Beyond the Truth

Beyond Surrender #2

by Nicky F. Grant

Jolene Harrison…A runaway.A recovering addict. An aspiring musician.A woman on a journey to erase her troubled past, looking for a higher power and fame.That is, until Gavin Mayne—a God in a suit—appears at her record signing.Could this be fate? Could he be her redemption? Gavin Mayne…A lost man.A destroyer of a music empire.An assertive deceiver, even to himself.A man on a mission to rebuild his dark and tarnished reputation.But when he waltzes into Eco Recordz to sign a new musician, Jolene Harrison, he can’t keep the dirty thoughts from consuming his mind and maybe ruining a second chance at a career.Will he sabotage Jolene's path to righteousness? Will he destroy his own?

Genres: BDSM

328 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2018

About the author

Nicky's emotionally rich, vibrant stories take place in cities, thrumming with energy. There, her heroines come up against personal and professional challenges, and are pushed to break new ground and become better versions of themselves. Nicky gives her characters just the right amount of conflict to create a satisfying push and pull, one that keeps her readers up late at night, wanting to know what happens next.

Nicky imbues each of her stories with love, lust and passion, which she believes are among the strongest emotions we can experience. By immersing her readers into worlds of power and erotic passion, she invites them to explore their own unspoken desires. Her hope is that her stories embolden her readers to realize their fullest potential — be it in the boardroom, the bedroom, or anywhere in between.

Nicky makes her home in Pittsburgh, PA with her ever-growing collection of music and books.

Reviews

[Robin Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Beyond the Masks, Grant took me from disliking both heroes to loving them both almost equally—a rare feat that doesn’t happen often with me and love triangles. By the end, I was on board with the “winner,” though my heart still broke for the “loser.” I wanted him to get his happily ever after, but I struggled to envision him with someone new.

That didn’t last long because Jolene is pure perfection—and perfect for him. And as one of my all-time favorite heroines ever, she’s perfect for me too. I have a bit of a girl crush on her, if I’m honest. She’s a far cry from the average girl-next-door heroines I usually read. She's refreshing. She’s deeply flawed but endearing. He is too, actually. And they’re both so well written, I think Grant could have made them axe murdering, puppy smuggling, bank robbers and I would have found a way to forgive them.

Beyond the Truth is both clever and daring, and the sex scenes are off the charts hottt. It gave me The Unrequited, and to some extent, New Camelot Trilogy feels, and I don't say that lightly.

“You need to leave before it’s too late.”
“It already is. I’m here in this room, and I’m inside you.”

Beyond the Masks was fantastic, but Beyond the Truth blew me away.

[Lisa Aiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew....fanning self!! Holy heckballs, can this woman write some steamy stuff. But there is so much story behind the sexy. Broken souls laid open in all their imperfectness. These characters are so raw and real and gritty. I absolutely detested Gavin in the first book, but yet he makes my heart ache for him. I cannot wait to see where the next installments take us!!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Truth is book Two in the Beyond Surrender Series. This is the story of Gavin and Jolene.
Gavin we met in the First book 'Beyond the Masks' where he was in a love triangle of sorts but things blew up pretty bad for him in his goal for Shane. So there is a backstory if you wish to read the first one, but this can be a standalone book.
Gavin is struggling to have a comeback after being taken down so hard. Jolene to is struggling to get head of her past and move forward into a better 'place'. But Jolene feels a connection / obsession with Gavin that she can't stop. Jolene has a moving story with her getting past her additions.
This book was really a page turner for me with their story.

[Dee Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book a 4.5 stars. I fell in love with Gavin in the first book. He made a mistake and paid dearly for it. I knew his story was going to be good. But I wasn't ready for the emotional rollercoaster this book took me on. Jolene and Gavin are a force be reckon with. Jolene knew that Gavin was the one to take her career to the next level. She wasnt expecting what he would do to her heart, soul and body. They saw behind each others mask and brought out the best in each other. Nicky F. Grant knocked this one out the park.

[diann bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gavin! My favorite twisted character from book 1! There’s so much more to this character and I appreciate getting a chance to read his story! I Loved the connection Gavin and Jolene had and their story was a fun one to read. With all relationships there’s give and take. With these two tortured souls there is more. Acceptance, Trust, Forgiveness and Love and last but not least Their desire for Kink! Nicky has a way with words and I can’t wait to read the next installment!

[Lynette Habak · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always satisfying experiencing a character on a deeper level. I fell in love with Gavin in book one and hoped he would be able to find his path. Both Gavin and Jolene need to find healing and forgiveness within them selves before they can learn to love.

[Jessica Dzuba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! SO good! This book has everything. Sex, love, thrills, suspense, romance...There is such depth to the characters and Nicky explores all of it. But just like after finishing the first book in the series, she leaves you wanting more and waiting impatiently for the next installment!!!! lol

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the series. You don't have to read book one before this, but I recommend it as it does give you a lot of insight into Gavin and his motivations.

Gavin has finally returned, after the exposure of his relationship with Shane his life crumbled so he is starting again at the bottom of the ladder and intends to keep everyone at arms length.

Jolene has been through her own difficult times, and knows about Gavin's reputation for making a success of people's talent. I found her refreshingly honest and endearing, considering her dark past.

The sparks between Gavin and Jolene are immediate, but both have reasons for avoiding relationships and meaningful connections. I really enjoyed watching this relationship develop and seeing Gavin in a different light. There was a lot going on in this story including a dollop of suspense which I love!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gavin and Jolene story was so raw. They struggle with the past and found loved and strength in each other. I loved this book. Want to see the story with Marcus and Ethan.
Thank you,

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohmy gosh!! Beyond the Truth blew me out of the waters! Dark and twisted. My heart is still racing from the unexpected twists and turns.

When Gavin's secret life was exposed, his life began spiraling downwards. Afterall, the King of Kink did bring down a major record company.

Jolene ran away from her old life. She and Marcus were musicians seeking a record company. She had so many secrets.

"A sadist finding a machoist is like finding the Garden of Eden."

Little did Gavin know that becoming Jolene and Marcus' manager, his entire world would change forever.

"Gavin would no longer be her obsession....He would become her addiction."

A ghost from Jolene's past appears causing destruction. Will she walk away from her music career?

As secrets are revealed lives are unraveled. 

"The scars give us character. Makes us stronger."

Nicky Grant has written a fabulous story of betrayal, deceit, addiction, BDSM, suspense and new beginnings. Definitely a must read.

"Two lonely souls who'd found light in the

world through their own darkness."

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when an author can take a "bad guy" in one story and make you really love and respect him in another. Ms. Grant did just that in Beyond the Truth. She introduces us to a Gavin that has learned a lot about himself and is very conscious of how his actions can impact others. We also meet Jolene. She's a complicated character who has lived a challenging life. She is self-destructive and lacks confidence. All of this has made her susceptible to the wrong type of man in the past. Gavin doesn't want to be the "wrong type of man" anymore...he wants to be the right guy. He tries to put Jolene and her blossoming music career first. But something keeps getting in the way....their undeniable attraction to one another.

Wow! I also have to say that this was one steamy read! Gavin and Jolene could light up the pages....and I was there for it! I loved their story. It's beautiful when two broken people come together and somehow make a whole....a special kind of love story.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

They help each other soar!

I've been waiting for this story. Gavin's rough landing needed recovery. Jolene...so many feels. Her journey thru addiction and finding herself. This book has sadness & darkness, but it also has hope & light. Beauty in the scars. I knew I'd love it. I love how Nicky writes about love & kink, addiction & recovery, forgiveness & the future. Loved, loved, loved!! I received an advance review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Zilpha Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jolene Harrison is an interesting character. She has a checkered past and lacks self-confidence.

Gavin Mayne is trying to start over and rebuild his career. He wants to right his wrongs. They both have complicated personalities and pasts.

There’s a lot going on - romance, suspense, acceptance, forgiveness, family. You don’t need to read Book 1 in the series to enjoy this but it’s does add some added background.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

One of the things that I have discovered that I like the best about this author is her ability at drawing her audience in. She strives to set up a rapport with her readers that is much appreciated. I think that this is largely why her version of BDSM reads so authentic and relatable because much like a true BDSM lifestyle there needs to be trust and understanding. When she writes there is no pretense. She develops her characters with a specific vision and stays on the course throughout the book.

I will be the first to admit that I was torn by Gavin not being chosen in the first book. Largely because I liked both characters (while wanting to throat punch both him and Jacob in the first book). I wondered if Shane hadn't been too hard on trusting him after he made a mistake and owned up to something. I had a hard time picturing Gavin with someone other than Shane. Until. Jolene. This sweet broken and sometimes cooky (stalkerish) girl. There was something to her that I adored. She just wanted to feel loved. She had been adrift for so long, floundering to find her purpose as had Gavin. Together, they grounded the other and it was beautiful to watch.

This book reminded me of the importance of trust, forgiveness (of oneself and also others), and love. There is something magical in that. I did have a few issues in elements of the story that I felt weren't needed but in regards to the care and attention that this author gave to her characters, it was truly sublime.

[Melissa Schaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Beyond Surrender series and this is Gavin’s book. We get to see what came after the scandal for Gavin, and see his struggles in dealing with the left over emotions. This book can be read as a standalone but I don’t recommend it, there are events that take place in the first book which form the Gavin we read about in this book, so I feel you should really read them in order.

Gavin is still dealing with his past while trying to build back his future, he thinks losing himself now a job will help him forget..but when his newest client threatens everything he has begun to build, he feels like he is unraveling faster than he can think.

Jolene is an up and comping musician with a past that threatens to over take he leaves at every turn. She is killing herself to make everyone around her proud. But something about her new manager makes her question what will truly make her happy...

I really didn’t like Gavin at the end of the first book but the more I got into his head in this book, the more I changed my mind. And Jolene , I loved her right away! I think this is a series that is easy to get lost in and recommend that you check it out!

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicky Grant has written a fantastic story of love, fear, retribution and salvation. I love the way her stories and words are so passionately written and her writing is just impeccable.

This is Gavin Mayne's story who I met in the first book Beyond The Mask, which must be read before this to understand what is going on. Gavin is a fallen man embarrassed by his past but trying to pull what little dignity he has left into rebuilding his life.

This story was a slow build but was full of angst with lots of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages with an ending I didn't see coming at all. Fantastic characters, great writing and a brilliant storyline with lots of hot sex to make you squirm; absolute perfection !!!

[MsquaredBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This book is a lot deeper than I anticipated but I really ended up enjoying it. I will say that it started out a little slow but stick with it. I think what made it harder is that it is written mostly in third person and it made it a little harder to “feel”.

I liked Shane, I thought she was a extremely strong but naive character. She definitely didn’t have a good sense of character when it came to the men in her life but I think she ultimately made the right decision. She works in the cut throat music industry and it seems everyone is out to get her including the two men she chooses to trust...

Jacob is her ex and the biggest rival she has in the business world. He regrets so much of their past but keeps making decisions to push her further away.

Gavin wants Shane’s job and stoops very low to make it possible. Until she makes him want more.

Betrayal runs deep and feelings are flying all over in this book.

I am new to this author but I am already starting on the next book to see what happens next. I think it is a book worth reading!

[Kirstie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this was a solid 3.75 but I rounded up because I have a serious soft spot for Gavin.
I fell for him in the first book and was heartbroken that he wasn't chosen in the end. But now I'm happy he wasn't because Jolene is the perfect fit for him. She challenges him rather than just submitting like he is used to.

Both characters have troubled pasts that they are working to overcome and there is real growth throughout the book, even when things are happening to hold them back. Along with that, there is so much emotion, chemistry, love, heartbreak, and even some action/suspense.

I did skim through a lot of the first half of the book and parts of the second half. That's the only reason it doesn't have 5 stars. But even just reading through the dialogue and skipping a lot of the inner monologue type stuff I was still able to follow along.

[Terri Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicky Grant has written a fantastic story of love, fear, retribution and salvation. I love the way her stories and words are so passionately written and her writing is just impeccable.

This is Gavin Mayne's story who I met in the first book Beyond The Mask, which must be read before this to understand what is going on. Gavin is a fallen man embarrassed by his past but trying to pull what little dignity he has left into rebuilding his life.

This story was a slow build but was full of angst with lots of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages with an ending I didn't see coming at all. Fantastic characters, great writing and a brilliant storyline with lots of hot sex to make you squirm; absolute perfection !!!

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read Gavin’s redemption arc after what he did in the previous book. The character had so much potential! And though I think he was well treated, and Jolene too was an interesting character, I still feel that something was missing.

So, Gavin. At the end of Beyond the masks, we saw that he was more than just a bad guy, with some tragic backstory and a lot of hidden feelings. Interesting, right? This second book is about his redemption. I mean, it is clearly at the center of the story. His struggles with his past actions; his desire to do better, to be better; his slow journey toward love and acceptance. And sure, he learns to love Jolene, and there’s some selfless actions from him, but I’m not sure he totally succeeds. What should have been the main drama in his life is quickly eclipsed by more drama. At least it helps Gavin and Jolene connect more through a common experience. The problems with his family induce a real change in him.

To accompany him on his journey, the author introduces Jolene. Recovering addict, talented musician, but also a woman in dire need of therapy! She’s a stalker; she has trouble seeing her wrongdoings; she’s way too emotionally damaged by her mother’s death two decades before. She’s an unusual character, hence she’s interesting, but I’m not sure whether I liked her.

They couldn’t be more wrong together. Between a slight age gap, the fact that they’re forbidden to have a relationship by multiple people because they work together, and that they get on each other’s nerves constantly, I can’t see how they could be good to each other. Let’s say that they share a love for pain–one giving it, the other receiving it–and that’s the main thing they have in common.

The author goes through great lengths to make it work anyway, sometimes inconsistently with the characters’ personalities. There are still a handful of scenes with them that are either cute or sexy. And the sexy is sizzling! That’s what you get with erotica.

There’s a bit of suspense and action near the end of the book, with a good pace and life-changing consequences for the characters. It renews the interest when it’s dwindling, so well done. It could have been better though, with a bit more details and a slower resolution.

I really have mixed feelings about this book, like I’ve been swindled out of a real redemption story.

Quickie

- Series: Beyond surrender #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #office romance #forbidden romance #sadist/masochist relationship #age gap
- Triggers: addiction, drug abuse, violence, past violence and abuse, death, slight BDSM, fatal illness, cheating
- Main couples: Jolene Harrison & Gavin Mayne
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + who doesn’t love a redemption arc?
- – some sentences seemed way too complicated