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The darkest lies are the ones we tell ourselves.

Faced with the impossible, Roman Avdonin is forced to do anything—and everything—he can to keep Karine safe from the man who wants her back.

Even marrying her.

The thing about marriage? It doesn’t stop you from hurting the one you love the most.

In midst of a mafia war … love is just one small part.
And it certainly won’t save them here.

*

Bethany-Kris, author of The Russian Guns, invites readers back to the world with The Marriage–Book 3 in The Darkest Lies Trilogy. A standalone trilogy following the same couple.

Unknown Binding

First published April 26, 2021

25 people are currently reading
204 people want to read

About the author

Bethany-Kris

107 books4,259 followers
The author of too many novels to count, Bethany-Kris is a Canadian, lover of much, and mother to four sons, a glaring of cats, and a pack of dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, a snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something ... when she can find the time.

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5 stars
84 (45%)
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53 (28%)
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35 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Bev .
2,223 reviews481 followers
May 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this trilogy and seeing both Roman and Karine's growth but given this was a trilogy I needed more details on Karine and her father, Masha, and I also felt like the "problems" were resolved too easily.

Profile Image for Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️.
820 reviews845 followers
April 26, 2021
The ending in the Darkest Lies Trilogy was quite the ending. I wasn’t sure how things were going to end and I must say that it was quite surprising.

So many moving parts to this story. This isn’t just a regular Bratva story but one that added a mental health component. This author has written other stories that have included mental health issues and she always handles them with grace and emotionality.

In order for Roman and Karine to have a safe and forever HEA, Roman must face what is coming for them. He will break Karine’s trust all the while doing what he thinks is always best for her. It’s an emotional ending and one where I thought it ended too quickly. But in all, I loved this crazy roller coaster ride for Roman and Karine. Hope to see them again soon!!

*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,297 reviews362 followers
April 27, 2021
Conclusion to the story.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Obviously the ex will need to be dealt with so small other man drama.
No cheating.
Some violence.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tzelina.
507 reviews130 followers
May 12, 2021
Bethany Kris is and she will be my favourite mafia queen writer!
But in this trilogy I don't know what happened!
I totally understand that she tried something new but I am loyal to her old writing!
I miss the spark that Marcellos, Chicago War, Gun moll, Corrado's & Alessio's series had!!!
There is no doubt, whatever she writes I will read it but in this one smth was missing.
Profile Image for Tanaka K.
898 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2021
Man I love The Darkest Lies Trilogy. This series is everything right in a mafia romance. A perfect mix of romance and suspense. Addictive characters. Romance that will make you tingle. An emotional story that will move your heart. When I first opened the first book, I was completely mesmerized. Now, the last book of the trilogy, everything just seems so captivating to me. I don't want it to end but The Darkest Lies Trilogy is one of my favourite from Bethany-Kris. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to read such a beautiful story.

The Marriage is the toe curling last book in The Darkest Lies Trilogy by Bethany-Kris. What an end. Explosive. Tantalizing. Edge of your seat shocker. Every moment, so hard hitting. The romance, so beautiful and capturing. The characters, so memorable. The Marriage touched and twisted my heart and soul. Roman and Karine are just a force. Powerful chemistry. Emotional. Brilliant. For me, The Marriage is healing. Yes, it is set in the bravta world but Bethany-Kris created a story delving deep into mental health and trauma that added a gripping layer so The Marriage to me, is healing from trauma. I forever praise Bethany-Kris for being different and give me as a reader such a real topic as mental health in a mafia romance. Genius.

I will forever miss this series. It is well thought-out and totally compelling. I will miss Roman and Karine rocky journey to love.

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Angels.
2,033 reviews17 followers
August 24, 2022
Book three and the conclusion of this story was filled with heart and soul. My heart broke for this couple and for Roman and the choices he was forced to make on the behalf of his wife. Karine's pain tore at our heart for the pain she was going through, even though that pain actually came from a place of love, not punishment or desertion. We loved seeing Roman being just as affected by their separation as Karine was but, not to the point it went but, thank heavens, he had the love of a good family and a great friend who was always there to give him a good kick in the a--.

The chemistry between Roman and Karine was off the charts, and there were tons of hot and sexy scenes that just enforced that they were perfect for one another. We loved that Roman was drawn to Karine's imperfections and in doing so new his life would never be a smooth sailing one, and that was just okay with him.

Overall, we loved the conclusion to this very mess story. This was one tale that had tons of drama and this conclusion came with an ending we never saw coming but, one that was right and just.
We have to also give props to Roman parents Deyman and Claire because no matter their son's faults, they loved him with everything they had. Deyman and Claire reminded me a lot of the Marcello and Guzzi families in the fact that the norm was drilled into them family first meaning the mafia/brava families but, it was just the opposite for these dark and dangerous men it was their family first not matter the repercussions.

We loved the ending of this story, as it was one that we did not see coming. This story was an emotional one and as a reader it was hard not to be affected by and one that had me tearing up a time or two. Another series and its characters that will not be forgotten and one that goes into the keeper pile to be re-read time and time again, what an awesome tale.
542 reviews3 followers
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May 4, 2021
"I think I just realised that I'm happy."

The Darkest Lies Trilogy is concluded in The Marriage, another book full of action and emotion.

Roman and Karine have already been on such a journey, but it isn't over yet. Although we see them marry, their time after that is hardly what you would imagine that of a newly wed's to be. Both are quickly thrown back into the world they're briefly trying to escape, if only for a moment.

My heart goes out to Karine, although Roman is trying to deal with things the best way he knows how, he forgets to take her thoughts and feelings into account. In doing so, he leaves them both vulnerable.

Meanwhile the hunt for Dima and information regarding what's happened in Chicago comes to a head and whilst there is loss, like in any battle, Karine is finally able to do just one thing for herself.

Overall, I really enjoyed this conclusion to the series and rated it 4.5 stars. It still had a lot of action and twists, some of which I had an idea about, others which threw me and I wasn't expecting. I also liked how the author addressed Karine's mental disorder especially, throughout all 3 books. I think she did a really good job of explaining it whilst also showing how it can affect someone on a day-to-day basis.

Although we see more of Karine and Roman together physically, especially at the start, I do still think this continued with the slow burn theme. I personally would've preferred to see a bit more between them, but it didn't necessarily detract from the storyline as I understood why there wasn't, in relation to the on-going plot.

One thing we didn't get in this was an epilogue though... which has me wondering if maybe we might see more of them later on....!? lol. -I will definitely be looking forward to reading that if we do.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

*TW: This book touches on some sensitive topics. Please heed any trigger warnings the author may have listed.
Profile Image for Ari Reavis.
Author 20 books163 followers
May 7, 2021
This book, this trilogy, was such a breath of fresh air. Not because it was light, but because it was heavy. It dealt with so much and just made me feel all the emotions. It kept me surprised and wondering. It had characters whose choices, at times, were hard to understand, and yet those characters, even in the midst of their risky decisions and rough moments, were so easy to relate to in so many ways.
What I especially loved about this book was that the beginning of it focused almost mainly on the romance, and was so good that you didn't miss the action, even though you knew danger was right around the corner. It was about Roman and Karine, the issues they were facing between each other and within themselves, figuring out what marriage meant for them of both, and realizing they couldn't be without one another. But life had other plans.
So then the action came, and IT SHOWED UP WITH A BANG! I was screaming...Screaming when things were going down. Probably the last thirty percent of the book had my heart racing. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. And the ending was glorious. Just what I needed it to be.
This book and trilogy was amazing, from start to finish. Getting to see old friends, making new ones, sadly losing some friends along the way. Roman and Karine was an epic love story that was different, and just right for them.
Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,863 reviews88 followers
April 27, 2021
Bethany-Kris concluded Roman and Karine’s story with an unexpected bang. This final book is no regular bratva book but nonetheless will keep you intrigued from the opening pages of book 1 to the final pages in book 3. The main characters growth from the beginning is one of the things I enjoyed. You watch their journey with bated breath wondering what is gonna happen. This couple is not the norm, their story is unique and this trilogy is a must read.
Profile Image for ♕ Isa_ Books & Tea _.
379 reviews17 followers
June 4, 2021
5 stars especially for the ending scene.

Karin finally grew up into her own and was pretty badass. I loved the realistic aspect of her mental illness. I am myself a psychology student and i found it not only believable but well researched.
I loved this book as much as the others in this serie. However i loved it a little more as i liked how karin was portrayed here

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Still.... I would have liked an epilogue as it ended rather abruptly.
Profile Image for ⏃ : ✦ villainous_vixen ⏃ : ✦.
777 reviews115 followers
May 3, 2021
The Marriage by Bethany-Kris is the third and final book in the Darkest Lies Trilogy. Once again Bethany-Kris delivers a mix of storytelling and utter poetry in this thrilling finale. Breathtakingly beautiful, and stunning beyond words, Roman and Karine’s dark love story had me hanging on every word. These two have come a long way from The Agreement which shattered me and then completely obliterated my heart in the most unexpected ways. Roman and Karine started unconventionally to say the least, but their relationship can’t be categorized or labelled. If you want an unconventional love story and riveting storytelling, then read this series!
Profile Image for Lara's Bookshelf .
547 reviews12 followers
August 10, 2021
This is the third and last book of The Darkest Lies Trilogy by Bethany-Kris that ends the story of Karine and Roman.

Roman wants to keep Karine save. He wants to help her heal. And he will do everything in his power to do that, even to break her trust.

Karine is finally happy. She is loved and she loves back. But this But this happiness lasts little and she feels betrayed by the one she loves the most.

What a explosive ending to this incredible series. This book was brilliant. It was a masterpiece. It had happiness. It had pain. It had betrayal. The emotions were so raw and so palpable that I could feel them. Karine was such a strong and powerful character that wasn't impossible not to relate with her and with her feelings. Roman was such a complex character and so loving towards Karine that his love was palpable. Their story was dangerous, it was heartbreaking, it was everything. It it hard to say goodbye to these incredible characters and I just want to say thank you Bethany-Kris for creating this epic story.
Profile Image for Nazneen.
394 reviews14 followers
January 23, 2022
Ending was abrupt. I wish there was some epilogue bcz I really wanted to read about their happy times together.
Profile Image for whatjtreads.
1,221 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2021
"The world is yours the second I make it safe for you."

Though this book is titled The Marriage and you expect some happiness here, and there is plenty, Bethany Kris did her best to throw in some twists and pull the rug right out from under you. Just when you thought Roman couldn't be any sweeter and more romantic, in his desire to protect Karine he actually takes away choice from her and breaks a bit of her heart. It's painful to see how both Karine and Roman regress here, and it just goes to show how they both needed each other in their lives in order to survive. As much as Karine needed Roman, he needed her to center his life too.

I love that even after three generations of this family, I'm so invested in all these characters still and want to see how their lives play out. It's truly the mark of a great writer when a reader can look forward to catching up and revisiting with the characters and all the generations after, seeing the danger, the drama, the happy and sad times. This book has plenty of action: Dima's in NY and causing trouble, a dead man comes back to life, Karine and Roman fight and make up, and there's plenty of scenes with the Avdonin family. What I like most here is Karine's desire to work to become healthier, and I love that she got her revenge in the end. For someone who didn't have much choice at the beginning of this trilogy, Karine's character arc was full of painful growth, reflection and self-awareness, and finally, strength to face her demon. Bethany-Kris made Karine's gradual journey from victim to survivor so heartbreaking yet compelling and you just can't help but root for this strong woman.

"All the work he'd put in to protect her, and she was the one who ended up doing the dirty work for them all."

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P.S. Poor Marky :(
Profile Image for Lavender.
187 reviews13 followers
May 4, 2021
4 STARS

The Marriage is the Last call from the Darkest Lies Trilogy. Throughout this series my imagination painted every scene in shades of gray and vibrant red. The world—the life surrounding Roman and Karine was dark but when they came together, or when someone dared to keep them apart—vibrant red. Their love was passionate journey to say the least.

This series was light on the Mafia drama. The plot focused more on their relationship. They put the cart before the horse—married fast, and had to learn from each other while fighting stay alive.

Roman loved Karine as she was, but he wanted her safe and healthy. He would do whatever to help Karine get to that place where she was one with herself and her past demons. Roman's intentions were in the right place, even though he didn't quite get it right every time. Roman was the star of this book for me. He changed drastically from the drugged up playboy in book one.

Roman and Karine's ability to overlook the bloodshed, their secrets showed the depths of their unperfect love and connection. Interesting what they were willing to accept and able to bury for their love. In the end, their love was all that mattered. The bodies were just details.

It was beautiful and dark. Shades of gray with streaks of red.
1,813 reviews11 followers
May 7, 2021
Another spectacular mafia romance from this outstanding author. This features the Russian Bravta world with the NY Avdonin family and the Chicago Yazov family. The Avdonin prince, Roman has all the arrogance and smarts you would expect. He's not perfect but oh so sexy and brilliant especially when he wants something. It's an instant want when he meets the beautiful Karine Yazov even if she's promised to his enemy. But there's so much more to Karine than her looks. She's a complicated heroine with a tragic past and a monster threatening. These characters are so unique and I loved them. Karine with all her mental health issues and Roman willing to do whatever if takes to make her well and happy. This is a terrific romance as Roman and Karine fall in love and hide from their enemies. There are some special moments with Roman's sweet mother and his stern father. Magnificent characters, a thrilling storyline full of suspense, mystery, danger and twists makes this a must read. I love this author's mafia/bravta stories and this one is a favorite with an unusual couple with complicated problems along with the normal brutal criminal worlds they live in. So good. A must read!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
May 8, 2021
The Marriage is the conclusion to Roman & Karine's tumultuous journey, and man it went out with a bang! Oh, and by the way, YOU MUST READ THIS TRILOGY IN ORDER starting with The Agreement (Book 1) & then The Promise (Book 2) otherwise you simply won't grasp the amazing amount of development, especially with our MCs. The rubber is meeting the road at this point, and Roman will have to level up to protect Karine, since she's still being hunted so he marries her. He also has to think about what's best for her even if it doesn't benefit him in the end so our little Roman has become a man now. Things are bigger of course, the angst, the twists, and the danger so I was on the edge of my seat cover to cover. I also want to say kudos to Bethany-Kris for tackling mental health with the realistic brilliance she did (not her first rodeo) as it only added more intensity to the already intense journey between these two. You don't want to miss out on The Darkest Lies Trilogy, and since all of them are out now, there's no reason to not hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Herguiltypasstime.
441 reviews
November 26, 2022
This book embodies all the reasons I have always appreciated Bethany-Kris' writing. A good mix of atypical heroines and their mafia men, real world problems (mental health), bratva power struggles and mystery. I genuinely wanted to know what in the world Maxim was up to, how Dima would meet his end and how Roman and Karine were going to survive the roller-coaster ride they'd been forced to be a part of. I can't imagine being Karine ans giving Roman so many chances after his many f-ups but it worked. I really enjoyed the approaches to mental health and bodily autonomy highlighted in this trilogy too. An unreliable heroine character whose thoughts and inner dialogue can't always be trusted is really fun to read too.

The devotion Roman and Karine had for one another translated perfectly as they fought off and won against their demons-- be it addiction or mental health or abusers. It was a relief to see them overcome these things together and alone.
Profile Image for Wafeeya  Razak.
27 reviews
April 30, 2021
What a wonderful way to end this amazing trilogy.
I have read All of Bethany Kris books and i fall in love with each and every one and this was just amazing. What a way to end the series!
Karine and Roman journey has come to an end in the most wonderful way. I love the way how Roman goes about making everything works, yes he doesnot get it right always but he does get it and he Keep on trying.
This trilogy of love ,mystery ,bloodshed gets you on a roller coaster ride with all the emotions involve and you cannot help but love Roman and Karine and experiences all the emotions felt by them esp.Karine
Thank you Bethany kris for giving us wonderful stories that involves mafia ,love and mental health.
Wonderfully penned
Profile Image for Brigitte .
1,611 reviews23 followers
April 23, 2021
The Marriage is a fitting end to this trilogy. The suspense makes for a compulsive read.

Roman is set on helping Karine, but doesn't always get it right. This, on its own proves to be problematic. The sequence of events from the previous books is revealed in its entirety bringing with it some surprises. The biggest surprise being the way how their main problem is resolved. It's well paced and the characters are well portrayed, even with the complexity of one of the main characters. Some of the scenes are brutal. Family first is a good motto.

I received an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
613 reviews11 followers
April 25, 2021
The emotions in the beginning of this book had me smiling, excited and happy for Karine, but then I found myself crying for her. My heart was breaking right along with her. I could feel her agitation and despair. And Roman, I could only imagine what he was going through with everything happening. You are going to have to read this book to see what happens in the conclusion of this series, which took me completely by surprise. Bethany-Kris is one of the leading authors in luring you in her stories and will bring you to your knees with some of the pain her characters go through. It was without doubt one of the most unique and exceptional books I have read.
Profile Image for Crystal Solis.
383 reviews22 followers
September 5, 2021
Great ending!

Third book in the Darkest Lies Trilogy and it went out with an ending I definitely did not see coming. Karine and Roman have been through so much in this trilogy, the changes they have made in their lives are huge. The trust they have in each other does t come easy, but is there in the end. Some aspects felt a bit rushed, but for the most part it was perfect for them because honestly Roman and Karine are nothing like your normal brat a couples, they are definitely their own unique love story. I’d definitely recommend this trilogy to anyone wanting a good mafia story with a twist.
Profile Image for literary.supremacy.
280 reviews23 followers
April 29, 2021
Gosh, what a way to end this series.. for me it was a good series Really loved it and Roman and Karine's story was such a roller-coaster ride for me. It makes me happy-sad and somewhat leaves bittersweet feelings inside me. *Teary eyes*

I loved Roman what he did for Karine and even at any cost. Their relationship was so good to watch develop and how the story goes. I didn't want it to end so quickly.
Bethany kris writes such amazing books going to check out more of her books.

*arc received in exchange for an honest review*
1,521 reviews45 followers
June 27, 2021
Roman is determined for them to have their happily ever after, but in order to do that he hasn’t to face things and do what’s best for them, even if it hurts Karine.
While Karine finally realises, she’s happy, she has what she’s always wanted, only to find out about being betrayed by Roman, the one person she thought she could trust.
Their happiness doesn’t come easy, they both fight for what they have knowing without the other they can’t survive, but Karine blooms from a victim to a survivor and lets everyone know how strong she’s become.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,622 reviews151 followers
April 23, 2021
This was a perfect if somewhat unexpected ending to this trilogy. Like the previous books the reader is kept guessing what is going to happen in this multi layered story. Roman's love for Karine still shines above everything even when in his desire to protect and help he gets it spectacularly wrong. I liked the scenes with Roman and Demyan seeing the fractured bond slowly repairing itself. All the twists and story threads slowly come together and I loved how in the end Karine became the strong one doing whatever it took for love to prevail.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
April 27, 2021
The Marriage by Bethany-Kris is book Three in The Darkest Lies Trilogy. This continues the story of Roman and Karine. So you really should read the previous books: The Agreement and The Promise before starting this one. Roman of course loves Karine but has taken some turns in the path to it by doing what he thought would protect her. This book just like the previous books will have you turning pages to see what will their story bring next. I enjoyed this series and do recommend it.



5 reviews
April 30, 2021
Love and patience creates forever


This story comes to the darkest lies conclusion where you learn with a little patience two wild soul can learn to trust and love one a other Roman keep his cool while falling for the wild and disturbing Karine doing whatever he had to to keep her safe and loved by him such a powerful storyline and terrific story . Love and recommend the series to all
Profile Image for Mar.
2,230 reviews43 followers
April 28, 2021
4 stars

This was the final book in what's probably one of the most interesting and intense series by BK. I really like both Karine and Roman's journey to their happiness. In this book we got the end of their nightmare and the beginning of their HEA and the closure they both deserved, especially Karine.
I'm very happy with the ending and now I can't wait for whats to come for this Bratva world.
Profile Image for ertisakalaci.
806 reviews
April 26, 2021
3.75*

“𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚, 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒚, 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”

This was a beautiful and surprising way to end this series. I enjoyed seeing Karine's and Roman's growth in this final installment. I always found her strong and in this one she surprised me even more and I also liked Roman's character development.
I was also very happy for the scenes we got with Demyan. He's a favorite character for me and he still shined in this series.

Overall an great, fast-paced and compulsively readable bratva romance that i would recommend if you like the genre.

*ARC kindly provided in exchange of an honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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