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Hawthorn Hills Duet #6

Trust Me: Adam & Mila #2

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Trust Me is book two in Adam and Mila’s duet and book six in the Hawthorn Hills Duet Series. A two-part, angst-filled, secret past love story. Tempt Me must be read before Trust Me in order to enjoy the full story.

Life at its hardest requires trust.

Adam Cooper ran without explanation, right when she needed him most. But she doesn’t know the true depth of his scars.

Mila Collins is everything to him, but she can’t understand the past that still haunts him. And he has no idea about the secrets she’s hiding.

Consumed by their own secrets and fears, they’re about to discover just how much they need each other.

But in order to do that, they’re going to need to learn how to trust.

The Hawthorn Hills Duet Series follows eight couples. Each two-book duet must be read in order to enjoy the couple’s full story, but the series can be read in any order. You’ll find angst-filled, slow-burn, epic love stories along with topical storylines and some amazingly real and raw characters.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2021

1 person is currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Claire Raye

49 books574 followers
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Claire Raye are a BFF writing duo that love to drink wine, eat cheese and write about strong, sassy women and the men who love them.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,661 reviews179 followers
June 26, 2021
I DEVOURED this book. The moment I started reading I couldn’t put it down, I couldn’t get enough of Adam and Mila and I had to know what was going to happen next after the ending of Tempt Me.

Trust Me was an emotional and raw story from start to finish. This book completely GUTTED me. My heart broke for both Adam and Mila. They have each suffered so much loss and trauma, yet somehow found each other and healed each other. Their story is raw, it is beautiful, it is emotional and it is real. These two characters and their stories will forever stay with me.

Mila. I love her. I love her strength. Her determination. Her power. She struggled, but she also fought back. She took her trauma and her past and used it to help others, but other’s also helped her along the way. There just aren’t enough words to describe Mila and her strength.

This story may be difficult for some to read, but it may also help some who are struggling. It’s okay to be broken, it’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to not be okay. Trauma is trauma. Some people may not have experienced the same thing, but they will understand trauma. Never be afraid to ask for help.

If you’re looking for a romance that is so much more and an emotional journey this is one to read.
Profile Image for Ele Scofield.
359 reviews33 followers
June 30, 2021
Claire Raye, rake my soul over hot coals, why don't you? Dear lord, my whole being is exhausted but in that weird, good way.

Adam and Mila's story continues where it left, and it simply won't let up until the end. I read this book is one go, barely moving at all. Trust Me was so raw and emotional and heartbreaking, it's going to stay with me forever. Both Mila and Adam fought so damn hard in this one, so savagely just for a little piece of peace, that at moments I had tears in my eyes (and I don't cry with books or movies!).

Mila's character development, from Ruby's duet to now, was so heartbreaking but also so damn inspiring to witness. Her pain was raw, she was drowning but nobody paid enough attention to offer a hand. She was her own hero through and through. Yes, people helped her and inspired her, but ultimately it was up to her to face her trauma and start battling against it.

Once again, this duo of authors included some touchy subjects and it might be hard for some to read about but it was done with such care and respect. I honestly don't know how they do it without a misstep.

Adam and Mila's duet was a powerful story about people who believe are broken and are stuck in a cycle of self-destruction, where they try to go it alone but come to realise that you can lean on the people you love, just a little bit. That you might not be broken, just bent a little in places. It was about the struggle back to the surface so you can take another breath again. It was about acknowledging there is actually trauma when you have been avoiding it for a long time. It was about determination and a fight deep within, but it was also and a healing kind of love.

Trust Me is a book that you won't wanna miss, but more importantly the Hawthorn Hills series is one that you won't find anything at all similar to it. It is by far one of the best things to come out of 2020. Can't wait for Josh and Charlie's story.
Profile Image for All Booked Out.
472 reviews19 followers
July 7, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!!!

Believe me when I say this, this writing duo has done it again! Trust Me is the conclusion to Mila and Adam’s duet and I’ll admit, I was nervous to read it. It turned up on my kindle and after that cliffhanger I had every intention of diving right in. But something held me back every time I went to start it. Call it self-preservation, fear or just not feeling like I was in the right mind frame for the emotional turmoil I knew I was going to endure. When I finally found the courage though, everything seemed fine. The story was flowing, Adam and Mila were broken but healing, my heart was repairing itself and I only had the slightest sting in my eyes and nose, but no tears. Ha! That’s when it happened. I guess you could say I was relaxed, which left me completely unprepared and then I was bloody blindsided. My already fragile heart cracked wide open, AGAIN, and I bawled like a baby. And I know you read similar things in reviews and think pfft, and of course everyone experiences emotions differently, but the way Claire Raye has written this? It tugged on the ole heart strings, snapped those fuckers right in half and then after yanking on the remaining strands for a bit, slowly and carefully mended them back together. True story!

My emotions were taken on a rollercoaster. My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest, my adrenaline was pumping through my veins, I had to bite the inside of my cheek repeatedly to stop my tears from falling (and failed epically- I should have heeded the warnings of needing tissues) and my heart just physically ached at times. But there were times when all the pain was forgotten. When my chest was filled with the warm and fuzzies, or I was smiling so hard I looked ridiculous or I was overtaken with laughter or just got a case of the giggles.

Now yes, there are sensitive topics that will definitely be perceived as triggers, but, and this is a very big BUT, the duo has woven them into the story in a way that they aren’t overlooked, or diminished, or thrown in your face for shock value, or even beautified. They’re raw, real, honest, bloody hard to read at times but written with a sensitivity that only brings awareness to the topic whilst also allowing the reader to walk away feeling empowered. I don’t know if that makes any sense at all, but for me personally, that’s how it made me feel. My heart broke for both Mila and Adam, but my admiration grew for them the more their mindsets changed, or I guess you could say evolved, their confidence grew, and they got their power back.

I love the Hawthorne series in all its entirety. I love the characters and their relationships as couples, friends and as a family unit. I love Claire Raye and the diverse topics they weave into their stories. And most of all, I love the emotions, feelings and thoughts they provoke with their words. There’s so much more I want to discuss in the hopes it will convince you to read the duet. Mila and Adam’s banter and chemistry, their supportiveness for each other, or the absolute and soul deep love they share but I would only bore you. So, if you’re still here after all of my ramblings, then listen up! You need this duet in your life! Actually, you need the entire series in your life! Go get it now!!
Profile Image for Stacie R..
695 reviews24 followers
July 1, 2021
This series of duets just keeps getting better and better. I didn’t think I’d love anybody like I loved Reid and Sienna, but then we got Ruby and Caleb. And I thought, no way will I love Adam and Mila as much as I loved Ruby and Caleb, but Claire Raye completely blew me away again, and Adam and Mila have moved into my top spot for the Hawthorne Hills gang.

Book 2 of Adam and Mila’s story was utterly heartbreaking, and full of such emotion. But it was also inspiring and uplifting at the same time. Mila and Adam’s growth as individuals and as a duo throughout this entire duet was utter perfection. This story (along with all of these others) is a prime example of real life and relationships. They aren’t always easy, they take hard work and commitment, but they are 100% worth it.

Claire Raye, you ladies absolutely nailed this story. I love how you take real life situations and bring them into your stories. You show the good, the bad, and the ugly but in such a beautiful and amazing way. You give hope, and for that I am thankful for you both. Well done, now let’s bring on Josh and Charlie!
Profile Image for Cindy thismomreadsbooks.
526 reviews22 followers
July 7, 2021
This is the beautiful, emotional and raw conclusion to Adam and Mila’s story (must be read after book 1 Tempt Me).
Going into this book, after the cliff-hanger from book 1, I was already filled with many thoughts and feelings. This book did not let you enter easily and started off with a bang pulling so many different emotions out of you at once. Even though it was filled with angst, I needed to know what would happen next and made it easy to turn the page and difficult to put down.
It was heartbreaking to read about the trauma and struggles both Adam and Mila experienced individually, along with how they go about dealing with it. They both need time to work though everything-but never stop caring, loving or support each other. Their bond is so special, and you wish for nothing short of the best for them.

My love for Mila carried over even more from the first book, she is an unbelievably strong person, and will not shy away from what is right and what needs to be done to help other even if it scares her. I can not say enough amazing things about her!

These authors created characters that as a reader you easily become invested in their past, present and future, even if it is difficult to read at times. It is so wonderful to see the realism in not only the main characters and themes, but the supporting characters as well- they are all dealing with their own battles but provide much needed support and comfort for Adam and Mila.

Overall, this was a wonderfully heartbreaking and empowering story that shows you no matter what happens in your life there will always be people and places there for you when ready. It is a true story about finding support and love in those around you and a belief and trust in not only them, but yourself in order to heal and find HEA.

5 stars

**ARC read, these opinions and review are my own**
Profile Image for Mary.
518 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2021
5 stars

“We’ll always be two broken people who found each other through the darkest of times. Two people who helped each other heal, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”

One of my favorite duets!! This story was beautifully written. What Mila & Adam go through was heartbreaking but it was written so well. Mila is such a strong beautiful women and I love her so much. When she accepts the support around her and really does grow and it was honest. Her story will connect with so many readers out there.
Adam,man he also went through it at well and I’m happy the way his story was written. I love how Claire Raye writes their heroes,it’s a breath of fresh air.

If you are considering reading this Duet please don’t hesitate!!
Profile Image for B-Books Review.
621 reviews27 followers
July 8, 2021
“𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲.”
💛
Let’s talk about “Trust Me by Claire Raye”, 2nd book in the Adam & Mila duet and 6th in the Hawthorn Hills series.
💛
This book pick up right where things were left off in Tempt Me and seriously, can you hear my heart breaking? Normally in a book, one part of the couple is the broken one, while the other is there to try to fix it. Here, Mila and Adam takes the top spot in the messed up team, their past was hunting both of them and by the end I was in awe of how strong and resilient they were.

With every chapter, we discover a little about them and the story of their pasts. They are both eaten by guilty over what happened and their story simply destroyed me, in a good way, every details released created a despair in my heart. It felt like I was living with them. Their love was so profound, yet they weren’t able to tell each other the full extent of their secrets over fear of losing each other. At times I literally screamed at my book because I just wanted them to really talk!

Angst. Raw. Emotional. Powerful. These are just some words on how I can summarize their story. Mila and Adam had to work hard individually to finally trust each other and be together. Their road was a holler coaster, at times it was painful and others I felt so proud of them. Because none of what they’ve been through was easy and even though their traumas were different, they bonded over it. They deserve every little good thing in the world.

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.”

I already loved Ruby (Mila’s sister) in her duet, but now it knows no boundaries. But who I wanted to really talk about is Charlie, Mila’s best friend, their friendship is so pure and a forever kind of thing. She is the kind of person you need to have by your side and I could feel her energy through the pages. Can’t wait to read her story, so Claire and Raye can break me again. Also, can we have a novella about Madison, she said some powerful things and I just think she needs her happy end too. This whole series is a must read.
Profile Image for Luz Dukes.
77 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2021
Trust Me is the 6th book in the Hawthorn Hills Series, and book two in Mila and Adam’s duet.
The book picks up right where the cliffhanger in Tempt Me left off.
First, I want to thank Claire and Raye for never backing down from tough topics. One thing you will always get from Claire and Raye (aside from a super steamy romance,) is REAL stories about REAL people. Mila and Adam are the literal example. I love the organic growth that Mila and Adam go through apart and together. I can’t begin to explain how perfectly blended this whole series is. You get all the amazing, steamy, swoon-worthy stuff with a mix of real life situations. Relatable main characters who are trying to figure life out with their person.
I loved the journey as readers that we get to go on with the MCs. I was rooting for Adam and Mila the whole time. Both MCs going through their own sets of challenges beforehand and coming out of it stronger together.
This duet is not for the faint of heart, but it is so worth the read! Mila and Adam such imperfectly perfect (for each other) people. Which is what makes this an absolute must read! Claire and Raye killing it again!
I’m so beyond excited to read Charlie (Mila’s best friend) and Josh’s (Adam’s brother) duet next! Im so happy we don’t have to say goodbye to Hawthorn Hills just yet!
Profile Image for Sian’s Reading Adventure.
474 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2021
Trust Me by Claire Raye
Hawthorn Hills #6 Adam & Mila #2 - Releasing July 7th

“”Welcome Home.” My eyes close as that crack in my chest widens, knowing that my home is actually thousands of miles away with a girl I miss now more then ever.”

This book was brilliant!! It’s the second book in Adams and Mila Duet, and It covers some very rough topics beautifully and brings out all the feelings with it. So if you have some tissues free have them close by.

If you’ve read this first book in the duet, this book picks up right where is left off and from the very beginning the emotions are following. Adam and Mila have been through some tough times before they meet each other and this second book is about them overcoming everything and facing their demons head one. Whilst facing their demons though they are also trying to navigate their relationship together and find a way to honour their past but go forth.

This book covers some tough topics and I think the girls wrote them beautifully, which helped make the book what it is. I absolutely loved Adams and Mila’s duet and I could not recommend it more. I love this Aussie Bartender and his girls.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Trust Me and for that I’m very grateful.
Profile Image for Misty Warner.
1,174 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2021
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 6th book in the Hawthorn Hills Duet series. It is also the 2nd book in the Adam & Mila series. You MUST read the first book of this duet before starting this one.
This duet was amazing and I don't want to give anything away. Just know there are sensitive subjects but that they are handled beautifully. Also, don't forget the tissues.
Adam & Mila's secrets have finally caught up with them. Adam heads home to Australia to take care of all the things he's been running from. While Mila finally tells her own secrets and starts using her voice. They struggle being alone on different sides of the world but are determined to make it back to each other stronger than before.
While I patiently wait for Josh & Charlie's book I'm headed to read the other books. Since I can't get enough of this series.
Profile Image for huh_lena.
397 reviews
June 30, 2021
Trust Me picks up where Tempt Me left us, so please read the duet in order. Oh boy, buckle up for the ride of your life! Trust Me is emotional, heartbreaking, redeeming, and cathartic.

Tempt Me gives us slow friends-to-lovers, fun, and bashful mood but Trust Me is gritty and emotional so brace yourself for an array of emotions in this duet!

The looming dark clouds of secrets are finally addressed. Forcing Adam and Mila to seek solace in one another. Despite a long road to recovery Mila and Adam’s dedication to one another is unwavering. Their commitment and empathy for one another is truly relationship goals!

Mila and Adam’s story is hands down my FAVORITE duet! Claire Raye created a story that is haunting, healing, compassionate, empathetic, and supportive. Adam is what EVERY book boyfriend dreams are made of!
3,071 reviews17 followers
July 7, 2021
The Power of the Past!!

We are all the sum of the experiences we have had. Good and bad. But if we have not dealt with things properly, they continue to affect ourselves and ultimately those around us

This has transitioned from a beautiful college romance, to a gripping, emotional hang on by your fingernails romance.

If you have some event which defines you, you will feel the struggle again. There are many messages here; professional help, family & friends, focusing on what you can control.

Adam and Mila continue to take a piece of your heart, as they work through their lives, their pasts and their relationship. Simply stunning story which packs a punch.


**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
3,306 reviews70 followers
July 7, 2021
I devoured this book the minute I started reading .What a emotional conclusion to Adam and Mila’s love story .Claire definitely does not shy away from hard topics . She writes them in such a beautiful way , that truly connects you to these characters and allows you to feel what they feel . Adam and MILA are broken in many ways . With the support and love of each other , they slowly start to heal . What a raw , beautiful, emotional journey . There were plenty of tears as I read , watching them try to put all the past and hurt behind them . This is a book that you never want to end . It was truly phenomenal
Profile Image for Emily  T.
351 reviews15 followers
June 29, 2021
What a powerful read! Claire Raye does not shy away from hard topics and they do it in such a beautiful way that connects you to these characters. Adam and Mila are two broken people who slowly start to heal with each other and it’s such a raw journey that they take together. There were so many tears as you watched them try to heal from their pasts and move forward. The love these two have for each other bleeds through the page and their story so wonderfully written, that you can’t help but want their story to never end!
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
Author 25 books310 followers
July 8, 2021
I think that Adam and Mila are my favorite couple of this series! Both of them are great characters with secrets that just complement each other so well! The second book of their duet was an emotional ride for me, from the beginning to the scene by the lake, I loved everything about this book. This was the perfect conclusion to their story. I love Adam and everything that he is and how he is there for Mila through her hard time.
The ladies of Claire Raye did an amazing job with this duet and I can't wait to see how they bring out Charlie and Josh's story.
Can't wait!
My rating : 4.5 stars.
75 reviews
July 8, 2021
This is the second part of Adam and Mila’s story - don’t read it unless you have read the first part!

This is the third set of books in this series and is dedicated to Adam and Mila! I couldn’t wait to read it. The subject matter is sensitively dealt with and well considered. This book will tug at your heartstrings and leave you wanting more.

There are a number of triggers within it and readers should take account of this before reading.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,571 reviews53 followers
July 4, 2021
Such a beautiful ending to Adam and Mila's story after that cliffhanger that Claire Raye left us in the first book. It is so gritty, emotional, heartbreaking and healing. It's another one of Claire Raye's best works. If you've read any of their books, then you'll know that there are going to be hard topics discussed in the story. This story was beautifully written. You felt it straight to your bones every emotion Mila & Adam go through.

You don't want to miss this duet!
Profile Image for Myria.
293 reviews24 followers
July 8, 2021
What a second half for Mila and Adam. 😱 The conclusion to their duet is packed with emotion and love and angst and more love. 🥰 If you haven’t dove into the Hawthorne Hills series by Claire Raye then you need to! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
313 reviews44 followers
July 11, 2021
Wow! What a duet! Adam & Mila are very real very raw characters who are going through life. This duet will no doubt make you go through so many mixed emotions, but it’s so worth it in the end! When life gets hard you need someone you can 100% trust to be there for you when you need them. Claire & Raye know how to pull at your heartstrings & make you feel what the characters are feeling!
Profile Image for Jess Kranenburg.
276 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2021
Wow. Trust Me was everything I wanted in Adam and Mila’s conclusion. It was full of angst and secrets and love and answers 😏 There was also a lot of heartache and trauma shared between the two and I’m not going to lie, like usual the tears flowed 😂 Trust Me is raw and emotional and dives headfirst into topics hard to talk about topics. Anyway make sure you check it out! Trust Me is book 2ao be sure you read Tempt Me first!! Bring on Charlie and Josh, can’t wait for their stories.
Profile Image for Nicola.
423 reviews
July 9, 2021
Trust Me is the sixth book in the Hawthorn Hills series and is book two and the conclusion to Adam and Mila's story.
Trust Me is a heart breaking, gut wrenching tale of love and loss, which shows you only need that special someone to bring you out of your darkness and that there is life after loss.
After Tempt Me had ended Adam and Mila were not in a good way. They were still running from their pasts, keeping their secrets close and unknowingly keeping each other at a distance, not letting anyone get too close.
"The two of us are closer than ever before, but still somehow miles apart because of all the things we aren't telling each other."
But when you run from your pasts and keep secrets from those you love, its bound to catch up with you.
When those secrets come out are Adam and Mila strong enough to handle their past or will they lose the one person who makes them feel everything?
Read Trust Me to find out!
I loved both of Adam and Mila's books, I was gripped from the very beginning and was taken on an emotional rollercoaster that I couldn't get off until I devoured it all!
I received an arc of Trust Me and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
218 reviews
March 30, 2023
Fantastic!

These two went thru hell and made it! I love the difficult topics they faced, and overcame. Great series... I'm on to the next!
Profile Image for Sukriti .
3,646 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2023
"Trust Me: Adam & Mila #2" by Claire Raye is a captivating romance novel that delves into the complexities of trust and love. The story follows Adam and Mila as they navigate challenges, weaving a tale of passion and suspense. Raye skillfully develops the characters, making them relatable and engaging. The plot is well-paced, keeping readers hooked with unexpected twists. The Kindle edition offers convenience, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story effortlessly. With its mix of romance and intrigue, "Trust Me" is a satisfying continuation of the series, showcasing Raye's talent for crafting compelling narratives.
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