiful young love but Liam is struggling with his position in The Family. He's the baby of the Sterns always looked out for somewhat sheltered from exactly what his family does. So finding out what's expected of him leaves him with a difficult choice.

The choice Liam makes changes everything. The girl he loves will never be the same, he broke her to protect her.
Years later Liam gets to save the girl he left behind. Avery has literally gone through hell, he might not be able to bring her back.

Once again Catherine Stern steps in to save the day. This woman is so perceptive, I really admire her.

My heart broke for Avery but also I admired her strength. The things she endured could of so easily destroyed her.

Avery and Liam took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I just adored them together.

I can't wait to read Zanders book but it's Vins story I'm still looking forward to the most. I think this mysterious man might ruin me.
Profile Image for Dee - Bookaholic Maniacs.
236 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2019
The second book to this series is just as amazing as the first. In this book you get to see Liam and Avery’s POV. I will admit, there are times you just wanna smack Liam and Avery but I love them and loved how they finally came together. Avery had a lot happen to her but she showed she came back on top with Catherine’s help. This is definitely a great book to read and this author is great at her work. Another great book!!
Profile Image for Cassandra Night.
60 reviews
March 2, 2018
Art of Forgiveness by Monique Orgeron is the second book in the "A Stern Family Saga."

Liam Stern is another son of Catherine Stern. He is also known as Catherine’s angel. Liam has been in love with Avery since high school. Never letting anyone know about his feelings towards Avery, he thought he was protecting her. This didn’t sit well with me since Avery Edwards never felt beautiful or worthy.

Avery Edwards has never been taken seriously or respected by classmates at school or her mother and verbally abusive step-father. So her friendship and affair with Liam Stern brought out her of the shell and filled her heart with hope. Having zero self-esteem, she has a hard time accepting that Liam is paying her any attention. On 18th birthday Liam finds out about his position within the family. Liam breaks her heart when he tells her that he slept with Marcy behind her back.

Years later faith brings them together. Although the pure and innocent Avery has endured the worst fate the life could put woman through. The sweet girl; she once was died in the basement at the senators and her guard's hands. They raped her until Stern family saved her and brought into their home.

Catherine Stern is the Matriarch of the Stern Family. She is determined to keep her family in power. When this girl brought into their homes her own years of abuse and rape awakened many emotions too hard to ignore. But someone has to help this poor, broken girl and show her how to live again. Everyone has an integral part in this family or Avery's journey. Liam loves Avery so much he sacrificed his happiness to give her a chance to have a different life when this one. How cruel life is that it breaks her in worst way it possible can.

Catherine is a very loving mother who has sacrificed and endured enough to be taken seriously and has earned the respect of the entire town. She's admired, and her reputation for being tough precedes her. Although their life might not be as it seems they all have huge hearts. Instead of portrayed as monsters, they have high morals and appears softies. Empathetic to the girl who their brother loves they all pitch in to help. I missed seeing Mafia-like family darker sides. It could have skyrocket the turmoil and conflict in this story. Cathrine seemed like a lot of bark and little bite kind of Mafia head and although handsome son's just entitled, rich man.

Every Stern man helps Avery to overcome her fears and unhelpful thinking regarding her body, sexuality or helpless feelings. And by assisting Avery’s journey heals something in Cathrine as well. Liam although had to wait for Avery to rise from ashes and find out who she wants to be. Their struggle to finally be together took time. Liam doesn’t want Avery live this life he born into, and Avery doesn’t trust him even if he helps to replace bad memories with good ones she still doesn't consider Liam's feelings. This man could break her if she allows him in. Beautiful story that could have been amazing if darker side would have explored a little bit more, well done I liked it!
Profile Image for Carla.
989 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2018
Art of Forgiveness is the second book in A Stern Family Saga,and it is Liam and Avery's story. Although it is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

Carla's Five Star Review

I cannot begin to express how much I loved this book (and series)! I fell hard for Liam and Avery, and I had my fingers crossed throughout the entire story hoping against hope that these two would find their happily ever after!

Liam Stern is the golden boy. Every girl wants to date him, and every guy wants to be him. He is handsome and rich. He is also known as a manwhore among his peers and brothers. When he sees something he wants, he goes all out to get it. However, things change when he meets Avery Edwards. Avery has been under her mother's thumb her entire life while also being verbally abused by her mother and stepfather. Because of this, she is quiet and shy and tends to steer clear of people. Unfortunately, this makes her an easy target for the mean girls at school. Liam gets to know Avery, and they eventually fall in love. They date secretly for a year, and things are great. Close to graduation, Liam learns some disheartening information that eventually leads to him breaking Avery's heart.

Fast forward several years. Avery is unexpectedly thrown back into Liam's life, but things have changed. Avery has lived through hell, and the last thing she wants is to reconnect with her old flame. Liam's family takes Avery in. They nurture and care for her, and, little by little, Avery comes back to life. While she has fallen in love with Liam's family, she still refuses to place her heart at risk with Liam. Will Liam ever be able to prove his love for her? Even if he does, will Avery take a chance on love, or will she walk away forever?

I thought the story progressed at the perfect place! And the characters? I fell in love with all of them , not just Liam and Avery. The Stern brothers are all alpha males, and I promise you will be drawn to all of them! Oh, we certainly can't leave out Catherine Stern. She is the matriarch of the Stern family, and she is tough, but loving. If you haven't yet read these first two books, you should one click them now! I dare you not to fall in love with these awesome characters!

I enjoyed this book so much that I read the entire thing in just one sitting. I just had to know how everything played out! I will warn you-Avery's story is not for the faint of heart. It is raw and gritty and sometimes difficult to read. My best advice? Read the warning at the front of the book.
Profile Image for N.D. Jackson.
Author 18 books256 followers
January 20, 2018
The Art of Forgiveness has done something that very few books have been able to do, and that is get a good review despite my mixed feelings. Because, make no mistake, this story by Monique Orgeron is a good read. A frustrating and compelling read all at once.
Avery was a victim of bullying at school and verbal abuse at home for most of her life and I understand that informed a lot of what she did and how she acted. But her willingness to just push her happiness aside—as an adult—for her delusional mother made it hard to sympathize with her. During the first few chapters of the book I nearly stopped reading because I just couldn’t take her saying ‘oh it was easier so I just did as she said’. It was so damn frustrating.
Then the sh*t hit the fan and I stayed up way too late trying to see what was going on. And what that was, was awful. Terrible. A hellish nightmare that made me feel for Avery viscerally. I wanted to step in front of her and slay those dragons for her, because that was worse than anything she’d ever been through and but for the genre, I did worry she wasn’t strong enough to handle it.
And I have to give it up to Monique Orgeron for proving me wrong. That chick was strong, stronger than even she knew. The Art of Forgiveness was a story about exactly that, forgiveness. But not just Liam and the mindf*ck he unleashed on her as a teenager, but also herself for allowing it to happen and even her Mom, which…wow. I don’t see myself forgiving that woman anytime soon.
I should mention Liam since he is the hero, but honestly Liam didn’t really do much for me. He was a weak man, a scaredy cat at best and that just isn’t sexy at all. From the beginning he had all the say and while I can forgive him a little based on the decisions he made at 18, the fact that he kept doing it years later made it a little hard to swallow.
Now for the rest of the characters. I absolutely loved Catherine, she was a total badass who ruled her family with a fist made of iron and velvet. Honestly, I want to be Catherine when I grow up. And the Stern brothers? Good lord were they all hot and bossy and just what you’d expect when you got a group of big, alpha men together. Some of my favorite parts of the story were when this big strong men devolved into little boys.
I wish that the romance had been more intertwined into the story, because truthfully it was more like part one and part two of a story, but I still really enjoyed reading The Art of Forgiveness.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
January 24, 2018
Art of Forgiveness is the second book in the Stern Family Saga, and while it's about another brother, you really need to read Art of Seduction first, as it lays the foundation of the matriarch, Catherine. This book tells the story of Liam Stern, and Avery Edwards. They meet in High School, where Avery is the shy girl, and Liam is the popular slut if you will. Avery is constantly put down by her new stepfather, so she has no self confidence, but she & Liam strike up an unlikely friendship that turns into more, but once Liam figures out what his family is, he breaks her heart on purpose, thinking she's too pure his life. Years later, he rescues her from a nightmare, but Avery is broken into a girl who no longer wants to live, so will his family be able to rebuild her? And will she ever forgive Liam? This is only Monique Orgeron's second book, but boy, is she a talent, and an addiction for me! I absolutely LOVE this series, and cannot get enough of these Stern brothers, and their mother, who finds the strong, broken women that she rebuilds. Avery's story is heartbreaking, filled with angst, and yet, a fantastic journey that had my eyes leaking more than once, as I loved her! And while I loved Liam, he had me wanted the choke him out more than once, because his martyr complex drove me nuts! Their chemistry was palpable, so when it overtook them, they finally lit the sheets up, but the push & pull that he instigated tugged on my heart! The rest of the family, friends, and even a tree as secondaries, only added in more depth & the humor I needed to give me a break from the heavy angst levels. I CANNOT WAIT for the next book, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,176 reviews104 followers
January 25, 2018
Art of Forgiveness is my first book by Monique Orgeron but it certainly won't be my last. The story of Avery and Liam is not for the faint of heart. Highly emotional and dealing with tough issues, I definitely shed a few tears but the character development and storyline makes all the tears totally worth it.

Avery has had intense feelings for Liam since high school when they dated for a time. Too bad their whole relationship was a secret and he broke her heart before it could even start. Since then, Avery has learned to protect her heart and she doesn't let any men in. That goes for her drop dead gorgeous friend Phil too. Of course that doesn't stop Phil from trying.

After Avery goes through a heart wrenching experience she finds herself recovering at Liam's house and she is welcomed in to his family by his mother Catherine. Slowly Avery starts to gain some self respect back but she still hates Liam for what he did to her and she certainly isn't going to give him the chance to break her again.

Liam has lusted after Avery for so many years and regrets the mistakes he made long ago. He knows he's no good for her and she deserves so much more but try telling that to his heart. He buries himself in his family business and try's to avoid his attraction to Avery at every turn.

The story of Avery and Liam is tense, romantic and heart pounding. It is one couple I won't soon forget and I can't wait to dig into the first book by Monique soon.
112 reviews
January 12, 2018
This book kept me hostage I could not put it down until I had read the last page finishing at 4am in the morning. This was a different read to book 1. Some of the themes covered were painful but written with such emotional intelligence and sensitivity that gave insight into the damage caused and the journey made to repair a damaged girl as well as the previous damage repaired that set the path for the matriarch Catherine.
The timeline is realistic months as opposed to days playing out and with the characters developing strength and insight into previous behaviours
There are so many layers unwrapping them was a delight catching the unexpected clues for the other characters gifts to be revealed later with the other sons Zander and Vin.
This is about forgiveness and the gift it is to yourself and how with forgiveness comes maturity. Liam and Avery' had a flawed teen history but their future holds promise.
If I had to use one word to sum up this book it would be impressive. It has love, it is realistic with hard hitting themes, there is passion, revenge; courage, and joy..
Catherine Stern is one of my favourite characters halleluah an older woman with a voice, her sexuality is not hidden her beauty is not disguised she is all woman.
Would I recommend The Art of Forgiveness? Hell yes.


I was given this as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Crissy.
2,803 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2018
Art of Forgiveness is the second book in the Stern Family Saga and can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend readers reading the first book because the characters from the first book does cross over into this one. I loved Catherine just as much as I did in the first book and I love her sons even more. Gabriel, Zander, Liam and Vin are all handsome, protective, alpha males all female readers can appreciate, even if they make stupid choices. This book gives us Liam and Avery's story and there are dark parts to Avery's story. Avery's mom Margaret is completely ridiculous and even in the end I still wasn't a fan of her. I truly disliked her and was done with her. Her stepdad Adam got exactly what he deserved. There were parts of this story I loved, parts that frustrated the crap out of me, and parts that had me laughing out loud. There were also parts in the story that I felt moved too fast for my liking but even with that being said, I enjoyed this story a lot. I look forward to reading the next book in this series to get Zander's story. I can't wait to read about the woman who will bring him to his knees and enjoy a few good laughs along the way.
Profile Image for Charlotte Coles.
54 reviews
January 22, 2018
Yet again Monique has delivered a fantastic story. Book 2 in the Stern family saga delivers everything you would hope after book 1.
Liam is as panty dropping as you would hope. You fall in Love with him so easy as he fiercely loves Avery. Avery such a strong female who overcomes her traumatic ordeal with the help of the Stern family.
Not only is Liam and Averys story gripping and everything you would hope we still het to follow the other family members. You still get a great insight into Gabrielle and Fallon, you still get added Zander and Vin too. Not forgetting Catherine, my god I love that woman. I think as a female character she will be the one that sticks in my head for years to come! I honestly can not wait to read more in this series.
I can not fault the authors writing. again super well written Moniques first book was.definately not a fluke, after reading this you will see why. for such a new author you couldn't ask for any more and her writing and stories surpass that of authors that have been writing for years. I think I have finally found my second unicorn author.
I can not reccomend this book enough and I shall continue to sing praise and reccomend these stories to everyone I can. Congratulations x
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