Shameless Vows

by Katherine L. Evans

When we fell in love, he was royalty. When our wedding day arrived, he had become a nightmare. And I became his prisoner.

As children, he promised to protect me for as long as he lived. As teens, we fell in love and promised each other forever. He was the love of my life. Then he disappeared without a trace.

Ten years later, he shows up at my family’s estate, wielding his royal title and influence over my father like a weapon.

Malachi Sterling, the Duke of Corwick, transformed from a tender, sweet boy who held my heart in his loving hands, into a steely-eyed, sinister man who purchased my life and freedom with the sweep of a pen.

Ten years after promising to marry each other, Malachi and I stand before God and our power-hungry families as we exchange vows.

“I, Isla Sofía Reyes, take thee, Malachi Sterling, to be my wedded husband.

To have and to hold…”

To be ensnared and possessed.

“In sickness and health…”

In selfishness and torment.

“To love and to cherish…”

To defy, and despise, and make him rue the day we met.

“'Til death do us part.”

'Til the day I can finally uncover the secret that changed him forever.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Royalty, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance

248 pages, ebook

Published July 7, 2020

About the author

Katherine L. Evans is an author of contemporary romance that’s shamelessly sweet, sexy, and guaranteed to bring all the feels. Known as simply KLE by people who know all her dirty secrets, her 20+ books are notorious for making readers fan their faces and then reach for the tissues. When she’s not magically transforming coffee into angsty books, KLE can be found endlessly searching Netflix with her husband for their next show to binge, or running around the backyard chasing her other two favorite boys, her son and their yellow lab, Dave.

KLE lives in Houston, TX.

Find KLE in the wild by visiting the following places:

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/KLENewsletter
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/KLEBooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkather...
Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/ShamelessReaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romancebykle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/romancebykle
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathe...

Reviews

[Madhura Polekar · Rating 1 out of 5]

i feel like the author keeps deleting bad reviews bc how does no one see how fucking disturbing this book is? (also gonna ss this review in case they actually do delete my review)

the hero literally fucking abuses her, mentally and physically, and fucking rapes her every night till she gets pregnant and then does something that causes her to miscarry their child PURPOSEFULLY all because she cheated on him in the past. (I DNF'd this book so I don't know what happens further but I feel like she didn't cheat on him, but instead got raped). There's even a scene where she tells him CLEARLY that she does not consent (she literally says those words) and he says that he would have his way with her, consent or not. the hero treats her like shit. The heroine suffers from a problem where she has a very forgetful memory and the hero literally fucking calls her disorder names and shit. he doesn't even feel guilty about it. this is literally one of the most disgusting romance (if you can even call it that) books to ever exist.

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 2 out of 5]

The blurb originally drew me in and I was amped in reading this lovers to enemies to lovers second chance romance but after the first few chapters, I found myself WTFing.

The plot was not heading in the direction I thought it was going to go. I disliked Malachi and Isla and their shitfest of a relationship, the instant pregnancy (cringe) scenario had me rolling my eyes, the whole memory loss bit was a too cliche for me and their social status was too far-fetched for them to even work as a couple. A royal prince and a 'heiress' of one of the largest media conglomerate in the states set up in an arranged marriage? What a joke.

I am surprised I even made it to the halfway point before dropping this like a hot potato. It was such a cringe-fest from the get-go and I nearly brought shame to my family after reading this.

Now like many others before this, off to the DNF graveyard you go!

[E&A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally heartbreaking. Isla and Malachi's story is a messy tale of love lost, betrayal, and heartbreak. Malachi is a character that you hate/love and Isla is so devastatingly broken that your heart bleeds for her. When the truth is revealed the consequences are mind blowing. I could not turn the pages fast enough and loved how it ended, but be prepared for a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

[Bookish.Midnight. and. black · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why only 1*? because the plot seemed unrealistic and not because of the enemies to lovers trope, but because of the reasons below:
-the hero and heroine were together for years and they loved each other very much BUT when the hero received some text messages, he did not see the fact that the heroine never wrote with typoes, and never called him baby. He did not try to confront the heroine regarding her cheating, he did not try to find her at her house, he just disappeared.
-The heroine had some troubles remembering things and NO ONE in her family thought that this is an issue.
-When the heroine was kidnapped for 6 mo the family thought that she just ran away, and they NEVER, for one second, tried to talk to her, to see what really happened.
-SPOILERS



we find out that the cheating was actually rape and what happened was a big misunderstanding.
pfff...

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Jenna, ☆☆☆☆☆

Absolutely fantastic story!! This is my first by this author and I desperately want more now. We meet Isla and Malachi who are friends since childhood. They fall in love but then it all changes in a blink of an eye. Isla is a fantastic heroine. She's in love but when things go wrong she shows her strength and independence. Malachi you'll probably dislike for part of the book but slowly he'll creep into your heart and you'll want to hold him close. Together, these two are fireworks! This story was a tad confusing at times but all is revealed in a terrifically written story. It was riveting and I absolutely could not put it down until I was finished. There is a book before this that I don't feel you need to read to enjoy this story, but I am intrigued and will go back to read that as well. Although there is a happily ever after, the end will still leave you wanting more.

[Sheila Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a great story . Exciting and entertaining it kept me gripped from the start. This is a book to definitely make sure you don't miss. .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sera · Rating 1 out of 5]

MMC's crimes:
1. Forces her to marry him
2. Physically abuses her
3. Verbally abuses her
4. Rapes her every night to impregnate her
5. Causes her to miscarry

Now why does he do all this you may ask. He does all this because he thinks she has cheated on him (she didn't). Even if she did, doing all this to your wife is absolutely despicable.

Personally I feel if you don't know how to write good grovel, don't make your characters do such things.

[anita.thebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC was given to me by author through Booksprouts . My review is voluntarily given.

I gave this book 10 stars

Shameless Vows is the 2nd book in the Shameless series by Katherine L. Evans

Well......I just finished and I can't mince words with you I feel emotional drained. This is a dark, dark story with capital D. I wasn't ready for the sucker punch to the gut and heart this book gave me - neither will you! There's definitely violence, emotional and physical abuse but that's part of the main fabric of this tapestry the Author is trying to dypic for us. It's a very serious issue in our society.
But we must keep in mind that this is still a fictional romance novel with fake characters, and we must review it as one.
I haven't read a book this complete powerfully from beginning to end, crying out sad, tears flowing down my face in a very long time, truely It was freaking addicting I read it in one day.
The history of Malachi, and Isla is a very complicated one. They know each other since they were very little. They were full of innocent love, future promises bright happy future, but evil is around the corner ready to cause mayhem, discord, lies, misunderstanding, danger, physical & emotional heartbreak, loss, that will be hard to mend. Therefore starts a domino effect that will ripped their lives and their families lives apart. Revenge is sweet, and it does come to those that deserve it!!
There so much in this book to really get into, just know that love does prevails in the end. The starts is extremely horrible it will rip your heart out, but the ending is beautiful, your heart and soul will be mended ❤️
It's worth the long rollercoaster tycoon ride we go with this broken couple. It's a standalone, no cliffhangers.
Please .... please go get your book it's really freaking awesome, it releases on 7-7-20.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and reviewed this for Nerdy Dirty and Flirty blog. Here's a link to my review....
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, this absolutely had my emotion flying up high and swirling around. This is definitely better than the previous book.

Malachi and Isla's story is absolutely devastating. I was devastated for them. Their love story was so beautiful, all those years together was ruined with just one night and a string of texts. 10 years passed by, Malachi's love for Isla had turned him into such revengeful and hateful man. Arrangement was made to protect Isla. She had to live with the man she used to love and faced his wrath. However, everything that happened didn't look as it seems.

My heart still aches for Isla, for what Malachi put her through during their marriage. Then my heart aches for them to be together again because I couldn't help but for the love story they had before things had ruined it. Absolutely devastatingly beautiful this one

[Demetra · Rating 5 out of 5]

“World without end, and beyond my last breath, I will love you, my sweet Isla.”

This story was something else. It was way darker than the first book, as the author warned at the start. The book was as dark as I like them, and I devour it in one sitting!

Isla Reyes was arranged to be married to Malachi. They’ve been inseparable since they were little. However, the Malachi she sees today is nothing like the young man she lost 10 years ago. He’s cold, cruel and distant. There’s nothing but fury and hatred in his eyes. There marriage starts off badly. If you’ve read the previous book, then you know that Isla was against this marriage, but she doesn’t have a choice.

Malachi is furious with how things ended between him and Isla a decade ago. This marriage is more for a revenge and a way to torment her, than a way to love and cherish her. He’s determined to make her life hell. From day one he’s unkind and unnecessary cruel towards her. I had a hard time understanding him and bypassing his actions. What happened all those years ago, doesn’t excuse his present actions.

The book is very dark at times. You’ll find yourself frustrated and maybe uncomfortable with what’s happening. If dark themes are not in your comfort zone, then you should pass this book. However, if your preferences are “the darker the better”, then you just found a story that will grip you from the start and keep you going until the last page!!!

[Antoinette Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started being really angry with Malachi. And then I wanted to shake both Malachi and Isla and their families. I just kept thinking...... no, no, no..... communicate...  Just TALK to each other!

My heart really hurt for both Malachi and Isla throughout the entire book.  Malachi and Isla’s story, although heartbreaking, has so many lessons for people to learn from....   You will be glad you stuck through the rough parts of this book to get to the ending, which at times didn’t seem possible.

Katherine L Evans has an amazing ability to convey strong emotions that brings depth to the story, even while pulling everything from the reader.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tripti Srivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH AN AMAZING BOOK. I HAVE TO TELL YOU, I CRIED SO MANY TIMES IN THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK WAS FULL OF HEARTACHE, SUSPENSE, ACTION. ISLA AND MALACHI'S STORY BREAKS MY HEART SO MUCH. THERE WAS SO MANY PROBLEMS, MISUNDERSTANDING, MALACHI BEING A DOUCHE BAG. THE BOOK WAS SO GOOD THAT I COMPLETED IT IN A DAY. I JUST WASN'T ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN. AND THE EPILOGUE WAS AMAZING TOO. HE WAY THIS BOOK ENDED AND GIVE US A SNEAK PEEK ABOUT THE NEXT BOOK WAS REALLY GOOD.
OVERALL I LOVED IT. CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT BOOK.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some violence and Mexican drug cartel but truly a great story. Isla and Malachi have been in love all their lives intel a tragedy occurs when Islam’s at college. They marry but Malachi hates Isla for this but is protecting her anyway. Many twists and turns occur before their finally deserved HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kandace Denys (bookish_kayy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well

Dannnggggg. I am blown away. My first read by this author and definitely not my last. In fact, I’m looking forward to the next already.
This one kind of blew me away, and kept blowing, and I had no clue if I was coming or going.
The only thing that kept this from being 5⭐️ was that I kind of hated M. Other than that, this was absolutely incredible.

[Tiffany Behning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is definitely darker than most I have read by this author but it still sucked me in and I fell in love with the characters just the same!

[Tithi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading my review make sure you've read the book first..... I like and hate the way that the book is extremely dark but first everyone has their own point of view. I deeply feel bad about isla she have gone through a lot in high school and her parents never tried to reason with her. She was grounded and after ten year she got to marry her ex boyfriend who hate her and wanted to make her life miserable he hit and rape her just like her kidnappers did . after the truth came out Malachi had a sudden change of heart which kinda hurt and not only that her father never even tried to apologise for the rudeness toward her what kind of parents does to their own child. I feel for Isla for once I thought she could do far better than Malachi (that's just a thought once) but sometimes I think Isla shouldn't have forgive Malachi that easily after all he had done have.
Bit again everyone has their own point of view
Thanks for reading my review

[Ana Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is okay, but the story is disjointed and there are copious plot holes. I love a tale that unfolds with flashbacks that explain the current events - only if they match the action that’s unfolding.

Unfortunately, the character motivation isn’t strong enough to take the main male character (I can’t call him a hero) from an abusive arsehole to a sexy alpha-hole either.

While the heroine is palatable and mounts a half-decent defence of herself once it becomes clear that she’s not actually in the wrong (even though the punishment was beyond disproportionate to the alleged crime), her immediate capitulation when her “man” is in danger undoes all of her character growth.

Personally, I would’ve let the motherfucker die.

[Suzaan Jansen van Rensburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachi and Isla loved each other since they were teenagers and promised to get married and be together forever. Then, without warning and any explanation, he ended contact with Isla. And for 11 years it was just that, until the day he appeared again, with his parents in tow and the news that they are getting married. But he was changed, a hard and bitter man, hating her for something she cannot remember. With no choice she honoured the arranged marriage not knowing what awaits her as the wife of a duke. Little did she know it would be torturous, still having feelings for him but being outlasted by him and his family, not understanding why he would want to marry her if he hates her this much. Little by little she learns Malachi's truth of what he thought happened, and having had trouble with remembering traumatic events her whole life, she believed that she was responsible for destroying their relationship and breaking the man she loved her whole life. She also learned that he only married her to protect her life, a promise he made years ago, not even considering why he would do so without thought if he really hates her as much. But then she found an e-mail indicating that more was going on than what was evident and determined to find out what happened, she pursued the matter. Breaking open the secrets of those few months in her life brought the truth, or at least a part of it, to light and Malachi realised that he was in the wrong. Is it possible to for them to recover from this, could she forgive him and most of all, could he forgive himself? This is a raw, emotional story with many triggers of violence and abuse but humans are flawed and we will most always try to exact revenge if we felt we were wronged. And sometimes the basic reason will be love because sometimes there is a fine line between love and hate. This book is a page turner, another great read from one of my favourite authors.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deserves more than 5 STARS. The story of Isla, the long-suffering daughter of an ex-cartel mogul and Malachi, a duke, a real-life European royalty is an incredibly powerful, emotional, very well-written, engaging page-turner. The book contains good insights into emotional insecurities, unimaginable psychological and physical cruelty that we humans are capable of exacting, even against those we loved or even love. The idea of being wronged, betrayed, cheated on, is not something that the fragile male ego, even after 3.5 billion years of evolutionary cerebral development had managed to triumph over. Since childhood, for almost 17 years our protagonists have loved each other with the kind of purity, profound intensity, and sense of belonging that one can only marvel, hope-for or envy. Yet, being compromised have made Isla totally vulnerable since her famous coping-mechanisms of blocking out unpleasant memories makes her unable to prove her innocence. As a chivalrous gesture, Malachi marries Isla to keep her safe but the level of cruelty he unleashes on her is unimaginable. The author’s powers of description are so good that I was transported into their fictional existence, feeling their pain. I will not give details of the story but even though there are many dark moments in this book, the resolution the writer creates shows off the powers for forgiveness and the resoluteness of the human spirit. There are some very steamy moments with language, but all the scenes and dialogue form an organic part of the story. I most strongly recommend this book because the story contains elements that go way beyond your average romance novel. I will definitely seek this author out in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shameless Vows was a different book than what we’ve seen before from the talented Ms. Evans.

Full Disclosure: Although I have 15 of her books on my kindle, this is the third book I’ve read of hers. I’m spacing her books out so I don’t have withdraw when I’ve gotten through them and I’m left waiting for the next one…

I won’t summarize the book, look above, it’s been done. I will highly recommend any of her books though.

I love that Malachi and Isla are childhood sweethearts and know everything about each other. Frankly, that kind of love is the purest and sweetest. They both know each other’s annoying quirks and love each other anyway.

Unfortunately, misunderstandings and anger lead down roads that hurt both of them. In turn, any love they have gets carelessly thrown into shadows. Yes, this is a somewhat dark and depressing story and you wonder if there is even light at the end of the tunnel to try to see for them. The answer is yes – ‘the hate that I have for this woman is merely my love turned inside out’ (Malachi Sterling) shows there is a light if one just opens their eyes and can see past the anger and pain.

Now that I’ve gushed, as usual, Ms. Evans has given us a wonderful steamy story with well rounded, characters that are by no means perfect but we still want a happy ending for them. We also get to visit a little with Elle and Colin from Shameless Weekend, where we first met the Reyes family, and see them in their happy bubble.

I would advise to read Shameless Weekend first but Shameless Vows does stand on it's own very well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, raw and gritty

I’d just finished Author Katherine L Evan’s previous book in the series, Shameless Weekend, and although it was a deep and profound story, it was still quite an uplifting and hopeful book. There we met Isla and Malachi and nothing, NOTHING could have prepared me for their story in this book. Ms Evans indicated that theirs held darker themes, but oh holy crap, this darkness was raw and gritty.

It’s been a while since I’ve read quite something as painfully devastating as this book. It wasn’t so much of an angsty ugly cry, but more of a story that had me sitting like a stunned mullet watching a horrific train crash in motion, yet unable to help in any way, because surely there is no recovery to be had. I wondered how Isla could ever get resolution. All I’m going to say here is that I totally admired her character, and my heart bled for her.

I absolutely can’t begin to describe my true feelings towards two key characters in this book because I believe they will be spoilers, but they each hold a close and very different kind of relationship with Isla. I believe they got off lightly and I in no way admire their characters. And, I’d like to have seen more in the way of amendments done for her. Does my issue with these two characters detract from how much I loved this book and recommend it as great reading for those who love second chance romances that roll on the dark side of the tracks?? Only very slightly. 4.5 stars – yep 🖤

[Susana Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! New author and very impressed!

Shameless Vows it's the second book in Shameless Love series and my first book by Katherine L. Evans and I must day I'm impressed in very good way. This is the story between Malachi, a simple man with a royal title, Duke, of a small country and Isla Reyes, an undercover writter and daughter of a communications mogul with family ties to a Mexican cartel. This is a story of a young love that rose stronger with the years with eternal vows of HEA for both of them, but turned bitter by a well concocted misunderstanding and set up to take those two apart as a way of attaining a third goal.
I really enjoyed this tale: I liked the characters, main and secondary, although at times I was a bit tired of people to do not give the due importance or underestimate what happened to Isla or the why of her behavior at that time or just the fact that she forgot things (kind of selective amnesia). There is lots of angst and emotions but laughing moments as well, specially with the brothers and sisters! I liked the winding relationship between Malachi and Isla because you could see the love, even when they were with their backs turned. This was a good book for me to read, a litlle different and refreshing! I'll definitively be reading more from Katherine!

[Ronel Olver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla and Malachi's story is a page turner and definitely an emotional roller coaster with a healthy dose of revenge, drama, deception, betrayals and broken trust. The story revolves around Isla and her perceived wrong doings, most of which she does not remember. Her parents and Malachi treat her like dirt, they tell her she betrayed them and is worthless and that she deserves the bad treatment she is getting from them. Her siblings however love her and just want to protect her. I loved them. When a threat against Isla comes to light, her father and Malachi decides she will marry him for protection. While her parents loves her and wants to protect her, they are very disappointed that she betrayed the family and tend to treat Isla harshly. I admit I hated Malachi, the way he treated her while they were married was appalling. I did a happy dance when the truth came out and she was vindicated and he now had to beg forgiveness. I was disappointed her parents never cleared the air with her and apologized for the way they treated her.

The story line and characters were exception and the author has a way to draw you in and keep you invested and hooked. An absolute must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Lemke (Kathy Page) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating: 2 1/2stars.

What I liked: I liked how Ilsa(h) didn’t just forgive Malachi(H) especially liked how she treated him like he treated her.

What I didn’t like: This is one of those books that I needed more. I needed the h’s dad to apologize (since it was his family that did that to her), I needed to see the H’s parents and brother apologized to the h, I needed more of the H and h at the end becoming a happy family (would of loved to have seen them married with kids)

How hot was it: 3 out 5

Triggers: h was drugged and kidnapped by her father’s family (which everyone thought she was going through a rebellion stage) H marries h because he promised to protect and because he thought she cheated on him (because someone sent him pictures, which she was drugged in) treats her horrible, mentally and physically abuses her (one time was when H knows the h has memory problems and when she doesn’t remember about the the party he slaps her which leaves a mark on her face) h has two miscarriages. Also, has a memory problems (which is her way of coping with stress and fear).

Final thoughts: Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. It could of been because I didn’t read the first one in the series but it was a struggle to finish. I don’t see myself reading the rest in the series.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been very conflicted on what to say about this story since it could come off as controversial with these particular dark elements, but at the end of the day, I couldn't stop reading it no matter how enraged I became throughout. Malachi & Isla were close as children & it developed into love but some things happened which caused all kinds of rage & miscommunication to destroy everything & he disappeared. It's 10 years later when he comes back for her, and this is where it gets dicey for me, the out of control hell Malachi unleashes on Isla, but alas, humans are flawed & capable of all kinds of things when lashing out from their feelings. However, I've never wanted to set a hero on fire in my life, and as the hits actually kept coming, I found myself screaming at Isla to run away. I was very certain that nothing could bring these two into the sun, and it's by Katherine L. Evans' true talent at penning something outside the box that I would be able to love after everything that happened but that's exactly what happened. So anyway, before you go by reviews, hit those one click buttons to decide for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Diane Born in UK, now living on Spain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as I expected it to be, at all

Malachi is a prince and Isla is a rich mans daughter, they spent most of there childhood together and swore to each other they would always love each other and Malachi promised he would marry Isla and take her to live with him and he always keeps his word.

Things changed as they got older and it happened that they split up. Now Isla was under the impression that Malachi ghosted her. Malachi however allegedly had a message from Isla breaking off the relationship.

FF 11 years - then the news is broken to Isla that her father has arranged for her to marry her childhood sweetheart, whether she wants to or not.

Then it just goes downhill!!!

If they were so in love, you think they would both have found a way to talk and sort things out in all that time. But then that’s not taken into account Islas memory loss !!!!

Honestly come on.

I ff from about 40% to join again about 70% and to be honest, i was just glad to get to the end.

Liked the cover and on paper Malachi was a dream, but thank goodness I’d read a very good book previously.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The story delivered on a lovers to enemies to lovers premise. I knew it’d be darkish and that I’d hate Malachi. It’s the flashbacks that redeem Malachi to show what a doting boyfriend he used to be for Isla. Otherwise, modern day Malachi is diabolical and cruel even though it mostly stems from pain and severe heartbreak with a desire to punish. I really liked Isla and rooted for her, knowing that her gut was not wrong and something terrible happened. However, the book didn’t quite deliver on a few fronts. Isla has her opportunity to be vengeful in return and while I love a heroine who doesn’t take crap lying down, she was a bit overboard, as was Malachi in his remorse although he deserved to suffer a little bit. Regarding the tying up of loose ends, that wasn’t well elaborated, like did Ernesto finally learn the truth about his daughter? What about the progress of Isla seeking help and recovering from her ordeals? How about Isla being able to eventually have a family? It felt inconclusive in certain parts, but there was no doubt about where Isla and Malachi stood with each other in the end after so much suffering and separation and near losses.

[Shirley Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pardon me while I wipe the tears from my eyes. I have just been on a rollercoaster of emotions with this book. I can't really put into words just how this author has torn every emotion out of me whilst reading this book. What a trauma Isla has gone through and not able to remember and Malachi, well I really wanted to strike him at first because he was such a brute. This story of love from an early age only for it to to be cruelly wrenched away was truly heartbreaking and the ending had me in tears. This was a very intriguing story and it was truly a page turner I literally had my heart in my mouth couldn't put it down. Totally recommend this book and am certainly going to read the others in this series now. Katherine Evans you are truly a wordsmith and if I could have given more than five stars I would.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if I’d rather NOT have the family or the love. Isla and Malachi (Duke of Corwick) love begins during childhood and their love has endured heartbreak, betrayal, and loss. I had a love/ hate relationship with Malachi throughout the story and one single question that needed answering; What happen? When the truth is finally reveled my mouth was wide open for about 5 minutes afterwards. I could not put this book down for the anticipation and actually finished it in one day. I love this book. It was well written and kept me wondering. My favorite part of the book was when the truth came out and the individual lesson of talk to each other had to be learned. Katherine did a very good job with this book. There is a previous book titled “One Shameless Weekend” that did not have to be read prior to this but I will go back and read it just because this one was so good. Definitely a 10 star read!!!!