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Grimville Reapers #1
Ugly Truths
The first night our eyes met, my life was flipped upside down.
He was supposed to be dangerous—a Grimville Reaper tied directly to the single moment that destroyed me. Every night he walked through my bakery doors intent on protecting me from a second attack, I realized that might not have been the case.
What I didn't expect was to fall for him. To find refuge in his storm.
He knew all of my secrets, especially the ones I wished to forget. Yet, I knew nothing about him.
Despite every ounce of my being warning me against it, I found myself trusting this man—believing in him.
With a heartbreaking past and secrets of his own, could our love still triumph when his ugly truths came into the light?
WARNING: This book is intended for a mature audience only! It contains potential triggers including—but not limited to—sexual assault, mature language, organized criminal behavior, erotic scenes, etc.
Note: This book has been re-branded and refreshed. Please contact Jen Stevens if you have any questions.
He was supposed to be dangerous—a Grimville Reaper tied directly to the single moment that destroyed me. Every night he walked through my bakery doors intent on protecting me from a second attack, I realized that might not have been the case.
What I didn't expect was to fall for him. To find refuge in his storm.
He knew all of my secrets, especially the ones I wished to forget. Yet, I knew nothing about him.
Despite every ounce of my being warning me against it, I found myself trusting this man—believing in him.
With a heartbreaking past and secrets of his own, could our love still triumph when his ugly truths came into the light?
WARNING: This book is intended for a mature audience only! It contains potential triggers including—but not limited to—sexual assault, mature language, organized criminal behavior, erotic scenes, etc.
Note: This book has been re-branded and refreshed. Please contact Jen Stevens if you have any questions.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2021
127 people are currently reading
910 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 25, 2021
Levi and Nora are a match made in heaven....erm maybe a little bit of hell too, because they certainly go through it. This book is extremely intense, raw, and gritty but the main characters found solace in each other. I'm a firm believer in what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I believe that's the theme here.
February 27, 2021
Intense Emotions
Levi and Nova were two broken souls trying to put each other together again. This book dealt with some serious triggers all the while it gave hope in a way that had me even more involved with the characters. My heart broke for the both of them and I wanted nothing more than for them to find some solace and I’m so glad it was their understanding of each other and what they went through that brought light to this story.
Levi and Nova were two broken souls trying to put each other together again. This book dealt with some serious triggers all the while it gave hope in a way that had me even more involved with the characters. My heart broke for the both of them and I wanted nothing more than for them to find some solace and I’m so glad it was their understanding of each other and what they went through that brought light to this story.
March 2, 2021
This is a fantastic debut novel.
My heart broke so many times for Nova. She’s so strong and I was really wishing her some happiness. Levi also hasn’t had it easy. These two were made for each other.
A brilliant read. I can’t wait to read many more from this author.
My heart broke so many times for Nova. She’s so strong and I was really wishing her some happiness. Levi also hasn’t had it easy. These two were made for each other.
A brilliant read. I can’t wait to read many more from this author.
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December 26, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/26/2022)! 🎁
February 6, 2021
Wow! This one was intense and quite raw! I loved it! Levi and Nova's story was just beautiful! Two broken pieces becoming one!
P.S. Isn't the cover awesome?! I love skulls and this design was just a bonus!
P.S. Isn't the cover awesome?! I love skulls and this design was just a bonus!
February 6, 2023
(2.5/5) it was bad. thats it. i dont wanna even explain why cuz im too tired
February 25, 2021
Ugly Truths by Jen Stevens is book one in the Grimville Reapers series. The book focuses on the characters Nova and Levi. Nova is broken after surviving a tragic event which has ultimately changed who she is to her very foundation. Enter Levi, a man who calls to her but has his own demons. As both of them search to mend each other’s broken pieces, truths come to light and they have a fight on their hands, not only to save themselves but each other.
This was a beautifully written book which deals with a lot of traumatic subjects (reader caution advised). I loved the interplay between Nova and Levi as they both showed their vulnerabilities to each other whilst protecting their families (for very different reasons).
This is a dark read due to the issues the characters deal with, but it is also a slow burn romance as both characters learn to trust each other. I enjoyed the fact that Levi didn’t push Nova into anything, but at times he was frustrating due to the amount of guilt he was carrying around. The characters were imperfect which was great to read as it gave them a more realistic feel as they faced their challenges head on.
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
This was a beautifully written book which deals with a lot of traumatic subjects (reader caution advised). I loved the interplay between Nova and Levi as they both showed their vulnerabilities to each other whilst protecting their families (for very different reasons).
This is a dark read due to the issues the characters deal with, but it is also a slow burn romance as both characters learn to trust each other. I enjoyed the fact that Levi didn’t push Nova into anything, but at times he was frustrating due to the amount of guilt he was carrying around. The characters were imperfect which was great to read as it gave them a more realistic feel as they faced their challenges head on.
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
February 27, 2021
This is the 1st in a new series and what a heartwrenching tale Leni and Nova’s story is! These two are broken yet perfect for each other as they heal together. These two certainly are put through the wringer in this storyline, and challenges which they had to overcome. This is a well written dark, intense, raw, gritty, emotional roller coaster, as well as having secrets, heartbreak, and love. I was intrigued throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Be aware that there may be triggers for some readers due to the content!
February 16, 2021
Ok wow I really enjoyed Ugly Truths it would be the first book that I've read by Jen Stevens and I can't wait to read more by the author in the future . Nova my heart really went out to her character and just what she goes through just blew my mind she did frustrate me with one thing and it was how she handled information the hero confided in her about but that would be the only thing that bugged me about her character . Now Levi I just fell for this hero so hard loved how he is with the heroine and how he protects her he also did something I wasn't happy with but in the end I still loved him big time . Nova and Levi were perfect for one another they healed the other beautifully and I really wanted them to find a happy ending . I really didn't like the side characters they seemed very selfish and I don't think they redeemed themselves in the end the only person who seemed to really look out for the hero was his friend an he was hardly in this I hope he gets a book . I also felt a lot of things were kind of unanswered I hope we get some answers in the next books in the series , would have also loved more scenes of the couple being a couple I felt like there wasn't a lot of that it was a bit rushed it seemed . I did like this story it had a lot of heart and just made me feel many emotions I can't wait to read what's to come .
stars = 4.5
hero = 4.5
heroine = 4.5
side characters = 2
steam = 3
stars = 4.5
hero = 4.5
heroine = 4.5
side characters = 2
steam = 3
February 26, 2021
I was lucky enough to get an ARC from fellow author Jen Stevens for her new book Ugly Truths. I'm glad I did because it was really good. I love how Jen writes. She crafts her sentences in a way that conveys all the emotions her characters are feeling. And of course there was the Levi, the main H. Compassionate, caring...the perfect book boyfriend. This book is a must on anyone's TBR.
January 26, 2023
This was just not the book for me… I gave it a fair chance, but I did wind up skimming quite a bit towards the end. I didn’t connect well with the characters, and the plot felt like it was created just to absolutely torture the characters for hundreds of pages until their magical HEA.
February 20, 2021
This was a super intense read. Like, I’m still all charged up after the gamut of emotions that I’ve run through.
I love Levi, can I just put that out there? Kind and compassionate, caring and steady, he was exactly what Nora needed.
And Nora. No one should have to battle the heartbreak that she did over the course of this. The girl went through it. A lot. A very serious trial by fire. But she made it through with some help, and came out better for it.
I really enjoyed, but it was definitely a ride.
I love Levi, can I just put that out there? Kind and compassionate, caring and steady, he was exactly what Nora needed.
And Nora. No one should have to battle the heartbreak that she did over the course of this. The girl went through it. A lot. A very serious trial by fire. But she made it through with some help, and came out better for it.
I really enjoyed, but it was definitely a ride.
January 31, 2021
Levi and Nova prove that broken takes many forms. This book ripped out my heart and wiped the floor with it. I can't even begin with how many tears I shed. I couldn't put this book down because despite how ugly others have left them, the truth is that they became a better form of themselves from it.
I love a book that makes you see the characters as genuine, imperfect and most of all human. There is no way to read this book and not go through lots of tissues, hurt eyes and seeing our leads as survivors. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
I love a book that makes you see the characters as genuine, imperfect and most of all human. There is no way to read this book and not go through lots of tissues, hurt eyes and seeing our leads as survivors. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
February 28, 2021
I thought Jen Stevens was a new to me author, but it turns out that she's new to all of us since Ugly Truths is a debut which frankly blew my mind. I really want to start out by saying that this story is very intense & dark with a realistic feel to it that I was actually highly emotional so please heed the warnings of triggers. It all starts out with Nova involved in a traumatic event that would change every one of us like it did her. I'm still upset as I think about what she went through as this author wrote it raw so it hit differently. There's no pat answer on how to heal from something like that, and Nova had decided to not talk to anyone about it, so she went down a dark hole until Levi showed up. He's a man with his own set of very dark demons, but he felt like watching over Nova was the right thing to do, and it was slow going (again the realism) as she started letting her walls down very slowly to let him in. And that's not even the end of the chaos as danger is still stalking her & even him so I was on the edge of my seat alternating between tears & colorful metaphor name calling cover to cover. I don't want to give anything else away so I'll just end it here by HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING!
March 10, 2021
Please read the trigger warnings!!! Topics and themes in this book are intense, so please take care of yourself when reading. On with the review! First thing to catch my eye is the cover (I'm a sucker for a good looking cover) then the title. This story beautifully (as an author can) depicts trauma and its effects. I found myself relating to Nova on a level that I haven't with previous characters. She was focused on making sure everyone around her was okay until Levi stepped into her bakery. Through this connection, she is able to start taking care of herself and with time mend the relationships important to her. At the same time, Levi is trying to become the person he wants sees as being "worthy" of Nova. With this read, I spent time finishing the book because Nova's story is important. Thank you, Jen Stevens, for sharing Nova and Levi's story. I cannot wait to get buy my copy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2021
Nova suffers one of the most devastating attacks a woman can and survives, but not alone. She finds strength and healing from the most unlikely person.
Levi didn’t have a great start in life. His mom hated him just for existing. He never felt he had options in life, so he took the only one he felt was available to him, the Grimville Reapers.
Emotional, raw, intense and a really good read. I thought it was an MC book, but I may have been wrong, but the Grimville Reapers are on the wrong side of the law and it is spread throughout this story. I love a strong female, even if it doesn't seem to be the case at times. And a broken man is always heart wrenching. It’s a good debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author. 4 Stars
Levi didn’t have a great start in life. His mom hated him just for existing. He never felt he had options in life, so he took the only one he felt was available to him, the Grimville Reapers.
Emotional, raw, intense and a really good read. I thought it was an MC book, but I may have been wrong, but the Grimville Reapers are on the wrong side of the law and it is spread throughout this story. I love a strong female, even if it doesn't seem to be the case at times. And a broken man is always heart wrenching. It’s a good debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author. 4 Stars
February 27, 2021
"I didn't expect to fall for him. To find refuge in his storm. But with a heartbreaking past and secrets of his own, could our love still triumph when his ugly truths came into the light?"
This story was so intense, so emotional; I'm still reeling.
OMG, I loved Levi!!!
It was a perfect rainy day to read a novel that brought me to tears! It's not all sad though! Perhaps an HEA is still underfoot!
Triggers for sure, so take care, but a great dark read!
This story was so intense, so emotional; I'm still reeling.
OMG, I loved Levi!!!
It was a perfect rainy day to read a novel that brought me to tears! It's not all sad though! Perhaps an HEA is still underfoot!
Triggers for sure, so take care, but a great dark read!
November 4, 2024
Nova and Levi's story will have your heart breaking and being held together by the bond these two create. Both having suffered the find each other when they feel there could be nothing left within them to give. The story has you captivated from the get go and the characters make you feel every raw emotion possible. Well written with a great story line and well developed and in depth characters
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2021
Great debut book by this author! The characters are highly developed in the storyline is intriguing, intense and emotionally charged! Get your tissues ready because the story will leave you with an emotional hangover. Levi and Nova are two broken characters that feel they have nothing left to give. They were perfect for each other but can they heal each other? I’m really looking forward to this series!!
March 6, 2021
What an emotional and dark story!! Straight away I was hooked, the first chapter blew me away....it was definitely an OMG moment!! The whole story was dark, twisted and so full of suspense, I didn't want it to end!
The only slight downside was the amount of internal monologue which at times felt a little repetitive, it didn't stop me enjoying the story though!
Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The only slight downside was the amount of internal monologue which at times felt a little repetitive, it didn't stop me enjoying the story though!
Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2021
This is a new author to me and I look forward to more books in the Grimville Reapers series. Ugly Truths was an emotional rollercoaster from page 1. Levi and Nova, each tormented by their pasts and own demons manage to find each other and face their demons head on. Would love to see their characters in a later book to find out how they are doing!
March 1, 2021
A heartbreaking and raw story of 2 broken people, who make each other whole again. Levi and Nova are complex character and their story is an intense, emotional rollercoaster that will make you cry and swoon. I loved it from beginning to end.
March 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dark themes within the story. It kept me on edge but was exciting to read at the same time. The sex scenes were hot! Overall a very exciting and thrilling read.
March 22, 2021
4 1/2 stars
A story that was dark and very compelling. It had me emotionally invested in their story. Great storytelling.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
A story that was dark and very compelling. It had me emotionally invested in their story. Great storytelling.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
April 22, 2022
I believe I came across this book on TikTok, and I'm so glad I snagged it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
This book . . . OMG. It ripped my soul out and sucked me into the pages all at once. The author--absolutely phenomenal. She did a brilliant freaking job with this storyline. The characters were believable. The heroine's pain was so real and resonated so deeply within me. The pain the Hero experienced killed me. And I LOVED how realistic it all was because I've been there. I know what each of the characters has been through and are healing from.
Let me give a bow to this brilliant author.
The reason for the 4-star review: The formatting (indents) made it a bit hard to read at times. I kind of struggled there.
Also, there was a bit of a discrepancy between Nova and Levi's mother. At first, she knew who she was, and then later in the book, she didn't. And somehow, she knew about what happened to Nova when no one else did, and I knew Levi didn't tell her. If it weren't for those things, this would have been a solid 5-star book for sure.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
This book . . . OMG. It ripped my soul out and sucked me into the pages all at once. The author--absolutely phenomenal. She did a brilliant freaking job with this storyline. The characters were believable. The heroine's pain was so real and resonated so deeply within me. The pain the Hero experienced killed me. And I LOVED how realistic it all was because I've been there. I know what each of the characters has been through and are healing from.
Let me give a bow to this brilliant author.
The reason for the 4-star review: The formatting (indents) made it a bit hard to read at times. I kind of struggled there.
Also, there was a bit of a discrepancy between Nova and Levi's mother. At first, she knew who she was, and then later in the book, she didn't. And somehow, she knew about what happened to Nova when no one else did, and I knew Levi didn't tell her. If it weren't for those things, this would have been a solid 5-star book for sure.
August 2, 2023
Tragic but beautiful
This one was a twisting story of two broken individuals who come together and help each other heal. There are moments that are very hard to read and an equal amount of moments that are really satisfying. This felt more about healing and justice than it did about the love story, and that was a nice change from all the stories that the main focus seems to be the love story even when they try to convince you it's not. Overall, it is worth the read and getting to explore these characters!
This one was a twisting story of two broken individuals who come together and help each other heal. There are moments that are very hard to read and an equal amount of moments that are really satisfying. This felt more about healing and justice than it did about the love story, and that was a nice change from all the stories that the main focus seems to be the love story even when they try to convince you it's not. Overall, it is worth the read and getting to explore these characters!
February 10, 2023
absolutely loved this book all the emotions going on were so real, their were two broken souls trying to mend each other, the tension and the character amazing, very well paced, i wish that the flashbacks were short chapter but over all loved levi and nova so very much this book got me out of my slump i loved how they met and how he was so careful and caring levi was towards nova. i wish that sarah wouldve been more involved and played a bigger role but overall its really an amazing book
February 15, 2023
This book was a very action packed romance. It kept me on my toes in all points of the story and I liked that. Personally, I thought bits of it were surface level and it could’ve gone deeper. They could’ve actually had a trial, and focused on Nova’s struggles through that with Levi. Instead, the trial was avoided and we skipped to a year later. I did enjoy the writing and I thought it expressed sexual assault and the responses to it in a very human way.
June 21, 2023
3.5 rounded up
A well-told story about some very difficult topics. It is however in need of some proofreading.
Though many of the events and themes in this book are quite heavy and dark, I would personally NOT classify this as a dark romance. That is to say, while the main characters each have demons and troubles to face over the course of the book, the nature of their relationship is quite gentle, wholesome, and heartwarming.
A well-told story about some very difficult topics. It is however in need of some proofreading.
Though many of the events and themes in this book are quite heavy and dark, I would personally NOT classify this as a dark romance. That is to say, while the main characters each have demons and troubles to face over the course of the book, the nature of their relationship is quite gentle, wholesome, and heartwarming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews