Broken hearts never heal quite right. Especially when they’ve been ripped to pieces, torn to shreds. She wasn’t supposed to fall in love with him. She’d promised she wouldn’t. Stella had known the rules when this began. “I will never love you,” he’d said... But he’d lied, because his world had been nothing but pain and hatred. Because he was a powerful man and love left you weak and defenseless. He had loved her. The dark, ugly twisted parts of him had loved her. His love was torture. It was addictive. It was oxygen. But it wasn’t enough.
His life has been a constant war. But he’d never fought for anyone. Until her.
He knew that he was cursing her. Sentencing her to a life that she didn’t deserve. That would ruin her. But he had no other choice. He’d fought to be a good man, to let her live without him. But he couldn’t live without her.
He would fight for her. To get her back. Till death.
He wasn’t a good man. He was the villain. One who needed her. Who would stop at nothing to get her back. He would prove to her that even his wretched, villainous heart could love her.
Anne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth, then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel. And boy was this a dark journey. The book frustrated me and played with my emotions. I was actually really mad at Jay for the most part of the book and I was in awe of Stella. She had the patience of a saint. She was understanding. Maybe too much. The author created a great duet, with a great set of secondary characters too. I thoroughly enjoyed this rollercoaster of a story. I recommend it.
None that can do this book justice right now anyway. I'm fucking broken. This book is everything, it took everything. I'm going to need a minute to piece myself back together again before I can make myself make some kind of sense. Brb.
I'm back with very my thoughts. This will be short because my ass cannot be trusted to not purge all my thoughts and tell everything!.
I loved and devoured Lies That Sinners Tell. It built the foundation on which these characters grew and flourished from. This book though?.. man it cut deep.
Stella is a wonderful character all-round. Her strength and vulnerability work together in harmony. She's loved and loves hard. She's smart and capable and she understands Jay.
Jay is the ever evolving character that you'll never quite figure out. He's closed off and a hard man but he's vulnerable to Stella. She's his weakness. Something he hasn't ever had before and it makes him more dangerous. It's also makes him more human.
These two, their journey.. it's chaotic and heartfelt and at times so raw it hurts to read. They live in this all consuming need for one another. It's as toxic as it is tragic and beautiful.
Their journey isn't pretty or easy and most definitely not for the faint of heart. Anne delves deep into real situations that hurt. Into real life that I myself found too relatable. It's the beauty of this book. For all it's dark depravity there is hope. There is that real connection to these perfectly flawed characters and their passion for each other. It's climactic and explosive. It's heartbreakingly raw and breathtakingly beautiful. The conclusion to their journey gave us them. No false pretenses and no perfect romance. A journey of lies, truths, heartbreak, understanding and love. A story not of sinners and saints but of two people who grew and evolved.
Everything about this book from the characters to the story hit right. It's a book that makes you feel so much you'll be left drained by the end in the best ways. These books are special.
When I read book #1, I was impressed by how uniquely cold and indifferent Jay was. Expecting more of the same, I was absolutely shocked (in the best possible way) by his transformation in this sequel. Don’t worry, I’m not spoiling anything because nothing about this book is boilerplate or predictable! On top of that, my words could never do justice for how eloquent this story is!
It was crystal clear that Anne dug deep while writing this duet, the feelings the characters’ felt practically emanating off the pages. Not only is this story incredibly moving and deep, it’s just as sexy as book one if not more! And because what happens is so unexpected, I was constantly on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. This sequel was so much more than I had expected or hoped for - it’s truly is a work of art!
I did not agree, in any shape or form, with how Jay and Stella got back together. In fact, I despised the fact that they had sex before they discussed anything and that that created this situation in which most of their serious discussions end with sex--and no conclusion to the argument.
It really bothered me. I get that that's what their relationship was founded on, but it also stilted their growth for a while. Even if they physically needed one another, after a five-month breakup created on a platform of mistrust, lies, and half-truths, sex shouldn't be the immediate reaction.
As much as i enjoyed this duet, it was not what I expected. Stella was a great heroine, fiercely loyal, strong, loving, but had a huge weakness when it came to Jay. Jay was one bad hero. So cold and shut off with his feelings, or at least voicing them.I wanted to shake some sense into him, but he would never allow that!!! He was nothing like Stella, except she was also his weakness. 5 stars for this author though, the pages really come to life. Do not expect romance here, however, there’s plenty of love to go around. Enjoy!
Wow this book was absolutely unreal, and I wholeheartedly loved it. This author gave us something new and something raw. I didn’t know how I felt about it in the first book but as their story continued in this book I truly grasped onto and loved the journey that us as the readers were taken on.
Jay and Stella’s story isn’t easy but like every love story it’s not always smooth sailing. This couple had it rocky from the beginning and still to this book it still is especially after that cliffhanger in book one. This book picks up directly where book one concluded at and made us question will they be able to work things out before it’s too late?
From the moment I started this book I could not put it down, it’s sucked my whole attention span from start to finish.
These are characters that really grasp you by the heartstrings and want you to feel everything that they are feeling, especially the heartache, the heartbreak, the emotions, the feelings, the joy, the love, the laughter and even through the good and bad.
To say I felt the feeling being gutted a couple times was an understatement, not only to Jay and Stella themselves but also to the secondary characters as well.
Jay and Stella have a lot to work through and navigate to get to their happily ever after but as the journey went by. You could see how much they wanted it all to work and how much they cared, adored and loved one another. As much as they could be deemed as toxic, there’s just something about them that is so incredibly powerful that their chemistry and connection just ooze from the pages.
These are characters that you can come easily invested in and there’s no doubt about it in my personal opinion that it’s a true representation of how I feel. Especially about Stella and Jay and also Wren, Karson, Yasmin and Zoe.
If you take anything from this review, then let it be my recommendation for you to go and read this series. You won’t be disappointed, it’s got a bit of everything for everyone.
Jay and Stella crave each other. Jay is used to control in all things. Stella can submit to her desires for him but will that be enough. Their connection is an eruption of fire. Each wanting to save the other, they both become entangled in their own inner war. Jay’s dark world is getting too close. Stella craves his touch no matter the challenges. In this second book in the Klutch Duet, I found myself enthralled with their need for each other. The air around then is electric whenever their near each other. But, is that enough to let them survive attacks from outsiders looking for control and partnership in Jay’s underworld businesses?
Stella’s girlfriends are her strength. Each one comes with her own set of qualities that together makes them unstoppable. Their times together bring them in close contact with the demons of Jay’s world. Will their friendship withstand the destruction that lies ahead.
Can the distraction of Jay and Stella’s desires give Jay’s underworld enemies the fuel they need to take him down? Will the girls survive the destruction that is thrust upon them? You’ll need to dive in yourself to find out.
This second book held be enraptured. Wanting, no needing to turn each page to find out if they would all survive. Strong storyline with even stronger characters.
Twilight, 50 shades and sex in the city called they want their story back. No originality, which is a bummer I like these types of stories. Literally quoted from each movie.
Truths That Saints Believe is the end of The Klutch Duet and what a wonderful ending. Even though we are at the ending of the story, this one is just as intense as the last book. Jay has walked away from Stella and we are now wondering if these two will get back together.
Stella is a strong woman and is away from Jay, she is doing her thing and not looking back, at least not much. Jay on the other hand has been looking back and wondering what could have been. When he finally decides to go back to Stella both have to make big decisions on their relationship.
This book is wonderful and I am so happy I read this duet. I am and will continue to be a reader of Anne Malcom! Bring on the books :)
This is the second book in the Klutch duet and picks up right from the cliffhanger in book 1. It begins from when Jay pushes Stella away from him and she's off to New Zealand.
"He was a figment of my imagination. The villain I’d come to escape. To forget."
Stella was as usual at her best in this book too. She was strong yet vulnerable. She stood by Jay's side and fought with him to let her in his life and heart.
"The eyes. His eyes. They weren’t empty or guarded or cold. They burned like green fire, vibrant, electric, bursting with emotion."
Jay was slowly coming out the walls he built around himself. I felt like before Stella came into his life, he was just so lonely and that made my heart ache for him. He truly didn't get any love from his parents and now that we get to know more about his emotions in this book, it made me feel bad for him.
"I think you aren’t just my equal but are superior to me in every single way, that I’m honored to have you at my side, but I’ll always be in front of you, protecting you from everything in this world...” he trailed off. “Except me.”
Their relationship was full of lies and half truths (mainly from Jay's side). But, the character development was perfect. Even though, Jay had loosened up a bit, I liked the fact that he didn't change much. That made the stroy real and relatable. The last few chapters definitely had some thrill, adventure and twists and turns. Jay & Stella finally face the repercussions of the world they live in and it was one dangerous and violent ride! This book was more intense than the first one. I really liked all the side characters. I disliked some but I didn't hate anyone in particular. Stella's girl crew was stunning. I hoped to see more of them though. The writing was fabulous and flawless and kept me hooked but the story felt short and it wasn't as dark as I expected it to be. That's my only complaint. I would still recommend giving this a try.
The conclusion to Stella and Jay's roller-coaster of a story.
We start this conclusion with the heartbroken couple very much apart, with Stella on a film set in new Zealand and Jay living a Vampire life in his office in Klutch. And Jay probably wouldn't call it heartbroken..... Or rather admit to it being that.
Ms Malcolm is fantastic with details and helping even the smallest imagination set the scene with ease and with the maximum effect.
After Jay decided that they'll get married, some things changed like Stella moved in to Jay's house, Jay loves to buy her clothes and to cook. But things also stay the same. The trust balance is so so fragile. Anything can make both of them question each other at times.
But neither of them can walk away.
Especially when the Russian Mafia has stepped up its attack on Jay. Despite have bodyguards Stella and her friend Wren was targeted while shopping at the mall. Wren was the one hit but Stella was grazed and completely shook up.
Jay needs to refocus on getting rid of the Russians. The emotions Stella has stirred in him has him off kilter and not reacting like the cold hearted killer he was.
To protect Stella and everyone else he needs to ice his heart again. He just needs to remember to unfreeze it again after. And hopefully have a wedding without bloodshed but WITH love? Weirder things have happened!
I received a copy of the book in return for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
WHAT AN EPIC ENDING TO THIS WILD RIDE OF A STORY! After reading the first book in this series and being instantly hooked, I was desperate for the next book to see how things ended and get all the questions I had answered, and Anne did not disappoint. Stella and Jay don’t have an easy relationship or story, and this book proves how hard both of them fight to make it work and make each other happy. After the last book, Stella essentially runs away, and after time goes by, it takes Stella’s best friend to get through to Jay to go after her because he is just as unhappy as she is even though he was the one who made the decision to end things. Deciding to go after her, Jay also makes a decision to be picky with who he does business with, and it ends up biting him bad after he returns home with Stella. After some more heartbreak and devastation, and many tears from me while reading, Stella and Jay get the HEA that they not only deserve but need. Much like all of Anne’s books, I became truly involved and invested in these characters, and not only the main characters but the supporting ones as well, so much so that I hope we get books for them as well. I had so many feelings while reading this, but all I can say is job well done to Anne and I cannot wait for her next release. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
okay first up, that cover is stunning . like i will foreverrrr love white covers, this one is no exception.
Truth That Saints Believe is book two in the Klutch duet even though i literally rated book one 3⭐️, i was still determined to get through book two if only to read What Grows Dies Here, which is Karson and Wrens story.
basically, all that happened in the second book was them getting back together, them getting married, then them having a baby. BORING AS FUCK. not as boring as book 1, as there is an unnecessary, overdone event at the almost end of this one, but boring nonetheless.
at least there was like two fleshed out sex scenes though! one of my major complaints from book one was that sex was referenced, but only on page like once. it was all “we kissed, we fucked, we slept”. but then went on for 3 pages about the scenery. UGHHHHH! that pisses me off so much. we got that less here, but still got some unfortunately.
i really really wanted to like this duet, but honestly i couldn’t even feel the chemistry between them. Jay is so cold and grumpy and ruthless, like i literally don’t remember a word this man said. in the whole book. also his chapter was in 3rd POV, and ugh i hated that.
will be continuing to What Grows Dies Here cause omg the tension built up for them was chefs kiss.
There are a plethora of reasons that I love to read. Sometimes it is to get lost in another world, sometimes, it is a comfort, and sometimes it is because I know it will speak to my soul. In the case of this story, it was all three. This author is pure magic to me. There is just something about the way that she writes that resonates with me.
This story picks up right where the last book left off. The emotions and feelings that the characters were feeling leapt off the pages and grabbed me by the throat as they became a part of me in a weird way. Stella and Jay shouldn't have worked. On paper, they wouldn't have worked. however, they did work in the most captivating of ways.
There is heartache in this book, but there is also redemption and joy. I felt every moment of this journey and cheered when the vows that they made to each other were achieved. I highly recommend this author to anyone and everyone. She is a master wordsmith that will captivate her readers because she eloquently writes in a way that not only speaks to their soul but because she reminds them that reading truly is magic.
I hope that she brings the secondary characters to life, especially Wren because there is a story there. One that I cannot wait to read, especially, after having my heart ripped open.
Review of full duet and includes spoilers: With character names like Jay and Stella I should have expected an ordinary story but still held up hope. I hold no fault with the book contents as this type of story telling is not my normal preference. But this is what readers do, don't we? Purchase a book based on reviews and the blurb and feel one of 2 ways after reading it: satisfied or not... I was not satisfied with this book. When the first book ended with a man holding a gun, I thought: FINALLY! some action, a twist and was sadly disappointed to find that this was not the case. This book is more of an emotional journey that a couple takes when falling in love and the fallibility of human nature. A broken man, a healing woman and loads of hotness in between. I liked the books but had higher expectations...
We make decisions everyday. Some are good and some are bad. Reading this book is a bad decision. We still have broody Mafia guy who doesn't believe in talking or trite things like getting to know your partner or reciprocate At All. We get snippets when this train wreck is more than 50% done. Then add to that the heroine, who in the first book, while a naive idiot wasn't entirely detestable. Well stand back, my friends, it looks like they make a great couple after all because she's turned into an uber jealous, selfish shrew. So I don't care whether they work it out. Though they do definitely deserve each other. In a book like this with no personality or character and little plot, one hopes that at least the steam factor makes it Not a complete waste of time. Let me just say -Time was Wasted.
This book was raw, it packs so much emotion, it gutted me in parts and also put me back together. It takes you to the highest highs and also the lowest lows. It shows the power of love in both friendships and partners. Stella was willing to fight for Jay and she let him know this every day. He fought to be a better person for her. He fought his feelings of inadequacy. Theirs is not a typical boy meets girl love story with flowers. It is battered, real and honestly toxic but it is totally right for them. I would love to see some happiness for Wren as I think that she deserves it so much. These are characters that you invest in, you want them to be happy. Really good duet and so well worth the read. Just keep a box of tissues close by!
The conclusion to Jay and Stella's story left me emotionally raw. Jay is this tough closed off guy so to even think of letting anyone in was unthinkable but Stella bulldozed her way into his life and there is no going back. I loved that Jay went to get his woman but that is only the start of their journey. We see Jay fight all his past demons to try and be the man he thinks Stella deserves. I enjoyed seeing his vulnerable side and though it takes him awhile to see it how hard he loves Stella. Their love is darkly passionate they hurt each other often without thinking but walking away from each other is not an option. Over the two books I started to live and breathe this story and rejoiced and suffered with the characters. I am hopeful that Wren gets her own story.
Whoa!! Utterly brilliant. Stella and Jay’s story was epic. Jay just pushed his way to the top of my dirty mouth panty melting alpha men that I can’t get enough of list.
Story was rich with emotions and vulnerability. Jay’s back story was heartbreaking and how Stella responded to it was perfection. The hurdles they push through broke my heart yet was also inspiring.
I also really hope Anne Malcom takes us on a journey with the rest of Stella’s gal pals. I love when the main characters have friends inter woven into the story that pop from the page and Anne writes women that I want to be BFFs with.
What a ride! I knew we were going to be in for some deep things with this book and I was not disappointed! Jay & Stella have taken up residence in my heart and soul. I love Anne's writing and this story just gave me more to love. I especially enjoy when my couples feel like they are going through real struggles. I live to get lost in the story and I am always surprised when one of her books ends. I never want them to and this one was no different. It made me smile, cry, laugh and want to throw my Kindle across the room. Bravo! Well done. Please give us more!
Truths That Saints Believe is the perfect conclusion to this wonderful Duet. I enjoyed Jay and Stella and their story so very much! All of the characters are rich and multilayered, and their storyline is meant to be savored. If you enjoy a book with a mature, textural flow, lots of intensity, style for days, the BEST anti-hero, and a midnight marathon plot, Truths should be at the very top of your TBR! 5 Stars!
Ann Malcom. Writer of deep pain. Writer of loss, loyalty and life. Author of love, deserved or not.
Truths that Saints Believe, second book in the Klutch duet, drives a spike into your heart. It leaves you aching with uneasiness. It may even break you.
Ann finds a way to make pain pleasurable, agony amazing and life...livable.
5 ALL CONSUMING STARS!! Wow, wow and wow....I am speechless....Anne Malcom just took my words away with this duet. You ask who is my favorite author and you will get this talented authors name...ANNE MALCOM!!! She just nailed it with her words. Read this duet....do it now. Remember she will hit every part of your heart.
The male character was interesting. The female and her friends involved with a lot of brand name overpriced clothes, shoes etc. It came across as wasteful and shallow. I got bored with that.
I- this mc’s suffering because of this controlling a*s man is just devastating. This book was obviously a sequel and there was just so many time skips.... the ending was very typical.
This was a good book. It was definitely a cliché story and started off a little slow for me personally, but it picked up in the pace and DRAMA
There were definitely some choices in this book that I personally didn't love, but that's just because I'm a digger for a good happy end.
The main story of the book, about Jay searching for Stella and trying to win her back, opening up to her completely and stepping out of his comfort zone, because he knew it was what needed to happen so he could finally be with Stella for good. This was definitely something that needed to happen and it showed that Jay was serious and willing to change for her, even if he was struggling a little with his past.
After all the drama I enjoyed the two of them Having a little bit of peace and actual romantic bonding that followed up with a wedding, baby and a happy end.
The thing I absolutely HATED about the story was Wren and Carson not working out. I wanted them to have an actual relationship and heal together sooo bad. What happened to Wren was terrible and Carson wanted to be there for her.
“I cannot explain it, I will never be able to understand it, but since the moment I met you, I have not been able to take a breath without your name on my lips. I have not been able to close my eyes without your face haunting me.”
29 year old Stella Hudson is facing her biggest challenge across the world away from her best friends. She purposely lied to them to escape the pain and daily reminders. After all she brought it on herself by making the agreement in the first place. It’s been months since one sentence tore her life to shreds. She is learning that Jay Hemlick wove himself so deep within herself that he will likely remain until she breathes her last breath.
After I recovered from that (not so) shocking ending, I was ready to see what was next for Stella and Jay. Its been months with her being off in New Zealand trying to heal and him back in Las Angeles ignoring that he made the biggest mistake. Oh you alpha asshole thinking you know what’s best. I really enjoyed this conclusion.
Cliffhanger – no (book #2 in series) POV - Stella & Jay
So after the emotional devastation of part 1 we go to part 2 which see 's Jay come to terms with what he threw away and how he will resolve it.
So here Anne gives us all the feels...... We see Stella's girl tribe take a step forward and those girls take no prisoners, but then Anne Malcom always writes strong females so thats no shocker!
I'm hoping that Wren and the other two girls get their books too.
This book is much more action packed and we see why Jay didn't want to be close to anyone, we see his fears come to fruition! It's difficult to explain much without spoilers so I will just say that I have really loved this duet and hope we get more... Wren and Karson 's story feels unfinished (my heart broke for them) so I'm keeping it all crossed that they will be revisited in the future!
Loved the Polly and Greenstone appearances!
5 stars from me.... Doesn't get much better than this.