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The Lies that Bind Us
My life was perfect: the school of my dreams with the boy of my dreams, playing the sport of my dreams.
Until that boy destroyed our future – now I’m numb, each day passing in a colorless void.
When joy comes from the last place I could have imagined, I pick up the pieces and put together a new life.
Now that boy is back, and the man he’s become wants to right the past and discover a new beginning.
It’s up to me to decide if we can overcome the lies that bind us.
Until that boy destroyed our future – now I’m numb, each day passing in a colorless void.
When joy comes from the last place I could have imagined, I pick up the pieces and put together a new life.
Now that boy is back, and the man he’s become wants to right the past and discover a new beginning.
It’s up to me to decide if we can overcome the lies that bind us.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2021
49 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
H.P. Davenport
7 books465 followersParalegal by day, romance genius by night! When she's not tending to her furry children, HP DAVENPORT is seamlessly carving beautiful stories from her mind in her comfy PJs in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 29, 2021
So in my book, yep, it IS cheating and don't agree with author that there is "no cheating". Sorry - not sorry.
This was a DNF for me. Read up to 25-30%
UPDATE:
July 1, 2021
I've been struggling with how I want to write this review, because on one hand, it was truly an emotional story and I loved our heroine so much. She's the reason why I wanted to rate it higher, but ultimately I just couldn't.. because then there was the supposed "hero" of the story. *eternal face palm.* Look, I love angsty love stories as much as the rest of the romance community, but there's angst.. and then there's this.
So a little backstory: Nolan (H) and Raya (h) are head over heels in love with each other and despite how young they are, they are determined to spend the rest of their lives together. Until Nolan suddenly has a personality switch and makes out with another woman right in front of Raya at a party, and then acts like he slept with her too. Raya is obviously devastated and has no idea way the supposed love of her life would cheat on her, much less humiliate her in such a public way, that she goes back the next morning only to see the same OW Nolan kissed walking out of his house. She puts two and two together and realizes that Nolan isn't the man she thought she was, and she was in love with a pretty lie this entire time. The only good thing about all of this is that she has all of Nolan's brothers on her side (they all grew up together and are extremely close) and they don't hesitate to turn their backs on Nolan to take care of their friend/surrogate little sister. (Which honestly, was one of my favorite parts of the book. We don't support cheaters here, no matter if we're related to them or not.) So time passes and Raya goes onto college, thinking that Nolan will be enrolling with her and on campus since that's what they planned. More time passes and she still hasn't seen him, but she just thinks that since the campus is so big she keeps missing him. She throws herself into her soccer, her new friends, her roommate, and the swoony Keegan who has made it known how into her she is. Until once again poor Raya's life is turned on it's head when she finds out she's pregnant.
So why all the drama you ask? Why all the heartbreak? Well, it seems Nolan here decided at the last minute to enlist, and he just couldn't bring himself to tell his sweet Raya, so he stages their last night together to make it look like he cheated -- even though he didn't. Good god, I want to high five this dude in the face with a chair. So instead of just being HONEST with the girl you are supposedly so in love with, you just turn into a coward and publically humiliate her in the worst way possible? But it's ok because you're going to get her back once your time in the military is up? HA. HA. HA. This fucking man. AND when he comes back five years later --not once visiting his parents/family since he left, AND turning down any contact Raya tried to make with him telling about her life changes (and ya know.. his.) he comes back with an attitude the size of Texas and acts like HE'S the one who has been wronged. I just can't. He gets in a physical altercation with his brothers, he fights with his mom & dad, he accuses Raya of being a slut and sleeping with his brother the first chance she got, (which we know she obviously didn't) and then got mad when he found out that she kept such a huge secret (spoiler, she didn't. It was his own stupidity that kept him from knowing) There was just so much stupid going on with Nolan, and I just couldn't fathom why Raya still loved him so much. If my ex came back and basically slut shamed me in front of everyone that I was close to, as well as acting like I kept something from HIM I would be saying Thank you, Next faster than you could blink. And I would be OWNING falling in love with someone ten times better than him. But I digress. So after Nolan finally figures how wrong he's being (lets give that boy a golden star for coming to terms with that, hm?) he does a whole other personality switch and decides he's going to be with Raya because he knows she secretly still loves him. So he'll just force his way back into her life, back into her bed, and make her feel all those swoony feelings she once felt for him, despite her saying that she doesn't want him anymore and at best they can be friends. But here I am swooning so freaking much because the man who broke her knows her better than she knows herself and proceeds to ignore her wishes and wants. Good lord, sign me up for a relationship like this! (Obvious sarcasm, btw)
It ends in a HEA, but honestly, I would have loved to have seen Nolan run back off to wherever again and have Raya end up with either Keegan or Nolan's oldest brother who truly actually seemed to love her. But nooooo, the douchebag wins in this case because he's finally learned his lesson about and lying and keeping secrets, and since he's over it, everyone should be too. True romance!!! Oh, and although it's never really touched on, Nolan was with multiple other women during their separation, whereas Raya could only stomach to sleep with someone else one time, and she felt so guilty afterwards. *SWOOOONNNNN****
Based on the reviews, I'm obviously in the minority here but I just couldn't stand Nolan. I truly tried to connect with him and feel something beyond disdain but I couldn't. I don't think I've disliked a hero this much in so long.
That's not to say though that this author isn't talented, because she truly is. I absolutely adore her, and I'm in no way trying to be mean with my review. This book just wasn't for me. But if the rest of the series follows Nolan's brothers I will definitely be reading them because they were absolutely amazing. Every single one of them are spectacular men, and I just know would treat their women the way they are supposed to be treated.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
So a little backstory: Nolan (H) and Raya (h) are head over heels in love with each other and despite how young they are, they are determined to spend the rest of their lives together. Until Nolan suddenly has a personality switch and makes out with another woman right in front of Raya at a party, and then acts like he slept with her too. Raya is obviously devastated and has no idea way the supposed love of her life would cheat on her, much less humiliate her in such a public way, that she goes back the next morning only to see the same OW Nolan kissed walking out of his house. She puts two and two together and realizes that Nolan isn't the man she thought she was, and she was in love with a pretty lie this entire time. The only good thing about all of this is that she has all of Nolan's brothers on her side (they all grew up together and are extremely close) and they don't hesitate to turn their backs on Nolan to take care of their friend/surrogate little sister. (Which honestly, was one of my favorite parts of the book. We don't support cheaters here, no matter if we're related to them or not.) So time passes and Raya goes onto college, thinking that Nolan will be enrolling with her and on campus since that's what they planned. More time passes and she still hasn't seen him, but she just thinks that since the campus is so big she keeps missing him. She throws herself into her soccer, her new friends, her roommate, and the swoony Keegan who has made it known how into her she is. Until once again poor Raya's life is turned on it's head when she finds out she's pregnant.
So why all the drama you ask? Why all the heartbreak? Well, it seems Nolan here decided at the last minute to enlist, and he just couldn't bring himself to tell his sweet Raya, so he stages their last night together to make it look like he cheated -- even though he didn't. Good god, I want to high five this dude in the face with a chair. So instead of just being HONEST with the girl you are supposedly so in love with, you just turn into a coward and publically humiliate her in the worst way possible? But it's ok because you're going to get her back once your time in the military is up? HA. HA. HA. This fucking man. AND when he comes back five years later --not once visiting his parents/family since he left, AND turning down any contact Raya tried to make with him telling about her life changes (and ya know.. his.) he comes back with an attitude the size of Texas and acts like HE'S the one who has been wronged. I just can't. He gets in a physical altercation with his brothers, he fights with his mom & dad, he accuses Raya of being a slut and sleeping with his brother the first chance she got, (which we know she obviously didn't) and then got mad when he found out that she kept such a huge secret (spoiler, she didn't. It was his own stupidity that kept him from knowing) There was just so much stupid going on with Nolan, and I just couldn't fathom why Raya still loved him so much. If my ex came back and basically slut shamed me in front of everyone that I was close to, as well as acting like I kept something from HIM I would be saying Thank you, Next faster than you could blink. And I would be OWNING falling in love with someone ten times better than him. But I digress. So after Nolan finally figures how wrong he's being (lets give that boy a golden star for coming to terms with that, hm?) he does a whole other personality switch and decides he's going to be with Raya because he knows she secretly still loves him. So he'll just force his way back into her life, back into her bed, and make her feel all those swoony feelings she once felt for him, despite her saying that she doesn't want him anymore and at best they can be friends. But here I am swooning so freaking much because the man who broke her knows her better than she knows herself and proceeds to ignore her wishes and wants. Good lord, sign me up for a relationship like this! (Obvious sarcasm, btw)
It ends in a HEA, but honestly, I would have loved to have seen Nolan run back off to wherever again and have Raya end up with either Keegan or Nolan's oldest brother who truly actually seemed to love her. But nooooo, the douchebag wins in this case because he's finally learned his lesson about and lying and keeping secrets, and since he's over it, everyone should be too. True romance!!! Oh, and although it's never really touched on, Nolan was with multiple other women during their separation, whereas Raya could only stomach to sleep with someone else one time, and she felt so guilty afterwards. *SWOOOONNNNN****
Based on the reviews, I'm obviously in the minority here but I just couldn't stand Nolan. I truly tried to connect with him and feel something beyond disdain but I couldn't. I don't think I've disliked a hero this much in so long.
That's not to say though that this author isn't talented, because she truly is. I absolutely adore her, and I'm in no way trying to be mean with my review. This book just wasn't for me. But if the rest of the series follows Nolan's brothers I will definitely be reading them because they were absolutely amazing. Every single one of them are spectacular men, and I just know would treat their women the way they are supposed to be treated.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
August 22, 2021
It’s an emotionally charged story with solid writing.
I struggled that the h ended up with the H after being surrounded by such an amazing supporting cast.
The H was short sighted and selfish and set things up to look like he cheated in order to break the h’s heart instead of being honest and telling her that he was enlisting rather than following her to college. He admits that he would might not have come back if his mother wasn’t sick.
When he did come back, he blamed the h and his family for everything that he missed. He wanted a second chance with the h, despite refusing contact with her for the last 5 years.
It frustrated me to no end that he summarised the initial lack of success at getting back together with the h as the h being stubborn rather than him just not deserving another chance.
I struggled that the h ended up with the H after being surrounded by such an amazing supporting cast.
The H was short sighted and selfish and set things up to look like he cheated in order to break the h’s heart instead of being honest and telling her that he was enlisting rather than following her to college. He admits that he would might not have come back if his mother wasn’t sick.
When he did come back, he blamed the h and his family for everything that he missed. He wanted a second chance with the h, despite refusing contact with her for the last 5 years.
It frustrated me to no end that he summarised the initial lack of success at getting back together with the h as the h being stubborn rather than him just not deserving another chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2021
Great read! This was my first H.P. Davenport novel, but I don’t think it’ll be my last.
Childhood sweethearts turned broken-hearted strangers in this angsty story of hurt, healing, and forgiveness. It was an incredible journey, and I dare you not to fall in love with Raya and her band of faithful friends. She’s strong, resilient, and ready to move forward in life without Nolan, but… is she really?
When Nolan breaks Raya’s heart for seemingly no reason at all, she walks away from a relationship she’s cherished since childhood. While she goes on to college and builds the façade of a normal life, Nolan joins the military and vows that she’ll be better off without him, and she might have been, except…
No spoilers here; you’ll have to read the book to find out more, but trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
The Lies That Bind Us is a five-star story about heartbreak, healing, and forgiveness. Highly recommended!! Go, get it now. You won’t regret it.
Childhood sweethearts turned broken-hearted strangers in this angsty story of hurt, healing, and forgiveness. It was an incredible journey, and I dare you not to fall in love with Raya and her band of faithful friends. She’s strong, resilient, and ready to move forward in life without Nolan, but… is she really?
When Nolan breaks Raya’s heart for seemingly no reason at all, she walks away from a relationship she’s cherished since childhood. While she goes on to college and builds the façade of a normal life, Nolan joins the military and vows that she’ll be better off without him, and she might have been, except…
No spoilers here; you’ll have to read the book to find out more, but trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
The Lies That Bind Us is a five-star story about heartbreak, healing, and forgiveness. Highly recommended!! Go, get it now. You won’t regret it.
June 25, 2021
Feels 5
Steam 3
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Stephanie
This second chance love story was one hell of an emotionally intense roller coaster. It had so many ups and downs, twists and turns that my head felt like it would never stop spinning. It’s a story that held the promise of that sweet and special forever kind of love. The kind some people wait their whole life for and still may never find. But for Raya and Nolan, it always lived next door. That is until a lie took the lives they knew and their plans and destroyed it all.
“My future was all planned out, one I thought I wanted. One I know I will regret walking away from in years to come.”
Raya and Nolan grew up next door to each other. Their families shared an amazing bond. Once the two became more than friends, it was clear to them and everyone around them that they were forever. They planned to go to college together with this bright and beautiful future but Nolan made a choice. He kept a secret from Raya and right before they were to go away to school, he took her heart, held it in his hands and shattered it. His lie and betrayal irrevocably destroyed all they were.
“What I’m about to do will alter my life forever. I will hurt the one person I promised I never would. I’m a fucking coward. If I’d only been honest with her, things would be different.”
I loved Raya. She was fierce, determined and didn’t let what happened harden her. Yes, it may have broken and changed her. But in time she rebuilt herself into a stronger more confident Raya and discovered she had so many other beautiful things to live for and love. I struggled big time with Nolan. I didn’t understand the need for his secret. Or why he chose to do what he did to Raya. Why do things that way? Why be a coward? I will be honest...I despised him most of the book.
“Our futures were meant to be together. But his love is now my enemy.”
I really enjoyed this story. I was a mess for a while with a pile of tear soaked tissues and a half drunk bottle of wine by my side to keep me company as the author broke our hearts over and over again. But then she slowly and carefully put the pieces back together. This is not an easy story and as much as I loved Raya, I hated Nolan. Most of the book but Nolan did grow on me. There were parts of the story where I was rooting for a few other key players to make their moves. I found myself thinking they would have been better choices...easier choices but love isn’t always easy. I think the only reasons this wasn’t a five star read for me is because at first I struggled with how part of the story started out...when Raya was at college and went back home but it all came together as it should have. The other reason was Nolan and his choice...his secret. I had a hard time getting past that. But overall, I really did love this book and the author is such a fantastic storyteller. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for the Callahan family and friends.
“Let me love you. Let me fix what I broke.”
Steam 3
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Stephanie
This second chance love story was one hell of an emotionally intense roller coaster. It had so many ups and downs, twists and turns that my head felt like it would never stop spinning. It’s a story that held the promise of that sweet and special forever kind of love. The kind some people wait their whole life for and still may never find. But for Raya and Nolan, it always lived next door. That is until a lie took the lives they knew and their plans and destroyed it all.
“My future was all planned out, one I thought I wanted. One I know I will regret walking away from in years to come.”
Raya and Nolan grew up next door to each other. Their families shared an amazing bond. Once the two became more than friends, it was clear to them and everyone around them that they were forever. They planned to go to college together with this bright and beautiful future but Nolan made a choice. He kept a secret from Raya and right before they were to go away to school, he took her heart, held it in his hands and shattered it. His lie and betrayal irrevocably destroyed all they were.
“What I’m about to do will alter my life forever. I will hurt the one person I promised I never would. I’m a fucking coward. If I’d only been honest with her, things would be different.”
I loved Raya. She was fierce, determined and didn’t let what happened harden her. Yes, it may have broken and changed her. But in time she rebuilt herself into a stronger more confident Raya and discovered she had so many other beautiful things to live for and love. I struggled big time with Nolan. I didn’t understand the need for his secret. Or why he chose to do what he did to Raya. Why do things that way? Why be a coward? I will be honest...I despised him most of the book.
“Our futures were meant to be together. But his love is now my enemy.”
I really enjoyed this story. I was a mess for a while with a pile of tear soaked tissues and a half drunk bottle of wine by my side to keep me company as the author broke our hearts over and over again. But then she slowly and carefully put the pieces back together. This is not an easy story and as much as I loved Raya, I hated Nolan. Most of the book but Nolan did grow on me. There were parts of the story where I was rooting for a few other key players to make their moves. I found myself thinking they would have been better choices...easier choices but love isn’t always easy. I think the only reasons this wasn’t a five star read for me is because at first I struggled with how part of the story started out...when Raya was at college and went back home but it all came together as it should have. The other reason was Nolan and his choice...his secret. I had a hard time getting past that. But overall, I really did love this book and the author is such a fantastic storyteller. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for the Callahan family and friends.
“Let me love you. Let me fix what I broke.”
June 13, 2021
Nolan & Raya's story is a beautifully told angst-fest.
I admit - I did not connect with Nolan for most of the story. I WANTED to. I wanted to sympathize or empathize with him, but ... I really just think he was an idiot. He had reasons for the decisions he made and actions he took, but I didn't connect with those reasons. I think he needed his butt kicked. Several times.
Eventually, he gets his head outta his butt & screwed on straight, thankfully. Meanwhile, I liked Raya for most of the story. Her decisions & her heart & her hurt made sense to me. The friendships she formed & how they progressed, made sense to me, and I was happy she had them in her life.
And, although I didn't enjoy Nolan, I DID enjoy his relationship w/ one of the characters quite a bit. I won't say who or how or what bc I think it would be spoilery, but I'll just say that those particular scenes are where I found my connection with him, and I was happy to have that & happy HE had that.
So, grab your tissues & a drink, sit down & dive in to this heartfelt story. And get ready to look forward to the other couples in the series, as well!
: )
I admit - I did not connect with Nolan for most of the story. I WANTED to. I wanted to sympathize or empathize with him, but ... I really just think he was an idiot. He had reasons for the decisions he made and actions he took, but I didn't connect with those reasons. I think he needed his butt kicked. Several times.
Eventually, he gets his head outta his butt & screwed on straight, thankfully. Meanwhile, I liked Raya for most of the story. Her decisions & her heart & her hurt made sense to me. The friendships she formed & how they progressed, made sense to me, and I was happy she had them in her life.
And, although I didn't enjoy Nolan, I DID enjoy his relationship w/ one of the characters quite a bit. I won't say who or how or what bc I think it would be spoilery, but I'll just say that those particular scenes are where I found my connection with him, and I was happy to have that & happy HE had that.
So, grab your tissues & a drink, sit down & dive in to this heartfelt story. And get ready to look forward to the other couples in the series, as well!
: )
Read
July 4, 2021 The Lies That Bind is a good read. Raya has everything planned out. She and her boyfriend, Nolan are going to college together. Nolan has other plans and pretty much pulls the rug out underneath her. She's a strong girl and tries hard to move on. I felt for her. She's a likable character. Nolan has brothers who stand by Raya. I liked how they had her back. Nolan was an okay character. He does things that had me scratching my head wondering why. He's gone for five years before he comes back and things have changed. He wants Raya back but she not going to make it easy for him. She's gone through a lot and we hurt by Nolan so she's doesn't want to love right back into his arms but their love and connection is son strong.
June 28, 2021
Life done together, a childhood spent playing until the sparks of something more. High school sweethearts, the best of friends and secure in their blossoming love. A future planned together and dreams coming true...until he shatters them. Now she’s broken and her world will never be the same. He doesn’t know it yet, but he is too. Now he wants what he never should have let go. Lies, betrayal and secrets have warped the innocence of their past.
Their new lives are entwined with the old. Their ties run deep. He’s back home and she’s afraid. She’s built strong walls that no one else has been able to penetrate. Yet, he’s her soul.
“After all this time, I still only ever loved her. I still crave her. I’ve always wanted her.”
He knows he’s in for the fight of his life but he won’t give up. After all this time, can he repair their hearts and fix the lies that bind them together?
I knew going into this I was going to have my heart shaken up. It’s what HP Davenport does best. Your emotions run the gamut in this story. The hate and despair, the yearning and love, the frustration...I have never wanted to shake characters as badly as I did these. The angst these pages are filled with makes your heart ache. It’s frustrating and fantastic at the same time. They were made for one another and you know it has to happen but the emotional upheaval to get there is tough to trudge through. Then, when you think there’s no hope and this could go on forever, a few words from the past help those walls of hers tumble down.
“Sometimes love deserves a second chance.”
Davenport takes us on a beautifully painful story watching love break apart and then find it’s way home again
Their new lives are entwined with the old. Their ties run deep. He’s back home and she’s afraid. She’s built strong walls that no one else has been able to penetrate. Yet, he’s her soul.
“After all this time, I still only ever loved her. I still crave her. I’ve always wanted her.”
He knows he’s in for the fight of his life but he won’t give up. After all this time, can he repair their hearts and fix the lies that bind them together?
I knew going into this I was going to have my heart shaken up. It’s what HP Davenport does best. Your emotions run the gamut in this story. The hate and despair, the yearning and love, the frustration...I have never wanted to shake characters as badly as I did these. The angst these pages are filled with makes your heart ache. It’s frustrating and fantastic at the same time. They were made for one another and you know it has to happen but the emotional upheaval to get there is tough to trudge through. Then, when you think there’s no hope and this could go on forever, a few words from the past help those walls of hers tumble down.
“Sometimes love deserves a second chance.”
Davenport takes us on a beautifully painful story watching love break apart and then find it’s way home again
June 29, 2021
"I know when I am reading a great book because I cannot stop thinking about it and anticipating how the story will play out. Sometimes I am spot on, but most of the time I am way off base.
The start of Nolan and Raya’s book was both heartbreaking and shocking but it set up the rest of the story in that I could somewhat guess how it would end but I certainly couldn’t ever fathom all the in between bits that made this story so incredible.
It is honestly one of the best books that I have read this year and I know a reread will happen in the not too distant future. Now I can only hope that the next book isn’t too far away.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
" ~Sharon
For fans of second chance, rip your heart out romances, this book will give you everything you are asking for. Raya will have you absolutely loving her and her fiery, fierce spirit. Nolan left a lot to be desired for me and is the reason this was not a five star read for me. His character had me wanting to choke him and I actually found myself rooting for alternate scenarios for Raya! This book will require tissues and maybe a stiff drink or two. The author’s writing will pull you in and have you emotionally spent by the end, but in the best way! ~Helen
The start of Nolan and Raya’s book was both heartbreaking and shocking but it set up the rest of the story in that I could somewhat guess how it would end but I certainly couldn’t ever fathom all the in between bits that made this story so incredible.
It is honestly one of the best books that I have read this year and I know a reread will happen in the not too distant future. Now I can only hope that the next book isn’t too far away.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
" ~Sharon
For fans of second chance, rip your heart out romances, this book will give you everything you are asking for. Raya will have you absolutely loving her and her fiery, fierce spirit. Nolan left a lot to be desired for me and is the reason this was not a five star read for me. His character had me wanting to choke him and I actually found myself rooting for alternate scenarios for Raya! This book will require tissues and maybe a stiff drink or two. The author’s writing will pull you in and have you emotionally spent by the end, but in the best way! ~Helen
June 25, 2021
It was all planned out... the future they both wanted... then it was destroyed one night when Nolan does the unthinkable. Raya and Nolan were that couple in their high school that everyone thought would make it, the ones that would eventually end up saying "I do"... but they didn't make it that far. Nolan broke her heart right before she was ready to head off to college, and suddenly that plan they had no longer existed. Now she is beside herself, and left wondering how is she supposed to live her life without him? Her heart hurts and taking on that future she's dreamed of for so long alone suddenly has her second guessing herself at every turn...
The Lies that Bind Us is a beautifully penned second chance romance that will do a number on your heart and emotions. These two broke my heart, and I had my doubts that it would ever be fixed. But little by little things started to fall back into place, our heroine started to smile a little more than frown, and I started to see joy restored... and eventually my heart found reprieve. But not without many ups and downs, major groveling on Nolan's part, and forgiveness earned. I thoroughly enjoyed what I found between the pages here, it's words put a squeeze on my heart that was easily felt long after the last page was swiped. Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Lies that Bind Us is a beautifully penned second chance romance that will do a number on your heart and emotions. These two broke my heart, and I had my doubts that it would ever be fixed. But little by little things started to fall back into place, our heroine started to smile a little more than frown, and I started to see joy restored... and eventually my heart found reprieve. But not without many ups and downs, major groveling on Nolan's part, and forgiveness earned. I thoroughly enjoyed what I found between the pages here, it's words put a squeeze on my heart that was easily felt long after the last page was swiped. Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 27, 2021
H.P. Davenport has a seriously addictive writing style that never fails to draw me in from the jump, and I've learned that I cannot start a book by her with limited time since I won't be moving until every last page is devoured. I've gone back & forth about this review because of Nolan, as he made a decision for Raya without asking her so I was already up in arms about it all. It only got worse over all the years he was an idiot so he messed up in more unforgivable ways, and I didn't warm up to him at all since he destroyed her completely because he was a coward. Raya deserved so much more than she got from him, but luckily she's a strong girl even when life took a new direction that she didn't see coming at that time, so she's the hero & heroine in this story. This story brought all my emotions out to play, and I'm still not over it. I want everyone to realize that this is only MY opinion, so please decide for yourselves! Since the story was impossible to put down despite any rage I had, and the cast of supporting characters added a great deal at the end of the day, I will give it 4.5 STARS & HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 25, 2021
The meaning of the word epic is,
' heroic or grand in scale or character'
. The Lies That Bind Us fits that description perfectly. I was taken on a journey of first loves, last loves, and only loves, and I came out believing that soul mates exist even when one road leads our couple, Nolan and Raya, in different directions for 5 years. At 18 Nolan believes he is doing the right thing when he breaks Raya's heart, he believes that one day he may have the chance to redeem himself, but what this young boy just becoming a young man failed to realise is that what he thought was the right thing, broke the heart of the only girl he ever loved. Raya's heart never mended from the loss of Nolan and the betrayal she feels, but life moves on and now 5 years later Nolan is back, wanted what he gave up all those years ago, but things have changed, life moved on, and Nolan doesn't only have to make it right with Raya, he has brothers that also find it hard to forgive what he has done.
H.P. Davenport executed this story perfectly, I loved that Raya and Nolan's story started at 18 and she took as through the 5 years leading up to the point that they meet again. The family dynamics were spot on and turned this great story into an epic one. Woods Grove is going to be the must-read romance series of 2021.
H.P. Davenport executed this story perfectly, I loved that Raya and Nolan's story started at 18 and she took as through the 5 years leading up to the point that they meet again. The family dynamics were spot on and turned this great story into an epic one. Woods Grove is going to be the must-read romance series of 2021.
June 23, 2021
4.5 Stars
H.P Davenport has given us a start to a new series and with it comes many new characters to fall in love with. Raya and Nolan's story is a true second change that carries with it a lot of secrets and lack of communication, young hearts and minds that could have done things differently, a love that has grown from friendship and is stronger than anyone imagined. Can they find a way past the heartache and back to the beautiful love they once shared?
Raya and Nolan were that high school couple that seemed to have their future all planned out in a nice little package. Raya headed to her her choice school on a sports scholarship with her longtime best friend/boyfriend by her side. Until that perfect picture comes crashing off the wall, one night, one carefully planned production changes it all. Can Raya stay strong and push forward with her future without Nolan? Will Nolan regret his decisions to do things the way he did? Will he loose more than the love of his life while he is gone? Will he be able to someday get her friendship and maybe her love back after breaking her heart?
This book is filled with emotions that will weave their way into your heart. You will be angry at some, your heart will hurt for others, you will smile at times. But in the end you will be praying that these characters can find a way to make things work, to have everything they were supposed to have. I can't wait for more from Woods Grove.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
H.P Davenport has given us a start to a new series and with it comes many new characters to fall in love with. Raya and Nolan's story is a true second change that carries with it a lot of secrets and lack of communication, young hearts and minds that could have done things differently, a love that has grown from friendship and is stronger than anyone imagined. Can they find a way past the heartache and back to the beautiful love they once shared?
Raya and Nolan were that high school couple that seemed to have their future all planned out in a nice little package. Raya headed to her her choice school on a sports scholarship with her longtime best friend/boyfriend by her side. Until that perfect picture comes crashing off the wall, one night, one carefully planned production changes it all. Can Raya stay strong and push forward with her future without Nolan? Will Nolan regret his decisions to do things the way he did? Will he loose more than the love of his life while he is gone? Will he be able to someday get her friendship and maybe her love back after breaking her heart?
This book is filled with emotions that will weave their way into your heart. You will be angry at some, your heart will hurt for others, you will smile at times. But in the end you will be praying that these characters can find a way to make things work, to have everything they were supposed to have. I can't wait for more from Woods Grove.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
June 28, 2021
Raya is one of the best characters I've read in a really long time. She's so strong. When the worst possible thing happens between her and Nolan, she recognized immediately that she deserves better than his garbage and walked. This is something that so often doesn't happen in books. Raya is goals.
Jamie from Unspoken Words is one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. Like one of the epic ones that raise the bar. I couldn't help but compare Nolan to him which I know isn't fair but Nolan didn't deserve the second chance he got. I didn't connect with him or his reasons for doing the things he did.
I'm excited to see where this series is going to go. There's so many characters that I can't wait to learn more about.
Jamie from Unspoken Words is one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. Like one of the epic ones that raise the bar. I couldn't help but compare Nolan to him which I know isn't fair but Nolan didn't deserve the second chance he got. I didn't connect with him or his reasons for doing the things he did.
I'm excited to see where this series is going to go. There's so many characters that I can't wait to learn more about.
June 26, 2021
I know when I am reading a great book because I cannot stop thinking about it and anticipating how the story will play out. Sometimes I am spot on, but most of the time I am way off base.
The start of Nolan and Raya’s book was both heartbreaking and shocking but it set up the rest of the story in that I could somewhat guess how it would end but I certainly couldn’t ever fathom all the in between bits that made this story so incredible.
It is honestly one of the best books that I have read this year and I know a reread will happen in the not too distant future. Now I can only hope that the next book isn’t too far away.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
The start of Nolan and Raya’s book was both heartbreaking and shocking but it set up the rest of the story in that I could somewhat guess how it would end but I certainly couldn’t ever fathom all the in between bits that made this story so incredible.
It is honestly one of the best books that I have read this year and I know a reread will happen in the not too distant future. Now I can only hope that the next book isn’t too far away.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
June 29, 2021
Nolan and Raya grew up as friends then turned into sweethearts in high school. They were the couple most thought would get married but Nolan keeps a secret from Raya that ends all of it. Raya is on her way to college with a broken heart and trying to deal with life. Nolan was just stupid with his choices and so young. The two end up meeting back up around five years later and Nolan wants another chance. Can Raya ever trust Nolan not to break her heart again? A good second chance read.
June 11, 2021
4*
Nolan does the unforgivable to his girlfriend Raya and hurts her terribly.
He's trying to do the right thing and let her experience college properly.
Raya is broken when Nolan deceived her but not everything is as it seems.
Her future isn't going as planned but adjustments are needed and support comes from those she didn't expect it from.
A lovely second chance story.
Nolan does the unforgivable to his girlfriend Raya and hurts her terribly.
He's trying to do the right thing and let her experience college properly.
Raya is broken when Nolan deceived her but not everything is as it seems.
Her future isn't going as planned but adjustments are needed and support comes from those she didn't expect it from.
A lovely second chance story.
June 27, 2021
A love so deep what happens when someone ruins it ?? Can you forget and forgive ? Loved there story it’s such depth their love is but so easily shattered ! Raya is strong and frail at the same time . I have to say I really liked Nolan, for some reason and was waiting with baited breath what was gonna happen... i can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out some answers that have left me hanging... their better be a next book ! Great read.
June 29, 2021
Angst heaven
Absolutely worth a read if you love angst. Heroine doesn’t just roll over, the hero has to GROVEL! So rare these days, looking forward to the next book, bring on Weston.
Absolutely worth a read if you love angst. Heroine doesn’t just roll over, the hero has to GROVEL! So rare these days, looking forward to the next book, bring on Weston.
June 29, 2021
Great story
Great story here. It has all the meat and potatoes. I love the concept, character development was great, and it flowed. I feel last few chapters was missing something and epilogue wasn't even about this story. Looking forward to the next book.
Great story here. It has all the meat and potatoes. I love the concept, character development was great, and it flowed. I feel last few chapters was missing something and epilogue wasn't even about this story. Looking forward to the next book.
July 1, 2021
Nolan and Raya have grown up together and their friendship developed into much more. Their connection was everything, they planned their futures together until Nolan destroys their dreams and breaks her heart. Years later he's back and determined to get her back but it will be a lot harder then he thought.
HP Davenport did a great job with this one. She delivered a good story of second chances, love, betrayal, healing, family and friendship, add in the heart, emotion and witty banter and this is one story you wont want to put down.
I loved Raya but Nolan, I spent most of the book wanting to punch him in the head and man jewels. I'm still not sure if I wanted them back together or not. I wont say why i feel this way as it will spoil the story and this is one you need to experience for yourselves and make your own minds up.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
HP Davenport did a great job with this one. She delivered a good story of second chances, love, betrayal, healing, family and friendship, add in the heart, emotion and witty banter and this is one story you wont want to put down.
I loved Raya but Nolan, I spent most of the book wanting to punch him in the head and man jewels. I'm still not sure if I wanted them back together or not. I wont say why i feel this way as it will spoil the story and this is one you need to experience for yourselves and make your own minds up.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
Want to read
May 12, 2021✍ BLOGGERS! ✍
═ TOUR DATES ═
Cover Reveal - May 17
Teaser Tuesday - June 22
Release Day Tour with Reviews - June 28
Join the tours here ➳ https://bit.ly/TheLiesThatBindUsTOURS
═ TOUR DATES ═
Cover Reveal - May 17
Teaser Tuesday - June 22
Release Day Tour with Reviews - June 28
Join the tours here ➳ https://bit.ly/TheLiesThatBindUsTOURS
July 4, 2021
When you have a love like the love Raya and Nolan had can it survive the betrayal that Nolan did to Raya. Years later after he is back home, can he gain the forgiveness and trust back from his family and the one woman that held his heart in her hands. Will he get his second chance at the life the both of them dreamed of.
June 20, 2021
The Lies that Bind Us is book 1 in the Woods Grove series. Nolan and Raya have a love like no other and then Nolan does the unthinkable and breaks Raya in two. This is a second chance romance that you will need a tissue or two as you are taking on an emotional upheaval. A story of secrets, sacrifice and a love that would stand the test of time. Nolan and Raya will grip hold of your heart and bury themselves deep into your soul. A storyline that holds you captive to the words, feelings and the characters right to the very end.
June 28, 2021
4 star
The story has laughs, betrayal, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Raya and Nolan’s story. Raya and Nolan were in love but he made some decisions and decided that breaking her heart was what was needed. Those reasons are reveled in the story. Raya is shattered and has a really hard time putting back the broken pieces. Even 5 years later she is still trying to put her heart back together. Nolan comes back wanting Raya back. He knows it will not be easy and is willing to put in the work, but will she forgive him?
For most of the book I just could not connect with Nolan. As for Raya I had no trouble connecting. She is a fighter and has had to in order to get past such a deep hurt.
I recommend this book.
The story has laughs, betrayal, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Raya and Nolan’s story. Raya and Nolan were in love but he made some decisions and decided that breaking her heart was what was needed. Those reasons are reveled in the story. Raya is shattered and has a really hard time putting back the broken pieces. Even 5 years later she is still trying to put her heart back together. Nolan comes back wanting Raya back. He knows it will not be easy and is willing to put in the work, but will she forgive him?
For most of the book I just could not connect with Nolan. As for Raya I had no trouble connecting. She is a fighter and has had to in order to get past such a deep hurt.
I recommend this book.
July 1, 2021
Sometimes, when you break someone, there's no putting them back together! Nolan broke Raya! Can he put her back together? I was fighting it, then wanting it!
Raya, I absolutely loved her throughout the ENTIRE story! She dazzled me!
This was a fantastic second chance romance! However, will Ms. Davenport give these two their second chance, or not!?!
Excellent entertainment!
Raya, I absolutely loved her throughout the ENTIRE story! She dazzled me!
This was a fantastic second chance romance! However, will Ms. Davenport give these two their second chance, or not!?!
Excellent entertainment!
July 7, 2021
I truly enjoy this author and really enjoyed the first book of the Woods Grove Series. I completely fell in love with Raya and Nolan and found this story unbelievably relatable. To have the life you always dreamed of having fall apart so terribly is heartbreaking and so hard to bounch back from. This second chance romance really filled my heart with love and hope for anyone who have loved and lost the one they really fell hard for but was willing to find a way to forgive and go forward. Raya is so strong and beautiful in her ways and even though they lost their way, she and Nolan were definitely meant to be. Do not be fooled however, the road to finding love again was full of anger and hurt, secrets and heartache. I loved this journey so much. I cannot wait for more from this series.
July 9, 2021
This is a angst filled, emotional, heartbreaking, second chance romance that will give you all the feels. Nolan is not a character that you will like, he makes decisions that made me shake my head, curse, and want to throw my Kindle. Raya is strong, sweet, and I loved how she handled the curveballs that life seemed to always throw at her. When these two come back together after being apart, secrets are revealed, truths are told, and the aftermath is one hell of a ride. A definite must read.
July 8, 2021
Heart wrenching and oh so good
This book felt likens journey. My heart absolutely broke for Raya. I was outraged on her behalf. But on the other side I wanted to hug and smack Nolan at the same time. I love these brothers and I can't wait to read all their stories.
Raya is a strong beautiful heroine who I was so proud of. I don't want to give away the good parts but believe me you need this book in your life.
This book felt likens journey. My heart absolutely broke for Raya. I was outraged on her behalf. But on the other side I wanted to hug and smack Nolan at the same time. I love these brothers and I can't wait to read all their stories.
Raya is a strong beautiful heroine who I was so proud of. I don't want to give away the good parts but believe me you need this book in your life.
June 29, 2021
The Lies That Bind Us is the first book ( in the Wood Groves Series , as well as my first time reading H.P Davenport . After reading this amazing story H.P will absolutely be added to my list of one -click authors. This was such a great story with awesome character develop, I was hooked from the very beginning, until End . I could not help but fall in love with Raya after all the heartbreak she had been through , she still held her head up and found the strength within herself to move forward .Nolan , at first I was not sure how I felt about him . So many times I wanted to strangle him but as the story went on , and we learned more about his character, I found myself falling for him little by little .Nolan and Rayas story was like a rollercoaster, the connection between them was unlike anything they experienced before , it never wavered . This is far from your perfect or Easy romance . It’s full of heartbreak, many emotional and beautiful moments , wonderful characters, chemistry that is off the charts . So many ups and downs . I was on the edge of my seat the whole time , I loved the fact that you felt like your were going though it all with them . This truly is a phenomenal story that should not be missed . I cannot wait to see what comes next ❤️💜❤️💜❤️
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