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Truth #2
The Truth About Us
Truth: Penn Walker entered my life like a summer storm—dark, ominous, and filled with thunder.
After witnessing my husband’s murder, I didn’t have much of a heart left to offer a man.
But Penn took it all.
Every jagged shard.
Every broken bit.
Even the dirty and twisted pieces that I wish never existed.
Lie: I didn’t need him to save me.
Lie: I knew exactly who he was.
Lie: Losing him wouldn’t destroy me.
But that’s the thing about lies—you never know who to believe.
After witnessing my husband’s murder, I didn’t have much of a heart left to offer a man.
But Penn took it all.
Every jagged shard.
Every broken bit.
Even the dirty and twisted pieces that I wish never existed.
Lie: I didn’t need him to save me.
Lie: I knew exactly who he was.
Lie: Losing him wouldn’t destroy me.
But that’s the thing about lies—you never know who to believe.
262 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2018
1193 people are currently reading
2296 people want to read
About the author
Aly Martinez
53 books8,117 followersOriginally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 616 reviews
August 13, 2025
“I might tell you a lie. But it’s only to protect you. Not all lies are bad.”
With the way the first book in this series ended, I was more than a little anxious to get into The Truth About Us. Once again, Aly Martinez wrote a duet with some suspense, angst, and a lot of heart.
I truly thought we knew all the twists and turns from the first book, but I was mistaken. We know nothing! I love that, though. I love being surprised and not being able to guess what is going to happen next. Towards the end, I was definitely shocked. But I love the direction this story went.
I don’t want to talk much about the story because I don’t want to spoil ANYTHING for potential readers, but I will talk about the characters. Penn and Cora have an intense passionate love story. Penn is fantastic and he was strong for Cora and her girls in this book. Cora is a boss heroine. I love everything about her. And I loved seeing more with River and Savannah in this one, especially towards the end.
The conclusion to The Truth Duet was epic. What a great way to end these books! I couldn’t have been happier with the epilogue to this story. Penn and Cora’s journey was beautiful, unpredictable, and kept me completely and utterly engaged. After reading this duet, I cannot wait for Drew’s story! Gimme gimme gimme!!!
“Truth,” I whispered against her temple. “I love you.”
September 14, 2018
Wonderful conclusion. Obviously don’t want to give anything away so I’ll keep this short and simple.
I couldn’t wait to see how this Duet ended. Does the lies that were told and shedded in book 1 between Penn & Cora become too much to overcome and move on? Can you really find a second chance at love, at happiness, at life, and at freedom when you have to face your biggest fears and move on from lies told and new information discovered while discovering those lies? This book was a journey to get there, to a place where forgiveness is made. But I loved Penn & Cora in book one but in book two they definitely got a spot in my heart for good. This whole amazing group did. Wow, what a journey!!
I recommend this Duet, hands down, to all you romance lovers!!
I couldn’t wait to see how this Duet ended. Does the lies that were told and shedded in book 1 between Penn & Cora become too much to overcome and move on? Can you really find a second chance at love, at happiness, at life, and at freedom when you have to face your biggest fears and move on from lies told and new information discovered while discovering those lies? This book was a journey to get there, to a place where forgiveness is made. But I loved Penn & Cora in book one but in book two they definitely got a spot in my heart for good. This whole amazing group did. Wow, what a journey!!
I recommend this Duet, hands down, to all you romance lovers!!
September 16, 2018
3.75 Truth or Lie Stars
Lies were light and fluffy. Made to order. Easy to digest. Impossible to hold on to.
But the truth was dense. A boulder made of magnets, the Earth being the north to its south. The truth could crush a person with nothing more than reality.
Really enjoyed it! You can’t imagine how much I love this couple! Cora and Penn are perfect and a great couple! I mean not just Cora and Penn, but all of the characters! Loved them all! It’s so well-written, well-paced with a perfect storyline and a satisfying ending! Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the second installment in "The Truth Duet" and has to be read in order. Can’t wait to read Drew and Cat’s story (coming 2019). Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Lies were light and fluffy. Made to order. Easy to digest. Impossible to hold on to.
But the truth was dense. A boulder made of magnets, the Earth being the north to its south. The truth could crush a person with nothing more than reality.
Really enjoyed it! You can’t imagine how much I love this couple! Cora and Penn are perfect and a great couple! I mean not just Cora and Penn, but all of the characters! Loved them all! It’s so well-written, well-paced with a perfect storyline and a satisfying ending! Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the second installment in "The Truth Duet" and has to be read in order. Can’t wait to read Drew and Cat’s story (coming 2019). Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
September 17, 2018
*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I didn’t wait. I didn’t ask for permission. I just kissed her. Hard and long. Slow and reverent. My mouth didn’t open. And neither did hers. But it was by far the deepest kiss I’d ever offered her. It was filled with apology. Hope. Gratitude. Regret. It was words unspoken. Lies unraveled. Lost and found. I kissed Cora with the truth—all of it—for the very first time.
The conclusion to ”The Truth Duet” is filled with action, suspense and a shocking twist that no one will see coming! The lies are all confessed and only the truth remains between Penn and Cora, but will she be able to move on from the hurt and betrayal she feels by the choices Penn made? Can Penn save Cora from an even more dangerous monster who threatens her life and that of her daughter’s as well?
This duet was an action-packed thrill ride from beginning to end!! It was a real page-turner.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 4
Angst: 4
Steam: 4.5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
THE TRUTH ABOUT US is currently available!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Mt5fsk
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2PupS5c
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2PzPT31
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NbfB0i
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I didn’t wait. I didn’t ask for permission. I just kissed her. Hard and long. Slow and reverent. My mouth didn’t open. And neither did hers. But it was by far the deepest kiss I’d ever offered her. It was filled with apology. Hope. Gratitude. Regret. It was words unspoken. Lies unraveled. Lost and found. I kissed Cora with the truth—all of it—for the very first time.
The conclusion to ”The Truth Duet” is filled with action, suspense and a shocking twist that no one will see coming! The lies are all confessed and only the truth remains between Penn and Cora, but will she be able to move on from the hurt and betrayal she feels by the choices Penn made? Can Penn save Cora from an even more dangerous monster who threatens her life and that of her daughter’s as well?
This duet was an action-packed thrill ride from beginning to end!! It was a real page-turner.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 4
Angst: 4
Steam: 4.5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
THE TRUTH ABOUT US is currently available!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Mt5fsk
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2PupS5c
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2PzPT31
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NbfB0i
November 2, 2018
LOVED it! 😊
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤❤❤
BLURB :
Truth: Penn Walker entered my life like a summer storm—dark, ominous, and filled with thunder.
After witnessing my husband’s murder, I didn’t have much of a heart left to offer a man.
But Penn took it all.
Every jagged shard.
Every broken bit.
Even the dirty and twisted pieces that I wish never existed.
Lie: I didn’t need him to save me.
Lie: I knew exactly who he was.
Lie: Losing him wouldn’t destroy me.
But that’s the thing about lies—you never know who to believe.
Pre-order THE TRUTH ABOUT US now:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Mt5fsk
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2PupS5c
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2PzPT31
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NbfB0i
Purchase The Truth About Lies (The Truth Duet, #1)
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2o18ERs
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤❤❤
BLURB :
Truth: Penn Walker entered my life like a summer storm—dark, ominous, and filled with thunder.
After witnessing my husband’s murder, I didn’t have much of a heart left to offer a man.
But Penn took it all.
Every jagged shard.
Every broken bit.
Even the dirty and twisted pieces that I wish never existed.
Lie: I didn’t need him to save me.
Lie: I knew exactly who he was.
Lie: Losing him wouldn’t destroy me.
But that’s the thing about lies—you never know who to believe.
Pre-order THE TRUTH ABOUT US now:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Mt5fsk
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2PupS5c
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2PzPT31
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NbfB0i
Purchase The Truth About Lies (The Truth Duet, #1)
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2o18ERs
September 13, 2018
LIVE AMAZON : https://amzn.to/2Mt5fsk
4,5-5 STARS
This is one of my favorite duets by Aly Martinez, both books were phenomenal!I loved the story so much and Penn with Cora have a heavy and intense romance!
The Truth About Us was a captivating,emotional,intense and steamy story.I loved every minute of it and I wish we have more.
Cora is one of my favorite heroines, after what she went through she is so strong!And Penn, omg this man, I love him so much!He stole my heart, this torture man he deserves to be happy!Together they have an amazing bond from book one, they were passionate,intense and emotional!
If you are looking for an epic love with a heavy and intense romance this is the best series!
4,5-5 STARS
This is one of my favorite duets by Aly Martinez, both books were phenomenal!I loved the story so much and Penn with Cora have a heavy and intense romance!
The Truth About Us was a captivating,emotional,intense and steamy story.I loved every minute of it and I wish we have more.
Cora is one of my favorite heroines, after what she went through she is so strong!And Penn, omg this man, I love him so much!He stole my heart, this torture man he deserves to be happy!Together they have an amazing bond from book one, they were passionate,intense and emotional!
If you are looking for an epic love with a heavy and intense romance this is the best series!
September 14, 2018
***IT'S ALIVE!!!***
When the Truth hurts more...
I berate myself constantly when I sign up for a review copy of a duet. I know that I’ll finish the first instalment and be frustrated and impatient for the second one. When Aly Martinez brings out a duet, I try to talk myself out of signing up with very little success. I know that she’s going to push me to my limits, make me cry and feel extremely violent. Aly’s duets also manage to bring out my smile, make me sigh with contentment and squirm in delight. I know I'll feel love towards the characters and a deep need to protect them from evil. And this is why I’ll sign up for a duet that Aly Martinez has written.
It took me a wee while to settle into this second instalment, The Truth About Us. Again, I found myself scared to go on. There wasn’t as much physical violence in this one, but I constantly felt like the Reaper was in the background waiting to lower his scythe. Who was going to be left standing? Who told the biggest lies? Will the truth be the answer I want?
When you start a story, or, in this case, the second part of the story, you kind of think you know what you’re going to get. In The Truth About Us, I was convinced that we would be tightening up loose ends and watching Cora and her daughter River find a new path, hopefully to happiness. Well, in true Aly Martinez fashion, she had a few more twists and turns for us to survive. Honestly, there are a few surprises that I did not see coming. Evil had a new plan and he'll use his power to get what he wants.
I find myself a little bit disillusioned and disappointed when men in uniform, especially Police, are used to carry out nefarious deeds. Maybe I’m crazy but I have faith that there are good police officers out there who know right from wrong and don’t follow blindly. When I read a story that has this in it, I don’t read it in disbelief because I know there is a realistic element to it. I hate knowing that there are men in power who abuse their positions. I wish that I had "seen" this dealt with by the end of the story, but we're left to assume that it was handled.
When it came to the love story, it was always going to be a little tricky as Penn and Cora have both had love before that ended in heartbreak. I kind of think they got it right the second time around. Nic left Cora in hell and Lisa put Penn in hell. While both (Nic and Lisa) didn’t mean to, there was a touch of selfishness that still lead Cora and Penn there anyway.
I really enjoyed Cora and Penn’s journey to happiness. It was a heartbreaking story of a man with vengeance on his mind finding love in a very unlikely place. This new love will stretch their limits of trust and forgiveness. Even I struggled to get past the lies and if I was Cora, I’d want to pack River and their bags, find a boat, and row to a deserted island. Penn’s love and devotion to Cora, River and Savannah (a tagalong) showed that the risks were worth it.
A duet can be a wee bit painful if you’re the impatient sort, but Aly Martinez makes it worth the wait. The Truth Duet is an emotional journey taking you from some of the darkest places towards a life of happiness and love. Take a risk on this duet, it will be so worth it.
Thank you, Aly Martinez for my jump up and down happy buzz at the end. It's like you wrote that ending for me... 😘
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
When the Truth hurts more...
I berate myself constantly when I sign up for a review copy of a duet. I know that I’ll finish the first instalment and be frustrated and impatient for the second one. When Aly Martinez brings out a duet, I try to talk myself out of signing up with very little success. I know that she’s going to push me to my limits, make me cry and feel extremely violent. Aly’s duets also manage to bring out my smile, make me sigh with contentment and squirm in delight. I know I'll feel love towards the characters and a deep need to protect them from evil. And this is why I’ll sign up for a duet that Aly Martinez has written.
It took me a wee while to settle into this second instalment, The Truth About Us. Again, I found myself scared to go on. There wasn’t as much physical violence in this one, but I constantly felt like the Reaper was in the background waiting to lower his scythe. Who was going to be left standing? Who told the biggest lies? Will the truth be the answer I want?
When you start a story, or, in this case, the second part of the story, you kind of think you know what you’re going to get. In The Truth About Us, I was convinced that we would be tightening up loose ends and watching Cora and her daughter River find a new path, hopefully to happiness. Well, in true Aly Martinez fashion, she had a few more twists and turns for us to survive. Honestly, there are a few surprises that I did not see coming. Evil had a new plan and he'll use his power to get what he wants.
I find myself a little bit disillusioned and disappointed when men in uniform, especially Police, are used to carry out nefarious deeds. Maybe I’m crazy but I have faith that there are good police officers out there who know right from wrong and don’t follow blindly. When I read a story that has this in it, I don’t read it in disbelief because I know there is a realistic element to it. I hate knowing that there are men in power who abuse their positions. I wish that I had "seen" this dealt with by the end of the story, but we're left to assume that it was handled.
When it came to the love story, it was always going to be a little tricky as Penn and Cora have both had love before that ended in heartbreak. I kind of think they got it right the second time around. Nic left Cora in hell and Lisa put Penn in hell. While both (Nic and Lisa) didn’t mean to, there was a touch of selfishness that still lead Cora and Penn there anyway.
I really enjoyed Cora and Penn’s journey to happiness. It was a heartbreaking story of a man with vengeance on his mind finding love in a very unlikely place. This new love will stretch their limits of trust and forgiveness. Even I struggled to get past the lies and if I was Cora, I’d want to pack River and their bags, find a boat, and row to a deserted island. Penn’s love and devotion to Cora, River and Savannah (a tagalong) showed that the risks were worth it.
A duet can be a wee bit painful if you’re the impatient sort, but Aly Martinez makes it worth the wait. The Truth Duet is an emotional journey taking you from some of the darkest places towards a life of happiness and love. Take a risk on this duet, it will be so worth it.
Thank you, Aly Martinez for my jump up and down happy buzz at the end. It's like you wrote that ending for me... 😘
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
September 19, 2018
"It was supposed to be over. I was supposed to be free. But maybe freedom was nothing more than a delusion to convince people like me to continue working in hell. Without the light at the end of the tunnel, we’d accept the darkness for what it truly was: eternal."
This was amazing! I can’t say enough how much of a Queen Aly is when it comes to romantic suspense duets. This one definitely needs to be short and sweet for a few reasons, first, I hate to spoil anything, you definitely need to read this to understand the awesomeness. Second, this is Part 2 of 2, so you definitely need to read Book 1 in order to keep up. And last because I honestly have no words, this was just great!!
"I kissed Cora with the truth—all of it—for the very first time."
Just trust me, all your questions after book 1 will be answered and all loose ties will be handled. And then some. I love these characters so much. Both Penn and Cora were extremely strong and likeable. Loved it so much, full of twists and turns and when you think you have it all figured it out you discover that you really had no idea! And that epilogue, my epilogue loving heart is more than happy!!! Can’t freaking wait for Drew’s story!!! Absolutely recommend this duet.
“We earned this. You and me. We earned this feeling, right here, right now. And we earned it in the hardest fucking way possible. It wasn’t easy and I don’t suspect it ever will be, but dammit, we’re gonna be together.”
This was amazing! I can’t say enough how much of a Queen Aly is when it comes to romantic suspense duets. This one definitely needs to be short and sweet for a few reasons, first, I hate to spoil anything, you definitely need to read this to understand the awesomeness. Second, this is Part 2 of 2, so you definitely need to read Book 1 in order to keep up. And last because I honestly have no words, this was just great!!
"I kissed Cora with the truth—all of it—for the very first time."
Just trust me, all your questions after book 1 will be answered and all loose ties will be handled. And then some. I love these characters so much. Both Penn and Cora were extremely strong and likeable. Loved it so much, full of twists and turns and when you think you have it all figured it out you discover that you really had no idea! And that epilogue, my epilogue loving heart is more than happy!!! Can’t freaking wait for Drew’s story!!! Absolutely recommend this duet.
“We earned this. You and me. We earned this feeling, right here, right now. And we earned it in the hardest fucking way possible. It wasn’t easy and I don’t suspect it ever will be, but dammit, we’re gonna be together.”
September 18, 2018
After finishing the epic journey that was book 1, I could not wait to jump into this one. Like I said in my review of "The Truth about Lies" , I am so glad I waited until both books were out. The previous book left me with so many questions !!
Bit by bit all my questions were answered, and then some !! I am not gonna share those answers in this review though.....
So many more secrets were revealed...I didn't think there would be any left !! Boy was I wrong !!
I absolutely loved this Duet, and the epilogue especially had me swooning and smiling. Now I will just have to try and be patient until we get Drew and Cat's book... I don't think I can do it, I NEED their book so bad !!!
Highly recommended !!!
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This review was posted on Wendy's Wycked Words
September 11, 2018
“That’s the thing about lies.. they taint the truth until you have no idea what to believe.”
What a conclusion to this twisty epic duet!!
The truth about Us delivered more than anyone could’ve asked for and it was the perfect ending to an original story that had us asking: Truth or Lie?
If you’ve read the truth about lies, then you know the monstrous after effect of what happened that fateful night when Cora lost everything. Or so she thought. Days later and she’s still grieving her loss but with that grief, also comes more questions. What will happen when she learns the truth of not only about her past, but Penn as well?
Penn is no stranger to heartbreak and if the past four years has taught him anything, is that with grief, there is also anger and vengeance. With time and one hell of a plan in place, Penn executed those decisions flawlessly. But there was one thing that he underestimated through it all and that was how deep his feelings went for Cora. Putting her first was never the issue but living without her? That was like cutting off a piece of himself. With every truth, there was a lie and for Penn and Cora, they’re secrets are about to be revealed.
“We are truth Cora. We are the only truth in this fucked up situation.”
I have to say that I enjoyed this one more than the first book. It was grittier, sexy, and it had the one thing that I simply love: FAMILY. Not everyone was related by blood but it didn’t matter because they way everyone felt about each other? You felt the love everywhere, you understood their sacrifices, you felt their fears, you wanted to protect them, and you reveled in their accomplishments.
A lot of times the sequel doesn’t live up to the hype but I can safely say that this one did and if you’re looking for a sexy, thrilling duet, then you need to read these books!!
*Teaser used is from the author's site.
September 14, 2018
Spoiler Free
5 STARS
This.
Duet.
I feel a major book hangover coming on because this duet absolutely owned me. And while book one captured my heart, this book absolutely ruined me. Aly Martinez is an emotional sadist. I'm convinced of this because the woman has an uncanny ability to wring every emotion out of her readers. And The Truth About Us was one heck of an unputdownable ride.
All of the questions that the reader was left with at the end of The Truth About Lies were finally answered in this story. But it wasn't as straight forward as that. The author stretches it out and makes it hurt. She leaves you gasping, at the edge of your seat, and absolutely desperate for more with every page you read. It was exhilarating, emotional, and captivating!
I won't tell you what happens in this book because I feel like the smallest detail is a spoiler of book one and I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone that hasn't read it yet. But what I will tell you that it was the most satisfying conclusion to a story that's owned my heart from the very first page. I cannot recommend it enough.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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5 STARS
We earned this. You and me. We earned this feeling, right here, right now. And we earned it in the hardest fucking way possible.
This.
Duet.
I feel a major book hangover coming on because this duet absolutely owned me. And while book one captured my heart, this book absolutely ruined me. Aly Martinez is an emotional sadist. I'm convinced of this because the woman has an uncanny ability to wring every emotion out of her readers. And The Truth About Us was one heck of an unputdownable ride.
The Earth spun.
And forever began.
One in. One out.
All of the questions that the reader was left with at the end of The Truth About Lies were finally answered in this story. But it wasn't as straight forward as that. The author stretches it out and makes it hurt. She leaves you gasping, at the edge of your seat, and absolutely desperate for more with every page you read. It was exhilarating, emotional, and captivating!
I won't tell you what happens in this book because I feel like the smallest detail is a spoiler of book one and I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone that hasn't read it yet. But what I will tell you that it was the most satisfying conclusion to a story that's owned my heart from the very first page. I cannot recommend it enough.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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September 17, 2018
3,5 stars rounded up to 4
When I read the blurbs and saw that it was contemporary romance, I wanted to read this duet. The writer being Aly Martinez helped the decision. However, what I read was a thriller, a mystery romance, a romantic suspense… whatever you call the novels that have a love story in the background and lots of action, mystery etc are happening on the forefront. This disappointed me because I always prefer my romance books to focus on the love story in it.
This is my disappointment based on what I expected after having read the blurb and seeing it was tagged under romance only. Therefore, for readers who like mystery & suspense in their romance books, this duet might be worth 5 stars; however, as I am not a fan of romantic suspense or thrillers, to me, it just wasn’t good enough because the romance part didn’t satisfy me.
So, if you are a lover of romantic suspense/thrillers with a good love story behind, maybe you should ignore my rating & review.
***********************************************
Cora, the heroine, is a darling. She is what made me read this duet. If I didn’t love her that much, all this thriller thing that bored me to death would have caused my DNF of the book but I loved her so much that I wanted to see her happy end.
Penn, the hero, seems to be a good one for most of the time but he did something that Cora also had a hard time forgiving him and if I were her, I would have made him grovel so much more… so much longer!
I would have accepted him back to my life eventually if I loved him that much but I don’t know if I could ever forgive him for what he did! (No, not cheating – something else!).
***********************************************
Cora is the house mom for an apartment building of prostitutes – but not by choice. She is forced to do that.
Her story is sad. She is not a prostitute, she just fell in love with the wrong guy and got married to him. Then, when he died, her life was ruined in the hands of his cruel family.
***********************************************
Penn has lost his wife, too. It was a bloody cruel murder he had to watch on his mobile phone.
(Here, I need to open a parenthesis and ask this question.
Can someone please explain to me how he watches his wife die on his phone? I can't understand and it just seems so impossible to me. Did the wife drop her phone when she was attacked and then did the phone miraculously fall on its side with a full view of the room showing how they kill her or how the police come in etc.?? How is it possible that she is wearing headphones while being attacked and the attackers do not look for the phone? Did she know she was going to be murdered so she implanted the phone somewhere safe?
No one explains that. We are just told that he is watching it on the phone. He sees the attackers, he sees his wife, then he sees the door being opened and police coming in etc. My mind just doesn't accept the plausibility of it.
It must have been written like this for the dramatic effect maybe but to me, it seems to be something not easily possible)
OK, back to Penn. He is a dead man walking with the immense amount of pain he has been suffering for 4 years. He feels guity that he couldn't save his wife but he really had nothing to do to save her.
***********************************************
Penn comes to Cora’s life with his secrets and Cora also has her secrets but these two have immediate and strong feelings for each other, so with lies & truth mixed, they find a way to survive the hell they are living in.
Penn, for the first time in 4 years, feels alive when he is with her and Cora feels hope for the first time in a decade.
The sexual tension between these two is very palpable, it is strong and it is intense; however, when they make love, it kind of didn’t live up to the expectations. There are very few intimate scenes of them in two books and all are dissatisfying. Especially when their chemistry is so strong, their love-making should have burnt the pages. But nope, they were not written well and I was disappointed.
***********************************************
The plot twists in Book 1 & 2 are good but not mind-blowing. The suspense is again good to moderate but again definitely not a mind-f*ck.
This is one of those books where I can't say too much without spoiling the mystery part of it so I need to cut this short.
Writing:
It is in dual point of view except for one chapter told by a third person.
The writing makes you feel. It is captivating but it also has its flaws. I think it is repetitive and dragging most of the time. Honestly, I believe this story could have been a 5-star read if it were one book but it is stretched into two books and forced to be longer than necessary, thus, making it drag. Maybe that’s why, I got so bored most of the time.
Safety:
I believe it is safe.
There is no cheating between the hero & the heroine.
He is not a man-whore, she is not a virgin. Both have lost their spouses to a murder.
The heroine is the house mom for an apartment building of prostitutes but she is not a prostitute.
P.S. You can always pm me for further inquiry if you ever feel the need.
MY FAVORITE QUOTES from the book:
I stared at him.
Challenging him to lie.
Begging him to tell the truth.
Praying he wasn’t the type of man I feared he was.
And hoping beyond all reason that he was the type of man I so desperately needed him to be.
***
“We were the only truth that mattered in any of this. We earned this. I won’t lose that. I won’t lose you.”
***
“Every smile. Every laugh. Every kiss. Every touch.
That was me. That was us. And that was the truth.”
When I read the blurbs and saw that it was contemporary romance, I wanted to read this duet. The writer being Aly Martinez helped the decision. However, what I read was a thriller, a mystery romance, a romantic suspense… whatever you call the novels that have a love story in the background and lots of action, mystery etc are happening on the forefront. This disappointed me because I always prefer my romance books to focus on the love story in it.
This is my disappointment based on what I expected after having read the blurb and seeing it was tagged under romance only. Therefore, for readers who like mystery & suspense in their romance books, this duet might be worth 5 stars; however, as I am not a fan of romantic suspense or thrillers, to me, it just wasn’t good enough because the romance part didn’t satisfy me.
So, if you are a lover of romantic suspense/thrillers with a good love story behind, maybe you should ignore my rating & review.
***********************************************
Cora, the heroine, is a darling. She is what made me read this duet. If I didn’t love her that much, all this thriller thing that bored me to death would have caused my DNF of the book but I loved her so much that I wanted to see her happy end.
Penn, the hero, seems to be a good one for most of the time but he did something that Cora also had a hard time forgiving him and if I were her, I would have made him grovel so much more… so much longer!
I would have accepted him back to my life eventually if I loved him that much but I don’t know if I could ever forgive him for what he did! (No, not cheating – something else!).
***********************************************
Cora is the house mom for an apartment building of prostitutes – but not by choice. She is forced to do that.
Her story is sad. She is not a prostitute, she just fell in love with the wrong guy and got married to him. Then, when he died, her life was ruined in the hands of his cruel family.
***********************************************
Penn has lost his wife, too. It was a bloody cruel murder he had to watch on his mobile phone.
(Here, I need to open a parenthesis and ask this question.
Can someone please explain to me how he watches his wife die on his phone? I can't understand and it just seems so impossible to me. Did the wife drop her phone when she was attacked and then did the phone miraculously fall on its side with a full view of the room showing how they kill her or how the police come in etc.?? How is it possible that she is wearing headphones while being attacked and the attackers do not look for the phone? Did she know she was going to be murdered so she implanted the phone somewhere safe?
No one explains that. We are just told that he is watching it on the phone. He sees the attackers, he sees his wife, then he sees the door being opened and police coming in etc. My mind just doesn't accept the plausibility of it.
It must have been written like this for the dramatic effect maybe but to me, it seems to be something not easily possible)
OK, back to Penn. He is a dead man walking with the immense amount of pain he has been suffering for 4 years. He feels guity that he couldn't save his wife but he really had nothing to do to save her.
***********************************************
Penn comes to Cora’s life with his secrets and Cora also has her secrets but these two have immediate and strong feelings for each other, so with lies & truth mixed, they find a way to survive the hell they are living in.
Penn, for the first time in 4 years, feels alive when he is with her and Cora feels hope for the first time in a decade.
The sexual tension between these two is very palpable, it is strong and it is intense; however, when they make love, it kind of didn’t live up to the expectations. There are very few intimate scenes of them in two books and all are dissatisfying. Especially when their chemistry is so strong, their love-making should have burnt the pages. But nope, they were not written well and I was disappointed.
***********************************************
The plot twists in Book 1 & 2 are good but not mind-blowing. The suspense is again good to moderate but again definitely not a mind-f*ck.
This is one of those books where I can't say too much without spoiling the mystery part of it so I need to cut this short.
Writing:
It is in dual point of view except for one chapter told by a third person.
The writing makes you feel. It is captivating but it also has its flaws. I think it is repetitive and dragging most of the time. Honestly, I believe this story could have been a 5-star read if it were one book but it is stretched into two books and forced to be longer than necessary, thus, making it drag. Maybe that’s why, I got so bored most of the time.
Safety:
I believe it is safe.
There is no cheating between the hero & the heroine.
He is not a man-whore, she is not a virgin. Both have lost their spouses to a murder.
The heroine is the house mom for an apartment building of prostitutes but she is not a prostitute.
P.S. You can always pm me for further inquiry if you ever feel the need.
MY FAVORITE QUOTES from the book:
I stared at him.
Challenging him to lie.
Begging him to tell the truth.
Praying he wasn’t the type of man I feared he was.
And hoping beyond all reason that he was the type of man I so desperately needed him to be.
***
“We were the only truth that mattered in any of this. We earned this. I won’t lose that. I won’t lose you.”
***
“Every smile. Every laugh. Every kiss. Every touch.
That was me. That was us. And that was the truth.”
October 24, 2018
I dove straight into this book after the high that The Truth About Lies left me on and oh dear! This one brought me back down to earth with a bit of a bump. This second book just seemed to be going nowhere fast despite the twists and turns and I think the story would've benefited from not being stretched out over two books. If I'm honest I was a bit underwhelmed with this one, though Penn sure gave good grovel 😁
Still, I loved the characters, and can't wait for Drew's book up next
Still, I loved the characters, and can't wait for Drew's book up next
September 27, 2018
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: Sadly, I'm in the minority again because the first thought that comes to mind about the duet is "meh". I'm underwhelmed. I felt like it was too slow overall, and I'm frustrated because it felt like it was stretched out for the sake of having two books (which is a major pet peeve of mine). I also felt like the idea of the big conflict for the duet was pretty major, and the resolution seemed just too quick and easy for what all the characters went through to get there. That was rather disappointing, and I think more so because of the pacing feeling slow with not much happening and then the conflict not feeling like it had adequate time allotted to it. I enjoyed the characters overall, but I think that along with the stretched out feeling it made me frustrated with the h and her wishy-washy behavior. I'm going to give it 3 "just okay" Stars.
**You might not want to continue in this review if you have not read the first book, The Truth About Lies, because it might have some spoilers for that book as well as some major spoilers behind my spoiler tags that might change your reading experience for the duet**
Overall Opinion: Sadly, I'm in the minority again because the first thought that comes to mind about the duet is "meh". I'm underwhelmed. I felt like it was too slow overall, and I'm frustrated because it felt like it was stretched out for the sake of having two books (which is a major pet peeve of mine). I also felt like the idea of the big conflict for the duet was pretty major, and the resolution seemed just too quick and easy for what all the characters went through to get there. That was rather disappointing, and I think more so because of the pacing feeling slow with not much happening and then the conflict not feeling like it had adequate time allotted to it. I enjoyed the characters overall, but I think that along with the stretched out feeling it made me frustrated with the h and her wishy-washy behavior. I'm going to give it 3 "just okay" Stars.
**You might not want to continue in this review if you have not read the first book, The Truth About Lies, because it might have some spoilers for that book as well as some major spoilers behind my spoiler tags that might change your reading experience for the duet**
September 16, 2018
This is the exciting conclusion to the Truth Duet. Cora is dealing with the devastation and outfall of what has now happened to her life, whilst grieving all over again. She is doing her best to take care of her girls and figure out what the hell went so wrong.
The ever present Drew is by her side, fulfilling the promise he made to Penn. However, Cora is no dummy and is questioning everything, trying to make sense of this crazy situation. She knows very little about Drew so can she really trust him? What is he hiding from her?
She knows that she should be feeling a lot safer now but the danger is still lurking, threatening her once again. Will she ever be free of living in fear? Well apparently not, her future happiness is overshadowed by the devil himself and her knight in shining armour completely gobsmacks her!
This is just the beginning of some mind blowing revelations and secrets that have her questioning pretty much everyone around her. She has no idea who she can trust, is everyone in her life a compulsive liar?
All I can say is that Cora and Penn were imperfectly explosive together when they met in The Truth About Lies and things go to another level in this book. And I absolutely loved, loved, loved the epilogue!
The ever present Drew is by her side, fulfilling the promise he made to Penn. However, Cora is no dummy and is questioning everything, trying to make sense of this crazy situation. She knows very little about Drew so can she really trust him? What is he hiding from her?
She knows that she should be feeling a lot safer now but the danger is still lurking, threatening her once again. Will she ever be free of living in fear? Well apparently not, her future happiness is overshadowed by the devil himself and her knight in shining armour completely gobsmacks her!
This is just the beginning of some mind blowing revelations and secrets that have her questioning pretty much everyone around her. She has no idea who she can trust, is everyone in her life a compulsive liar?
All I can say is that Cora and Penn were imperfectly explosive together when they met in The Truth About Lies and things go to another level in this book. And I absolutely loved, loved, loved the epilogue!
October 11, 2018
REVIEW: 5 STARS
"In my life, nothing is permanent but pain."
It's not very often that I delay the finishing of a book because I legit fear the ending of the story coming and me losing that connection to the characters. Many times I finish and I'm good to go, happy even - write my review, set up my giveaway, gush about the book and move on. Nothing wrong with that because I do it probably 95% of the time, I'm sure. But every once in a while, a story comes along and makes me feel more, makes me crave more, makes me fear the end. I simply didn't want to let go. This book, this duet really, did everything I love. Everything. It was action packed, it was intense, it was character driven, it was a love worth my time and energy away from the real world. Aly is so good at what she does. I don't think there is anyone that can honestly dispute that...I just don't. Penn and Cora had me wrapped up in my emotions. I sat at 92% for a while and procrastinated like a boss.....I just didn't want to say goodbye to them.
Not only does Aly write a story that literally wraps you up, but she gives you that warmth in her words, the familiarity....the ease. She's such an easy read, and with her words flowing effortlessly, you can't help but relate to her characters, even if they're in an unrelatable situation. It's because she makes them relatable and real. Just down to earth, easy characters. Nothing is forced, everything is pretty copacetic.
I notice that I mentioned in my notes a few times about how strong Cora was. There seems to have been a recurrent WOW aspect to her situations and reactions. I've read plenty of discussions about how strong a heroine is, or what others consider strong, and I honestly think Cora sets the bar and takes the cake on this one. She was the epitome of smarts riddle with grief, but still cognizant of life around her. She was so observant, and she took everything in for not only face value, but for it's purpose as well. This book took some twists and turns and magnified them so I was wide-eyed quite a few times, yet Cora's strength didn't follow the route I would have thought! I would have buckled 110 times had I been in her shoes. Not only from the difficulty of the situations presented, but the mere wink from Penn would have made my knees buckle! I wondered if she would ever break.....if there was a crack that we could see, but she held it together and I loved it! I most definitely enjoy that aspect of Aly's writing; it's never predictable.
Penn is literally book boyfriend gold. I mean, I know I said in my review for The Truth About Lies that the storyline and characters were intense, but Penn melted my soul. He had a strength, but I think I felt like I could name his weakness: Cora. His determination to see through with his plan was CrAzY, even with all the pain that was sure to transpire after it was all said and done. But man! LOVE. Absolute love. I know there isn't a whole lot of info I can give without keeping this spoiler-free, but I do know that this is a highly recommended read. I couldn't put it down and most definitely was transfixed by everything happening.
I will admit I sat at my computer for a very long time trying to write this review. It's not always easy to put into words something that speaks for itself. I'll be honest and say that Aly Martinez blows me away with every book she writes, and maybe I am biased, but I love the brilliance behind every aspect of her books, from the cover to the words to the title. My favorite part about this whole book, well - the duet really, was the meaning behind the titles. Those mean so much when put into perspective. I like knowing I will get a HEA with Aly, but the thought alone of the turmoil along the journey is what ultimately gets me all fired up. The writing is always superb, but the shocking twists and the unfathomable outcomes are what keep me coming back for more. Her stories never cease to impress me, book after book. I am so excited to see what she comes up with next. The very ending of this one was smile inducing because now I have something to look forward to!!
"Cora. Cora. Cora. My mind's favorite distraction. And torture."
~BEE
AA AMAZON LINK: https://amzn.to/2pO5n8M
ENTER TO WIN AN ECOPY: http://bit.ly/2QN4Yiz
"In my life, nothing is permanent but pain."
It's not very often that I delay the finishing of a book because I legit fear the ending of the story coming and me losing that connection to the characters. Many times I finish and I'm good to go, happy even - write my review, set up my giveaway, gush about the book and move on. Nothing wrong with that because I do it probably 95% of the time, I'm sure. But every once in a while, a story comes along and makes me feel more, makes me crave more, makes me fear the end. I simply didn't want to let go. This book, this duet really, did everything I love. Everything. It was action packed, it was intense, it was character driven, it was a love worth my time and energy away from the real world. Aly is so good at what she does. I don't think there is anyone that can honestly dispute that...I just don't. Penn and Cora had me wrapped up in my emotions. I sat at 92% for a while and procrastinated like a boss.....I just didn't want to say goodbye to them.
Not only does Aly write a story that literally wraps you up, but she gives you that warmth in her words, the familiarity....the ease. She's such an easy read, and with her words flowing effortlessly, you can't help but relate to her characters, even if they're in an unrelatable situation. It's because she makes them relatable and real. Just down to earth, easy characters. Nothing is forced, everything is pretty copacetic.
I notice that I mentioned in my notes a few times about how strong Cora was. There seems to have been a recurrent WOW aspect to her situations and reactions. I've read plenty of discussions about how strong a heroine is, or what others consider strong, and I honestly think Cora sets the bar and takes the cake on this one. She was the epitome of smarts riddle with grief, but still cognizant of life around her. She was so observant, and she took everything in for not only face value, but for it's purpose as well. This book took some twists and turns and magnified them so I was wide-eyed quite a few times, yet Cora's strength didn't follow the route I would have thought! I would have buckled 110 times had I been in her shoes. Not only from the difficulty of the situations presented, but the mere wink from Penn would have made my knees buckle! I wondered if she would ever break.....if there was a crack that we could see, but she held it together and I loved it! I most definitely enjoy that aspect of Aly's writing; it's never predictable.
Penn is literally book boyfriend gold. I mean, I know I said in my review for The Truth About Lies that the storyline and characters were intense, but Penn melted my soul. He had a strength, but I think I felt like I could name his weakness: Cora. His determination to see through with his plan was CrAzY, even with all the pain that was sure to transpire after it was all said and done. But man! LOVE. Absolute love. I know there isn't a whole lot of info I can give without keeping this spoiler-free, but I do know that this is a highly recommended read. I couldn't put it down and most definitely was transfixed by everything happening.
I will admit I sat at my computer for a very long time trying to write this review. It's not always easy to put into words something that speaks for itself. I'll be honest and say that Aly Martinez blows me away with every book she writes, and maybe I am biased, but I love the brilliance behind every aspect of her books, from the cover to the words to the title. My favorite part about this whole book, well - the duet really, was the meaning behind the titles. Those mean so much when put into perspective. I like knowing I will get a HEA with Aly, but the thought alone of the turmoil along the journey is what ultimately gets me all fired up. The writing is always superb, but the shocking twists and the unfathomable outcomes are what keep me coming back for more. Her stories never cease to impress me, book after book. I am so excited to see what she comes up with next. The very ending of this one was smile inducing because now I have something to look forward to!!
"Cora. Cora. Cora. My mind's favorite distraction. And torture."
~BEE
AA AMAZON LINK: https://amzn.to/2pO5n8M
ENTER TO WIN AN ECOPY: http://bit.ly/2QN4Yiz
January 4, 2019
The Truth About Us is every bit the adrenaline rush that I wanted. I flew through this conclusion to The Truth Duet.
With Cora living under the constant threat of danger, the plot is wonderfully fast-paced. It had me constantly guessing what would happen next, and I enjoyed being kept on the edge of my seat. The rushed ending, however, is a bit untidy. There is so much information tossed at the reader within one chapter that I’m still trying to parse exactly how things unfolded. Although my confusion left me just shy of being fully satisfied, I highly recommend this thrilling story. I’m curious to learn more about Drew, Penn’s partner in crime, so I’ll be looking forward to his story when The Ways We Lied releases.
With Cora living under the constant threat of danger, the plot is wonderfully fast-paced. It had me constantly guessing what would happen next, and I enjoyed being kept on the edge of my seat. The rushed ending, however, is a bit untidy. There is so much information tossed at the reader within one chapter that I’m still trying to parse exactly how things unfolded. Although my confusion left me just shy of being fully satisfied, I highly recommend this thrilling story. I’m curious to learn more about Drew, Penn’s partner in crime, so I’ll be looking forward to his story when The Ways We Lied releases.
September 16, 2018
Astonishing conclusion of a beautiful duet.
The epilogue broke my heart and it was so perfect and beautiful.
Truth : I am in love with Penn more than previous book.
Lie : I am not waiting for Cat and Drew's story.
This conclusion was perfect and really heart warming. I need more Alpha's like Penn and strong willed heroines like Cora.
The epilogue broke my heart and it was so perfect and beautiful.
Truth : I am in love with Penn more than previous book.
Lie : I am not waiting for Cat and Drew's story.
This conclusion was perfect and really heart warming. I need more Alpha's like Penn and strong willed heroines like Cora.
October 2, 2018
***5 "A reason to breathe!!!" stars***
“Every smile. Every laugh. Every kiss. Every touch. That was me. That was us. And that was the truth.”
“Maybe. That’s the thing about lies, Penn. They taint the truth until you have no idea what to believe.”
The perfect conclusion in this heartwrecking duet!!!
I just loved this story and i recommend it to everyone with the hand in my heart!!!
This story was heartbreakingly beautiful... It was intense and deeply affective!!!
And when i realized at the end that we will have a book about Catalina and Drew, my pants got fire from the anticipation!!! Hell yes, Aly!!!! Can't wait for that story too!!!
"Lies were light and fluffy. Made to order. Easy to digest. Impossible to hold on to.
But the truth was dense. A boulder made of magnets, the Earth being the north to its south. The truth could crush a person with nothing more than reality."
Well, the truth is that i don't want to burn the story for those who want to read it, so i will try to not reveal much!!!
The ending of the first book was gut wrenching... Cora lost everything and even though she could taste freedom, Penn's loss wrecked her...
Drew is staying close to her, but it's not the same....
At the same time, new problems are coming toward her and she is at lost....
No, i can't tell you more about Penn!!! Sorry, but i won't do it!!!
“We are the truth, Cora. We are the only truth in this entire fucked-up situation.”
In here, the lies are stepping aside and all the hidden truths are rising in the surface...
Is it for good??? Is it for bad???
Will the lies could be ignored when they hurt so damn much the heroes???
Will love be enough to overcome the truth???
Will everyone get free from their demons???
“This thing between us was never about truths or lies. We both felt it before the first word had ever been spoken.”
God, i was so anxious about the turn out of this story, especially with everything that had happened before...
I liked how the author developed this story... And i liked all the difficulties that our heroes had faced, because they made them stronger!!!
I loved that we took some glimpses from the past, because we also took some vital answers...
I loved Savannah's relationship with Penn... I loved River's character... I loved Catalina and Drew and how this turned out after all...
But mostly i loved what Cora and Penn were having... They deserved each other, especially after all these shits that life was throwing their way!!!
So, i think it's about time to learn the truth about them too!!! Try it!!!
“We earned this. You and me. We earned this feeling, right here, right now. And we earned it in the hardest fucking way possible. It wasn’t easy and I don’t suspect it ever will be, but dammit, we’re gonna be together.”
“Every smile. Every laugh. Every kiss. Every touch. That was me. That was us. And that was the truth.”
“Maybe. That’s the thing about lies, Penn. They taint the truth until you have no idea what to believe.”
The perfect conclusion in this heartwrecking duet!!!
I just loved this story and i recommend it to everyone with the hand in my heart!!!
This story was heartbreakingly beautiful... It was intense and deeply affective!!!
And when i realized at the end that we will have a book about Catalina and Drew, my pants got fire from the anticipation!!! Hell yes, Aly!!!! Can't wait for that story too!!!
"Lies were light and fluffy. Made to order. Easy to digest. Impossible to hold on to.
But the truth was dense. A boulder made of magnets, the Earth being the north to its south. The truth could crush a person with nothing more than reality."
Well, the truth is that i don't want to burn the story for those who want to read it, so i will try to not reveal much!!!
The ending of the first book was gut wrenching... Cora lost everything and even though she could taste freedom, Penn's loss wrecked her...
Drew is staying close to her, but it's not the same....
At the same time, new problems are coming toward her and she is at lost....
No, i can't tell you more about Penn!!! Sorry, but i won't do it!!!
“We are the truth, Cora. We are the only truth in this entire fucked-up situation.”
In here, the lies are stepping aside and all the hidden truths are rising in the surface...
Is it for good??? Is it for bad???
Will the lies could be ignored when they hurt so damn much the heroes???
Will love be enough to overcome the truth???
Will everyone get free from their demons???
“This thing between us was never about truths or lies. We both felt it before the first word had ever been spoken.”
God, i was so anxious about the turn out of this story, especially with everything that had happened before...
I liked how the author developed this story... And i liked all the difficulties that our heroes had faced, because they made them stronger!!!
I loved that we took some glimpses from the past, because we also took some vital answers...
I loved Savannah's relationship with Penn... I loved River's character... I loved Catalina and Drew and how this turned out after all...
But mostly i loved what Cora and Penn were having... They deserved each other, especially after all these shits that life was throwing their way!!!
So, i think it's about time to learn the truth about them too!!! Try it!!!
“We earned this. You and me. We earned this feeling, right here, right now. And we earned it in the hardest fucking way possible. It wasn’t easy and I don’t suspect it ever will be, but dammit, we’re gonna be together.”
September 9, 2018
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"We are the truth, Cora. We are the only truth in this entire fucked-up situation."
This book starts off where we left off in The Truth About Lies. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book because I loved the previous one. The Truth About Us was a bit more suspenseful which I really enjoyed. After the ending in the first book of this Duet, I was very impatient to see how the story would develop. Aly Martinez did an outstanding job in telling Cora and Penn's story. I love these characters so much, and I was rooting for them to get their HEA. Penn will do anything to keep Cora safe, and that she can finally live her life without being in danger and constantly looking over her shoulders. Penn comes from a very different world, but he did a great job in adapting to his environment. He is a very down to earth loyal guy, and I find that very attractive.
"Different can be beautiful. We came from different worlds-I will give you that. But I lived in yours, and now, you're going to live in mine. Because we belong together."
The Truth Duet is another great suspenseful contemporary romance. Aly always does such a phenomenal job in coming up with original stories, with intriguing characters. I was hooked until the end, and the author also did a great job in keeping the reader guessing. The only thing is that I wanted this story to be longer. I just wanted more because I love these characters so much. I wanted a bit more suspense, and I thought the final climax happened a bit earlier than I would've liked. But overall I was satisfied with the story, and the extra chapter in a secondary character's POV was an extra bonus I loved. I want to know more about what was told in that chapter, so I am super excited that there will be a book telling us more about that.
"We are the truth, Cora. We are the only truth in this entire fucked-up situation."
This book starts off where we left off in The Truth About Lies. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book because I loved the previous one. The Truth About Us was a bit more suspenseful which I really enjoyed. After the ending in the first book of this Duet, I was very impatient to see how the story would develop. Aly Martinez did an outstanding job in telling Cora and Penn's story. I love these characters so much, and I was rooting for them to get their HEA. Penn will do anything to keep Cora safe, and that she can finally live her life without being in danger and constantly looking over her shoulders. Penn comes from a very different world, but he did a great job in adapting to his environment. He is a very down to earth loyal guy, and I find that very attractive.
"Different can be beautiful. We came from different worlds-I will give you that. But I lived in yours, and now, you're going to live in mine. Because we belong together."
The Truth Duet is another great suspenseful contemporary romance. Aly always does such a phenomenal job in coming up with original stories, with intriguing characters. I was hooked until the end, and the author also did a great job in keeping the reader guessing. The only thing is that I wanted this story to be longer. I just wanted more because I love these characters so much. I wanted a bit more suspense, and I thought the final climax happened a bit earlier than I would've liked. But overall I was satisfied with the story, and the extra chapter in a secondary character's POV was an extra bonus I loved. I want to know more about what was told in that chapter, so I am super excited that there will be a book telling us more about that.
October 15, 2018
4 ⭐'s
"Truth or Lie?"
With all the drama at the end of the last book, I couldn't wait to see how Aly Martinez would work everything out and I was happy with the outcome for the most part.
However, things got more complicated before they got easier. I was happy with the new couple but it was a little crazy there for a few moments. (I can't wait to read their book!)
The epilogue was really sweet but I was left with some unanswered questions...maybe they will be answered in the next book.
"Truth or Lie?"
With all the drama at the end of the last book, I couldn't wait to see how Aly Martinez would work everything out and I was happy with the outcome for the most part.
However, things got more complicated before they got easier. I was happy with the new couple but it was a little crazy there for a few moments. (I can't wait to read their book!)
The epilogue was really sweet but I was left with some unanswered questions...maybe they will be answered in the next book.
September 15, 2018
“Fine, you want the credit? Here you go. You were my knight in shining armor. I should be on my knees, thanking you right now. But you’ll have to excuse me. My knees are a little sore. I’ve spent the last few weeks on them, crying over you.”
The EMOTIONAL and EXPLOSIVE conclusion to The Truth Duet is here and it was PHENOMENAL! Aly Martinez left us with bated breath at the end of book one and when I held The Truth About Us in my hands, I just knew…I knew that this was going to be an unforgettable read! Happiness, anger, frustration, sadness, joy…my emotions were all over the damn place with this one, but I’ve come to expect an intense and passionate emotional rollercoaster when it comes to this author and her incredible storytelling.
Good things come in two’s with this author, meaning this isn’t the first duet she’s wowed us with, but it is the most memorable one for me. From the gorgeous book covers, to the captivating synopsis, to the unputdownable storyline…this book…this duet…HAD IT ALL! I continue to be amazed at this woman’s talent. She surpasses even herself when it comes to the genre and I have a sense of absolute satisfaction when I get to read another one of her books. Penn and Cora are EVERYTHING! Their intense, emotional, and passionate connection had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Their epic kind of love had my heart bursting with each turn of the page! Trust me when I say…you guys are in for one EXCEPTIONAL treat!
September 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, I enjoyed it so much more than book one in this series.
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy these books but I was totally hooked, from the start.
I just love the characters so much. I think Drew is a favorite of mine and I am excited to read his book next.. :)
A five stars from me!!
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy these books but I was totally hooked, from the start.
I just love the characters so much. I think Drew is a favorite of mine and I am excited to read his book next.. :)
A five stars from me!!
September 14, 2018
***FULL REVIEW - AVAILABLE NOW***
Aly Martinez an epic ending full of healing and vengeance, but more importantly hope.
The way Aly Martinez crafted these characters is what really drives this story. The heartbreak they endure, the strength to survive, and perseverance to hope for a better future pulls readers into their journey. The family they get at the end not only shows that family is about more than Blood relationships but about care and compassion and sympathy. Seeing their HEA is absolutely everything I ever wanted.
This journey is a bit more low key. It is story of grief and redemption, but most importantly I found this to be a book about strength. These characters endure immense hardships. They struggle through violence and crime and do they best they can to help as many people as they can. It is a story of good hearts in a broken and dark world. There are moments of suspense and danger, but at the end of it, all I felt is happiness and satisfaction with the journey.
This has been my favorite duet from Aly Martinez. It has the sex that steams up your kindle, the suspense that has you turning the pages, the characters I love! It is such an epic ride! I can’t wait to return with more of the characters.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Aly Martinez an epic ending full of healing and vengeance, but more importantly hope.
The way Aly Martinez crafted these characters is what really drives this story. The heartbreak they endure, the strength to survive, and perseverance to hope for a better future pulls readers into their journey. The family they get at the end not only shows that family is about more than Blood relationships but about care and compassion and sympathy. Seeing their HEA is absolutely everything I ever wanted.
This journey is a bit more low key. It is story of grief and redemption, but most importantly I found this to be a book about strength. These characters endure immense hardships. They struggle through violence and crime and do they best they can to help as many people as they can. It is a story of good hearts in a broken and dark world. There are moments of suspense and danger, but at the end of it, all I felt is happiness and satisfaction with the journey.
This has been my favorite duet from Aly Martinez. It has the sex that steams up your kindle, the suspense that has you turning the pages, the characters I love! It is such an epic ride! I can’t wait to return with more of the characters.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
September 9, 2018
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
4.5 Stars
Do not read this review if you have not previously read The Truth About Lies.
Cora is heartbroken, scared, and confused. There's money to move forward, but how do you move forward when your heart is burnt up with the ashes of your previous life? And Penn, he had become her world, stealing her heart, repairing its jagged edges, only to leave her alone and fraught with despair. All Cora knows now are lies and the truth is impossible to find.
"'That was me. That was us. And that was the truth.'
'Maybe.'"
Oh my word. Thank heavens we didn't have a massive wait in-between the release dates of this duet, because I could not handle the anticipation that ate at me daily. What happened to Penn really? Who is he? What is Cora going to do? What's next for the Guerreros? How will my heart survive this when it barely made it through The Truth about Lies? So many questions, so few answers, at least until The Truth About Us. Aly Martinez gifts us with another captivating story filled with romance, humor, steam, and action. Cora remains the most driven female heroine around, finding a way to climb the stairs of despair to care for everyone around her, even if she can't bring herself to care for herself. And Penn? I want to punch him and hug him all at once.
"Lies were light and fluffy. Made to order. Easy to digest. Impossible to hold on to."
The suspense we're left feeling in The Truth About Lies is lifted in The Truth About Us, wrapping up this duet of revenge and redemption. The clash of worlds in this book was so well done, with Penn's wealth, Cora's poverty, and Guerreros' crime money joining together for a battle of life and death, truth and lies, love and hate. We're given a front row seat to a battle of emotion and wills, our sideline seats only giving us the ability to cheer for our wants, boo our hates, and scream when we want the characters to open their eyes up and realize what's to come. It's an impossible to put down story and the BEST second novel in a duet that I have ever read. I could never predict what was coming next and I loved every moment of suspense and surprise.
"But the truth was dense. A boulder made of magnets, the Earth being the north to its south. The truth could crush a person with nothing more than reality."
Aly Martinez is the queen of romance sans the fluff, she takes us down into the deep, dark ugly part of our emotions and then takes us soaring with the high of love and lust. The threats in this duet are scary, but they're certainly no match for Cora, Penn, Drew, Savannah, River, and the other secondary characters with hearts of gold despite the black souls that brought them to this point. This duet will ensnare you, leaving you unable to read or do anything else but read, read, read. The ending though, it's gratifying, leaving me with a smug smile of satisfaction and a heart just as lost in love as Cora's. The Truth Duet is a stunning, must read from Aly Martinez.
ARC provided.
4.5 Stars
Do not read this review if you have not previously read The Truth About Lies.
Cora is heartbroken, scared, and confused. There's money to move forward, but how do you move forward when your heart is burnt up with the ashes of your previous life? And Penn, he had become her world, stealing her heart, repairing its jagged edges, only to leave her alone and fraught with despair. All Cora knows now are lies and the truth is impossible to find.
"'That was me. That was us. And that was the truth.'
'Maybe.'"
Oh my word. Thank heavens we didn't have a massive wait in-between the release dates of this duet, because I could not handle the anticipation that ate at me daily. What happened to Penn really? Who is he? What is Cora going to do? What's next for the Guerreros? How will my heart survive this when it barely made it through The Truth about Lies? So many questions, so few answers, at least until The Truth About Us. Aly Martinez gifts us with another captivating story filled with romance, humor, steam, and action. Cora remains the most driven female heroine around, finding a way to climb the stairs of despair to care for everyone around her, even if she can't bring herself to care for herself. And Penn? I want to punch him and hug him all at once.
"Lies were light and fluffy. Made to order. Easy to digest. Impossible to hold on to."
The suspense we're left feeling in The Truth About Lies is lifted in The Truth About Us, wrapping up this duet of revenge and redemption. The clash of worlds in this book was so well done, with Penn's wealth, Cora's poverty, and Guerreros' crime money joining together for a battle of life and death, truth and lies, love and hate. We're given a front row seat to a battle of emotion and wills, our sideline seats only giving us the ability to cheer for our wants, boo our hates, and scream when we want the characters to open their eyes up and realize what's to come. It's an impossible to put down story and the BEST second novel in a duet that I have ever read. I could never predict what was coming next and I loved every moment of suspense and surprise.
"But the truth was dense. A boulder made of magnets, the Earth being the north to its south. The truth could crush a person with nothing more than reality."
Aly Martinez is the queen of romance sans the fluff, she takes us down into the deep, dark ugly part of our emotions and then takes us soaring with the high of love and lust. The threats in this duet are scary, but they're certainly no match for Cora, Penn, Drew, Savannah, River, and the other secondary characters with hearts of gold despite the black souls that brought them to this point. This duet will ensnare you, leaving you unable to read or do anything else but read, read, read. The ending though, it's gratifying, leaving me with a smug smile of satisfaction and a heart just as lost in love as Cora's. The Truth Duet is a stunning, must read from Aly Martinez.
ARC provided.
September 19, 2018
fucking amazing .....
I'm waiting until the morning of release day to fully lay out my review because i don't want to give away a SINGLE thing but I just need to tell you one fucking thing because I just now finished my second read thru: THE TWISTS NEVER STOP. EVER. *blink*
There's nothing about the actual plot of this book that I am going to reveal to you because you need to experience this yourself. When I stated the twists never stop, I was NOT TRYING TO BE CUTE. You guy ... for real, this story will BLOW YOUR MIND. I challenge anyone to tell me that the conclusion of this #clustermindfuck journey you could predict. Honestly, I've never read a duet where the second part just keeps twisting. I mean obviously all the questions you are left with from part one are answered (maybe) but then there's MORE! The hits just keep coming.
I read this in a review of this book: "Aly Martinez is an emotional sadist."
Me: why yes, yes she fucking is!
This story is going to take you thru the ringer, as they say. It will OWN you. You will be a slave to every word. You will not sleep, drink, eat and possibly breath while you read this journey. You just can't stop. It is that thrilling and exciting and so full of heart . You will root for every single person that makes up this journey. Because this is not just about two people finding a HEA .... not even a little.
Enjoy the ride people. It is phenomenal!
I'm waiting until the morning of release day to fully lay out my review because i don't want to give away a SINGLE thing but I just need to tell you one fucking thing because I just now finished my second read thru: THE TWISTS NEVER STOP. EVER. *blink*
There's nothing about the actual plot of this book that I am going to reveal to you because you need to experience this yourself. When I stated the twists never stop, I was NOT TRYING TO BE CUTE. You guy ... for real, this story will BLOW YOUR MIND. I challenge anyone to tell me that the conclusion of this #clustermindfuck journey you could predict. Honestly, I've never read a duet where the second part just keeps twisting. I mean obviously all the questions you are left with from part one are answered (maybe) but then there's MORE! The hits just keep coming.
I read this in a review of this book: "Aly Martinez is an emotional sadist."
Me: why yes, yes she fucking is!
This story is going to take you thru the ringer, as they say. It will OWN you. You will be a slave to every word. You will not sleep, drink, eat and possibly breath while you read this journey. You just can't stop. It is that thrilling and exciting and so full of heart . You will root for every single person that makes up this journey. Because this is not just about two people finding a HEA .... not even a little.
Enjoy the ride people. It is phenomenal!
September 16, 2018
** 3.5 stars **
Reviewing this one without spoilers is practically impossible, so I'm not going to go into any details.
But I really enjoyed it. The storyline was so well done and I loved Cora and Penn!
Yes, I omitted a lot of stuff about my past and even lied to you about my motives. But every smile. Every laugh. Every kiss. Every touch. That was me. That was us. And that was the truth."
Reviewing this one without spoilers is practically impossible, so I'm not going to go into any details.
But I really enjoyed it. The storyline was so well done and I loved Cora and Penn!
Yes, I omitted a lot of stuff about my past and even lied to you about my motives. But every smile. Every laugh. Every kiss. Every touch. That was me. That was us. And that was the truth."
September 19, 2018
3.5 Stars
A little bit too much inner monologue, a little bit too much dragged out. I think a longer first book would've sufficed compared to two books, the last 30% was a lot more interesting than the rest.
A little bit too much inner monologue, a little bit too much dragged out. I think a longer first book would've sufficed compared to two books, the last 30% was a lot more interesting than the rest.
September 13, 2018
My Epilogue-loving heart was full of awe and satisfaction with the wrap up to Aly Martinez's finale of this amazing duet. One of the best book duet's I've ever read. I loved it from start to finish.
Penn and Cora were absolutely outstanding characters -- both so filled with pain and sorrow and hurt. And the secondary cast was just as good. I loved River and Savanah, Catalina and, of course, Drew! Can't wait for Drew's book.
The duet highlighted intrigue, excitement, charm and wit -- along with enough bad to overcome that, at times, it seemed endless. But love was at the root of it all. Well done, AM!
Highly recommend to all romance fans!
Penn and Cora were absolutely outstanding characters -- both so filled with pain and sorrow and hurt. And the secondary cast was just as good. I loved River and Savanah, Catalina and, of course, Drew! Can't wait for Drew's book.
The duet highlighted intrigue, excitement, charm and wit -- along with enough bad to overcome that, at times, it seemed endless. But love was at the root of it all. Well done, AM!
Highly recommend to all romance fans!
September 7, 2018
Rated 4.5 Stars
Where do I even begin with book? It was a wild ride not in terms of action but the journey that these characters went on was crazy in many senses of the word. It was also twisty, a bit angsty and so good. I loved every minute of it. I was fully invested in the story and in the characters. I can't wait for what's to come, I'm so ready and here for it. I highly recommend this duet.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
Where do I even begin with book? It was a wild ride not in terms of action but the journey that these characters went on was crazy in many senses of the word. It was also twisty, a bit angsty and so good. I loved every minute of it. I was fully invested in the story and in the characters. I can't wait for what's to come, I'm so ready and here for it. I highly recommend this duet.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
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