Stella Gray has always had her head in the clouds and has been writing since she was in high school. A contemporary romance author, she loves dark romances with morally gray men. When she’s not writing, she’s either in the kitchen testing out a new baking recipe or spending time in the great outdoors.
Wow! With all that drama, plot, suspense, this series finally done. I love it. Miss Gray has a knack to build a good plot and turn it into a wonderful ending.
Emzee struggle to find her own feet finally get her HEA with Ford. And finally in this book, I understand Ford. The Truth is mainly in Ford's POV. We now understand why he had to do what he had to do. His past and his motivation.
I do like his grooveling too. Not over the top but honest and real. Overall a wonderful book.
So much drama about the russian mob and suddenly with a simple dialogue ,everything is solved??? Seriously? This series is bad written, and unfortunately I'm curious person and read all the series...This story should have been a standalone.
Format: Audiobook 🎧 (Spotify) Narrators: Elena Wolfe and Joe Arden
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️(1/2)
Tropes: •Fake Marriage •Hidden Pregnancy •Best Friends to Lovers •Jealous MC
⛔️ THIS ENDS THE TRILOGY CANNOT BE READ AS A STANDALONE⛔️
This is the finale book and conclusion of Emcee and Fords story. Out of all three books, I think this might be my favorite. Maybe. I enjoy the pregnancy trope and jealous trope and this one had both.
Ford has realized he loves Emcee and kind of always has, even though he didn’t know it as a teenager. Coming from his parents, he didn’t know what love looked like, not really. So, he loves her and wants her back. Of course he did something stupid and she left but that’s not all. Remember in my view on book 1 I mentioned the mafia thrown in the storyline. Well, in this book, it’s mentioned and entertained in the story much more. The Bratva and her family causes Emcee to distance herself from Ford and she moves to New York. This is where the fun begins.
Ford finds out, goes to New York and does everything to win her back. His jealousy rises up but he loves Emcee so much, he puts all that aside and does everything to show her he’s changed. I loved Ford in this book. He turned into a cinnamon roll and I adored it.
Obviously he finds out about the baby, he refuses to sign the divorce papers and buys the building Emcee moved into. That’s so freaking hot 🥵.
The reason I didn’t give this one a 5 star is because it was very predictable (Claudia in his bed, the pregnancy and the parent and the reason they hate Emcee, the Bratva). I also did not like the epilogue. It takes place 5 years later and nothing is really explained IMO. What about the dad prison? What about Firds parents and Claudia? I felt like it was rushed in the end.
Do I recommend? Yeah but because at this point you would have to, to know how the story ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Truth is the last book in the series of the Charade and the final book for the whole of the Zoric family. I have to admit I was a little sad to let the family go as we have read many books about them and you get the feeling as they are part of you.
Ford and Emzee have a lot of lies and deceit going on in their lives at the beginning of this book and you still don't know how they will get through them but just hope they will. You are still rooting for them even though Ford has more growing up to do. But with Ezmee's surprise coming to light I see that that will make him realize she is his future.
Ezmee has always chosen everyone over her own happiness, but for once she has decided herself over Ford. This throws Ford for a loop, he has no idea what to do about that. This will make Ford grow and demand others around him see Ezmee for what she is- his wife.
The Zoric's have come a long way and it was nice to see them all developed into a wonderful family. Stella Gray is a great writer and I can't wait to see what is next.
OH WOW!! The Truth was a wonderful ending to the Charade trilogy. I am so sorry this is the last story for the Zoric Siblings.
Oh Boy when I found out the truth of what Ford had done to Emzee. I wished I could slap him. His parents are real evil and dishonest people. I wanted to see them suffer and be paid back for all the pain and suffering they caused there own son Ford and his wife Emzee. But they just get a tap on the hand. Claudia, Fords Ex should have been publicly humiliated. But other then that the story was very good and full of surprises. Ford and Emzee do get there HEA!! I love revisiting Stephan and Lucas Zoric and there wives.
I am sorry to say goodbye to the Zoric Siblings!! These were excellent trilogies.
Ford and Emzee light up the pages in the final book of this trilogy. I was addicted to the back and forth from these two from book one and the way they’ve evolved, especially Ford, since the beginning was perfect. The truth really did bring these two full circle
Stella Gray delivers an emotional and shocking conclusion in The Truth, the third and finally book in the Charade Trilogy.
Learning the truth is always hard, especially if it involves those closest to us. When Emzee Zoric finds out what Ford has been hiding from her all this time, she is hurt and betrayed. He was the one that caused all the bullying in high school and she can’t seem to understand why. Emzee used to consider him her savior and best friend, until he broke her trust. Now she must keep something close to their hearts a secret from him or she’ll lose the chance at helping her family deal with Russian mob. But no matter how much distance she puts between them, she is reminded of just how sweet and caring her husband is even if he did hid the truth from her all this time. Emzee will have to decide if she is willing to walk away from the love of her life or give him another chance.
Ford Malone never expected to face the consequences of his actions when he was a teenager. But there is so much more that Emzee doesn’t know and he has to find a way to prove to her that he is sorry for his actions before he loses her for good. When new obstacles come their way, new truths are revealed that can threaten his chance of a future with her.
I throughly enjoyed reading The Truth, we finally get to find out more about what made Ford react the way he did in high school. He truly loves Emzee and it was nice to see him constantly prove to her that he can be sweet and thoughtful. We get to see a new and better version of him in this book that I liked a lot better than when we first meet him in the first book. Ford makes the most changes in the whole trilogy, he finally puts his foot down when it comes to his parents and he has Emzee’s back. Emzee in this book finds what she is good at and is willing to take risks. What I wish the author could have incorporated a bit more was some other type of interaction with the Russian mob, they are always mentioned in the book but the character never really have a face-to-face interaction with them. That would have made the book so much better. Nevertheless, the story was still steamy and swoon worthy. We get to see the characters bond again and the ending truly fit with their story. I would highly recommend checking out the trilogy, I cannot wait to read more of the author in the future! :)
**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.**
"The Truth" is the last book in the Charade Series and after the end of the second book I needed to know what would happen. Well now we get a deeper into the thoughts of Ford and awww, he has won my heart because is totally different from the Ford we read in "The Lie." He finally opens his eyes and his heart and accepts his true feelings for Emzee. She also shows a quite remarkable evolution: she stopped being the insecure girl and has hardened her heart, which has helped her make decisions that, although they are very difficult and will have repercussions on the fate of her marriage, are necessary to free herself from blackmail of Ford's parents. She is still in love with him, but Ford's lies and omissions have hurt her. For his part, Ford is aware of all the damage he has done to his wife and is willing to make amends for every mistake to save his marriage. Emzee builds a wall around her which complicates Ford's attempts to get to her but they both really love each other and when he is finally sincere with her, coupled with his persistence to win her back, she cannot continue to deny her feelings for him. However, a secret kept by her can derail the progress in your relationship. "The Truth" is the perfect conclusion for Emzee and Ford. If you have not read the previous books I recommend to do it; tropes you will find in this series: friends to lovers, unrequited love, fake relationship, arranged marriage and surprise baby. Plus there's a bit of a mob thing.
*marriage of convenience* *second chance romance* *friends to lovers* *HEA*
My review:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heat Factor:🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The Truth picked up where the dramatic ending of The Act left off. We were left with one hell of a cliffhanger at the end of The Act. Emzee had just discovered that Ford had been the instigator to her childhood bullying and that she was pregnant.
I have to be honest, Ford has driven me crazy this whole series! I’ve wanted to reach and shake, slap, hit, and kiss him. He has made such growth through the series. After all these years, he finally realizes his feelings toward Emzee, but it’s too late and she leaves him devastated when she calls things off and disappears. But, Ford doesn’t give up without a fight.
Ford sets out to win back Emzee at all costs. Meanwhile, Emzee tries her best to stay away and decide what to do about the predicament of her pregnancy, her arrangement with Ford’s parents, and the threats against her family.
Oh the tangled mess of lies and secrets that must fixed in this book. I was so glad to see Emzee and Ford finally get their shit together and get their happily ever after. And the heat between those two is still hot enough to melt your kindles 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Ford may be a mess but he isn’t in the bedroom. And thank God for that!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this entire trilogy! I devoured Book 3 in one night. I could not bring myself to stop reading. Ford and Emzee are a dynamic couple that ripped at my heartstrings and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The arguments, the denials, the steamy makeup sessions, OH MY!!! I was beside myself. How were these two going to ever find their happily ever after? All the angst, the suspense, the emotions were right there again, blowing up the pages and making me turn them furiously in hopes of getting some resolution somewhere! I mean, Book 3 is called "The Truth". Somebody please spit it out! I wanted everyone to know it. I wanted them to shout it from the rooftops. But, noooooo. The suspense was killing me. I was waiting for it, flipping those pages fast, but it took awhile before getting there. In the meantime, my emotions were pouring out of me. I was drained. Ford was a man determined in this book and I so wanted him to make his stand and claim his woman! Of course, Emzee, strong woman that she is, was having none of it. She was fighting him at every turn. Mind you, she had reasons, but... I wasn't sure I'd survive the night if I didn't finish this book, which tells me just how great this story was. I hope you'll grab yourself a copy, devour it, and love it as much as I did!
The Truth is the perfect ending to The Zoric Series. I had a hard time connecting with Ford in books 1 and 2 but in this one he redeemed himself. I knew he would. I know Emzee did what she did to protect her family but I didn’t like it. Both had lies they were hiding and I’m glad the truth came out and they were able to pick up the pieces of their relationship that has started in high school. Story flows nicely between the 2 POVs and a great wrap up mod the family.
Phew. What an amazing conclusion to the trilogy! Stella Grey had me worried for a second that it wasn’t going to work out but she brought it home.
Even though I was unsure of Ford at the beginning, I LOVE him now. He’s sweet, protective and hot. He redeemed himself so much in this book. And Emzee? Her strength shined so bright in this book! It was so great seeing everyone work together this fix what their father messed up.
I have loved getting to know all Zoric siblings and their spouses. The epilogue in the book wrapped up their stories beautifully. I can’t wait to see what Stella writes next.
As I jog my memory to think back to where we ended book two, i’m quickly reminded that we once again found ourselves on the downward spiral of Emzee and Ford’s relationship. They were happy until Claudia shared some information that Ford never wanted her to know – the truth behind what happened in high school at his own hands.
Claudia reveals that all the rumors that Emzee suffered from, those rumors to which she thought that Ford rescued her from, where actually started BECAUSE of him. So the onset of book three, we are taken to the past where we see what happened to prompt that. We learn that Ford overheard his parents fighting and learned that it was because of the illegal business that Em’s dad ran, and Ford felt that his parents were going to split up because of it, resulting in his life being ruined. So he took it out on her.
From this point on in the story, we watch how things go from bad to worse. We learned that Emzee was pregnant in book two, and she still hasn’t shared that information with anyone. She starts the divorce process to get out of the marriage which solves many of her problems – she no longer has to stay married to a man she continues not to trust, and she’s also able to uphold her part of the bargain with the Malones where they will pay off the Russian mob if they split.
The divorce prompts a move to New York and a start of a new life. Ford’s not going to take this laying down, so we watch for the next bulk of the story how he tries to win her back – how he moves to New York, into the same building and even buys the building. He woos her every day with romantic gestures and every time it seems like they’re making progress, Em sticks to her guns and begs for the divorce.
Just when Ford makes a big breakthrough, Claudia shows up again and well we know what happens every time that happens. The end of the couple. Which makes everyone happy except for Ford and sometimes Emzee.
There’s so much going on in this story though that we can’t forget about other sub plots. There’s the Bratva and what the Zoric’s will do about them if the Malones don’t keep up their end of the bargain. There’s the notion that Tori’s pregnant and due any day, Brooklyn is pregnant and not far behind, and still no one knows that Em is pregnant.
There’s Emzee’s new job that she loves but the same job that takes her away from her charity in Chicago so we have to wonder what will come of that. and there’s Claudia – there HAS to be an ulterior motive there for her to continue to pursue Ford and interject herself at every turn, yet it’s not obvious throughout the series…yet.
So….add to all that turmoil a few Very steamy scenes partially due to intense chemistry but also due to pregnancy hormones and what we get is an insanely indulgent third and final installment to Emzee’s story. Not sure that the closure is what we expect or need, but it serves it’s purpose.
The Truth starts out with a prologue from Ford's POV, and it's not pretty. And when Emzee finds out the info in that prologue? Yeah, even less pretty. Now Ford's got his work cut out for him to get her back. Then there's the Bratva closing in, Ford's ridiculous parents, all obstacles to these friends turned fake marrieds turned real. If Ford can convince her to give him the time of day, they just might be alright. Perhaps.
I have to admit that throughout this series, Ford has really gotten on my nerves. It was obvious, especially in The Lie, that he was a self-absorbed twit who thought nothing of Emzee's feelings until he actually fell in love with her. Then he started redeeming himself. Here in The Truth, he finally completely redeems himself, but not before really pissing me off during the prologue. Damn, poor Emzee, she's been through it. All the men in her life have lied to her, including Ford. How will he go about fixing his screwup?
Emzee and Ford come full circle by the time their story ends. They've faced a lot of obstacles, have gone from friends to fake married, to truly in love and standing by each other, and I enjoyed every page. I wanted to smack Ford more than once, but by the end, he had really grown and changed and became the man that Emzee deserved. The Charade series has got it all - passion, suspense, and love, and I was so happy as I witnessed them finally obtain the happiness they had worked so hard for.
I feel a little underwhelmed with the ending of this series.
While I enjoyed all of the books so far in this world Stella Gray gifted us, this one just felt so rushed. The outcome to the problem just felt anticlimactic as well.
While I’m happy they got what they wanted, I feel like the plot could have been a bit more chaotic for a bit.
This concludes the Charade trilogy, Ford and Emzee story that had me on edge the whole time. Finally, everything gets out, and the long wait was worth. I love dual POVs that give me more into each character and the whole story, and this one delivered it as well. I love Stella Gray's trilogies and this one is another one that hit the mark.
The Truth is the final book in the Charade Trilogy. Books must be read in order. This book also wraps up The Zoric Series. Told through duel perspectives Ford finds himself fighting hard to win back Emzee. Ford has really grown as a character in the last two books. This book cuts open all his feelings, insecurities, and shows us just how much he loves Emzee. Ford and Emzee’s passion for one another is once again palpable and oozes off the pages.
The Prologue is told thru Ford’s POV and gives us insight into what drove him to act out towards Emzee.
As the book begins the See Yourself fundraiser where Claudia has dropped a huge truth bomb on Emzee. And, Emzee has a revelation that will alter and drive her to push The Malone’s to uphold their end of the bargain to pay off the Bratva.
As hard as Emzee pushes Ford away- the harder he fights for her forgiveness. Showing her he is willing to follow her wherever she goes. He stops at nothing to remind her of their love and long-standing friendship.
Emzee is torn between her love for Ford, wanting them to be able to build a life together and wanting to save her families business. Making the decision to let Ford and her brothers in, they begin to plan together.
Ford finally realizes just how far his parents are willing to go to control the narrative regarding their reputation.
The Epilogue brings us five years in the future and a sweet glimpse into their lives. Ahh- this family, the struggles they endured and overcame together, seeing them build their families. Gah- so good.
First things first.......if someone does what Ford did to get me back....i m definitely getting back even though i ll give him grief for long time but....come on.... delivering your fav food... taking your dog for walks.... sending you potted flowers gahhhhh......i understand i totally do understand the Emzee is in poor soul couldn't be in any bigger crossroads that this.....add pregnancy harmones to the mix....and Russian mobs trying to cause you down....your asshole of in-laws breathing down your neck.....she truly is a warrior for how she dealt with all of them and kept be her sanity.....The cutest thing is how Stephan stepped up for his little sister and how not him and Luca included her in their discussions and saw her for the woman she is and treated her like a partner in the company..... eventually ever story has to have a happy ending and they did have a happy ending Ford did change and came to his senses and accepted his mistake for taking her for granted........."Love should never be taken for granted it just has to returned if not embraced and acknowledged".... Zoric family was a emotional override for me and reading all their stories i became a part of them.....Tori Brooklyn Emzee their dynamics and cute little moments between the siblings the ranting between the brothers about fatherhood everything was like it happened in my own life and i was experiencing everything they were experiencing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The trilogy is complete!! Finally get to find out how Ford and Emzee’s story ends. This book was soooo good!! I almost read it in one day, but had to pace myself because I also didn’t want it to end. I’m a sucker for unrequited love, friends to lovers, fake relationship/arrange marriage, filled with lots of angst!!! Gah!!! The Truth starts off from where book 2 ended; Ford and Emzee are at the charity fundraiser for “See Yourself”. From there, Emzee starts withdrawing from Ford and leading us on an angsty, steamy, hot and cold emotional rollercoaster. I didn’t like Ford in books 1 & 2, but in this book he redeemed himself. I loved that he finally grew some cajones and fought for his marriage and Emzee. He finally realized she was always the one and that he definitely needed to step up to prove he was worthy of her. Emzee absolutely deserved better, but the heart wants what it wants and in the end, Ford earned his place in her life. Stella Grey is a new to me author. This was my first time reading a series by her and I can absolutely say she has been added to my reading list. Her books are entertaining, angsty, super steamy and full of compelling characters that make you want more.
In the final installment of the Charade Series, Emzee and Ford's marriage has hit rock bottom - at least in her eyes. Emzee found out in the second book that Ford was the reason for her high school bullying. Ford knew what dirty business went on in the shadows of her father's modeling company.
Emzee is hurt by this reveal and confronts her husband about it. Though Ford tries to apologize and make up for it, Emzee decides it's not worth it and goes to his parent's to an out.
Throughout the series, Emzee and his parents have made a deal behind Ford's back in order to save her family from the Russian mafia who's come to collect whatever they think is theirs. Ford and Emzee's marriage was never meant to last; they're meant to separate at the year mark but Emzee wants a divorce months earlier.
But Ford is not ready to let her go. If ever. He follows her everywhere. This book was a back and fight between the two. Ford tries to fight. Emzee does not. Until they come to a consensus - a plan where they both get what they want.
The stories of these 3 siblings were fun reads... I'll definitely come back to read them again.
The final Charade Book is as good as the first. In this we get to see a very committed, in-love-with-Emzee Ford, who will do anything to get her back. He went to great lengths to make sure. Emzee sure made it tough for Ford, eventually relented because we know how much she loves him. It was lovely because in the earlier books was Emzee always agreeing to almost everything Ford asked for. Hot, steamy and sexy scenes whenever they're together. Trust and communication are key in their relationship to get to where they are. Good riddance, the distant parents. No one wants their presence. Even better the scorn ex. This book emphasized the closeness of a family which the Zoric siblings have. Thank You, Stella, for the fantastic series. I love Emzee and Ford the most out of the three. Look forward to the Bellantis.
Ford & Emzee’s story continues with him being outed by his ex about the big lie that went on for years involving Emzee. Now that the truth is out, everything falls apart with their relationship. Ford thinks that’s the reason. Another truth has to come out, too, but from Emzee about what she’s hiding from Ford about her and his parents. Emzee and her brothers are about to lose the agency they built up legitimately together because of their father’s dealings with the Russian Mafia. This story has a lot of twists to it. It’s emotional, has lots of anger and hurt, lots of steam and love. Emzee gets a bright idea at almost the same Ford does, to save the company, and also their marriage. There is an HEA, but oh boy, what they go through to get there. Now, that’s true love. Looking forward to the next series of Stella Gray.
His eyes are finally open to what has been right in front of him this whole time. Though the end of the second book he had confessed his love to her but in this book we really get to see him in action proving that love.
He has also recognised the mistakes he has done in the past and is on a mission to change. So he started to make some big changes that was so overdue.
A liked defect that she didn’t just take him back after an “I’m sorry” it made her be true to herself and made him have to fight to win back her forgiveness.
But her forgiving him and them getting back together couldn’t be that easy there needed to be a twist that only made the story more heartbreaking and so much more interesting than anything before.
This was an beautiful book series and it really made me have so many different emotions.
I don't know why I'm so surprised by the boring end to this downhill slide of a story. Now I've read all three, honestly just really annoyed with the weak story and the unlikable main characters. Everything worked out for the poor little rich kids.. "omg we don't have enough money to pay the Russian mob extorting us...but plenty for relocating to the most expensive city in the world, expensive brunches, OTT baby showers and daily expensive gifts from my husband wahhh wahh'. In the end, they faced next to no danger and the issue was solved by...setting boundaries with the inlaws. WHAT THE ACTUAL EFF! Seriously are you kidding me...what a joke!
In the end, the only one I cared about was the dog Munchkin and he didn't even get a mention in the flippin' prologue!!!
The Truth is that my disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined from reading this book.
The Truth was absolutely perfect conclusion to Charade Trilogy by Stella Gray. Book 3 picks up where book 2 left off. Ford and Emzee are a couple who in previous books , were great but in this book, their chemistry, struggles and heart shines thru. Ford finally proves himself worthy of Emzee while Emzee shows that she’s no longer waiting for him to prove himself because she is going to be her own super hero and help her family. There were so many twists and turns that took place that had me on pins and needles. The emotions, angst, secrets, feels, forgiveness and love that sprang forth in the final book between Ford and Emzee are amazing 👏❤. Loved the ending!
The Truth is the final book in the Charade trilogy by Stella Gray.
This book starts where the second book ended. Emzee questions the friendship she had with Ford. She feels hurt and betrayed by him. And there is still the mafia who treats her family. She is moving to New York to distance herself from Ford but he is fighting for their love with everything he has. He is not giving up to get her trust back.
This book was just amazing! I’ve read it in like two hours because I just couldn’t put it down. I don’t know how it’s possible but I even fell more in love with Ford than before. How he literally does everything to win Emzee back makes my heart beat faster! The whole story was perfect and you totally miss out if you don’t read the Charade trilogy!!
Stella Gray delivers again with this steamy, angsty story filled with passion and emotional roller coaster between Ford and Emzee. The marriage that soposed to be only a sham for a year is quickly filled with love and romance but to survive they both have to face many challenges and lies that they are both keeping.
Stella is another one of my favourite authors and can’t wait for more.
As for the Charade series I highly recommend it 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Stella Gray has written an amazing best friend slash arranged marriage trilogy! Gray’s writing is amazingly deep and detailed. Ford and Emzee have been friends for years; however, a split second lie turns to a huge deception to the people they love. This charade changes them and the love they have each other. This is definitely a series you don’t want to miss out on!