Married to her best friend, Kaya Brown’s life seems to get no sweeter. However, fate brings a sharp curveball and leaves her having to do serious heart work. Luckily for her, she stumbles upon someone that presents a safe space where she can lay her burdens down.Stepping into his new role as owner of a family business, Ryland Davis is responsible for saving their legacy. He’s unwilling to stand aside and let what they’ve worked so hard for be snatched away. Despite being focused on strictly business, he still finds time to get to know and confide in someone outside his troubles.Neither Kaya nor Ryland are prepared, but their friendship quickly shifts into a romantic whirlwind. Is what they’re building strong enough to hold against naysayers and onlookers? Or will they have to let love sail away and wait for its return elsewhere?
I started off enjoying this book but the enjoyment didn't last too long.
SPOILERS************************
Kaya's husband Carlos is a pilot (I'm assuming cause we really don't know for sure. It's implied I guess) and while he's away he dies in a car accident. Carlos lied to Kaya about being in New York for work when it turns out he was in Williamsburg, VA (where he died). For the longest time, I thought that the woman who also died in the crash was in the same car as Carlos so I'm all like, wow he and his mistress died together. It was NEVER clear that the other person was in a different car until towards the end of the book. And that was my problem with this story. Nothing was ever CLEAR!! There was so much TELLING and not SHOWING. The lack of dialogue and plot development had me scratching my head. Time jumps with no real explanation. So we just gonna miss months of Kaya's life and just be like, oh okay. Sure. THAT makes sense. I don't think so.
We're supposed to believe that Kaya and Ryland has this huge connection but we never see it. The author literally tells the readers (not show) that Ry and Kaya have been texting and talking to each other for a few months and yet we never SEE it. So I'm not invested in their romance cause we don't see it developing between the two. All of a sudden Ry is taking Kaya and her kids out and we as the reader is just supposed to accept that with zero build up. This woman just lost her husband and we're made to believe that she's ok with going out WITH HER CHILDREN with another man. I don't think so.
We never see Kaya adjusting to life as a single mom once the funeral is over. The first few days of reality setting in. Hell, we don't see that when she finds out her husband died. We just get a "one week later" type of update.
Why weren't we privy to the reading of the will?!?!? I would think that would be a very important scene to include in the story since it involves Carlos 'real' mistress and a secret baby. Like WTF! What did Carlos leave his kids and his parents? What did he leave Kaya? Will she be financially sound or does she have to find a job? We get none of that information. Why mention a will reading anyway if it's not included in the story!!!!
There's much more I could get into regarding the plot but I don't have that much time. The writing style was ok but there were some glaring quirks that annoyed me. Kaya kept referring to her kids as "my children." and I'm sorry but no one refers to their kids like that. It's always my kids. She also kept referring to her sister Kalia as her older sister when she only has that 1 sister! It was established at the beginning that Kalia was older. No need to keep saying it.
Kaya's parents and Carlos parents are trash. I have no idea what the kids are like because they barely had any page time where they were TALKING. Again a bunch of telling and not showing.
This book needed to be longer because the ending felt rushed. I wasn't invested in Kaya and Ryland as a couple at all. Ry's outburst towards Kaya regarding her paying one of his past due bills was out of left field and made zero sense for the character. And then another time jump of a week or two and he's like, you still mad at me? {insert eye roll} Also where did Kaya get the money from to pay his bill? Was it from Carlos life insurance? Did Carlos leave her money? Again, we don't know because one of the most important plot points of the story - the will reading - was not included!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Carlos was a pu**y, period! ALL those secrets that he kept since high school, smdh. Too me he was never a real "friend" to Kaya. He kept too many secrets from who was supposed to be his "best friend" and they just kept coming🙄😒. The outside son was the icing on the cake for me, like smdh😔. Granted she knew that he met and fell in love with someone else, but all the extra secrets that were exposed by his lawyer and in front of their families and children😳😡. Too much baggage for Kaya unpack on her own, while grieving whom she considered her best friend and the father of her children.
His and her parents were a hot mess and really needed to get their priorities in order. That fact that they made such a big deal about them deciding to divorce was they business. Then expected her to sit around and be miserable cause he was gone. To me they weren't very supportive or showed any compassion knowing all that was revealed by the lawyer😤. His momma needed to be slapped back into reality and she wondered why her son led a double life🙄😒.
I was hurt for Selena cause unlike Kaya, she had no idea Carlos was living a double life. So just like Kaya she had a lot to process and the grieving process started all over after reading her letter. When she checked his momma tho🤣🤣🤣. I was like yaaasss, put her all the way in her place👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽!
Ryland, I loved him. Loved him for believing in himself enough to not allow his family or Dora to push him into selling their family business. Everybody seemed to bye on some what they could get out of out instead offering to help. Especially Dora, like how you a financial accountant but don't try and help the man you say you love figure out avenues to help assist him with getting his family business back on track. The nasty things she said to him regarding it all😳, I'm glad he dumped her selfish stuck up ass. His sister, I really wanted her to get slapped as well cause she stayed minding his business😒.
I loved that her son KJ. He was so wise beyond his years and supported his mom through out all. He was a lil man, who like most children paid attention and noticed a change in the way his mom & Ryland interacted versus how his mom and dad interacted.
Whew! Erika gurl..... this was messy as hell! 😂 That damn Carlos ain't ish! He wasn't man enough to stand up to his parents, or himself; leaving chaos and utter devastation in his wake! Poor Kaya had to deal with the aftermath of all that was Carlos' secrets and lies! After learning everything that had gone down, she felt that her entire adult life was wasted on a man, who didn't want her or deserve her. Dealing with her parents and inlaws, while trying to keep herself sane for her kids, was almost too much for her to manage. Thank God she had Kalia's crazy self! Ryland! Although he met Kaya at the most inopportune time, those sparks still flew and chemistry was hot! I loved his quiet, but fierce energy! He loved his family, but was not going to put up with any ish they were bringing his way. These two really went through it, but came out so much better on the other side. What a ride! Great read! 👍👍👍
Kaya and Ryland had an instant attraction at the most inappropriate time, but chemistry doesn’t pay attention to decorum, it just shows up. Kayas life would be an example of what is done behind closed doors coming to light in devastating ways. With death secrets are revealed and truths that were hidden come blazing to the light. Learning how to navigate new normals as a single mom while trying to deny your feelings is easier said than done, but why deny yourself just to appease others is how Kaya truly felt. And in the end she took a chance on real romantic love and proved she was stronger than she knew. Great read with several mind blowing complications.
Kaya Brown and Ryland Davis meet during pivotal times in both of their lives. While turmoil ensues they can’t dismiss the strong attraction between them. But their path to love and happiness will be anything but easy.
From the prologue to the epilogue of Her Truth, His Lies, the drama, lies, and a plethora of secrets will keep you entranced.
You think looking at this title you might have read a story like this before, let me assure you, you haven’t! I don’t want to say much because I want you to enjoy the layers that Erica B has given this story. This is well thought out, well written story of secrets, forgiveness, and creating a new path. You won’t be disappointed!!
I don’t want to give the story away. The Author had me up late cursing plenty of times during this book. I grieve for Kaya’s wasted time but I’m happy to see her story unfold.
Carlos was a punk and not a real friend at all to Kaya. The secrets just kept falling out of his closet and he didn’t even have to deal with it. I was surprised with every secret that was being exposed. I’m glad Kaya found her happiness.
The story was so much for me to deal with. I felt terrible for both Kaya and her lying husband. Carlos needed to leave her be. Why string his wife along with his deceit?
Started off good, then took a left and never recovered
Alright, so I initially liked the book, the intrigue, what’s happening next, why doesn’t Dora go explore..? But then once everything started to unravel I was left feeling unfulfilled. First of all, what kind of siblings keep badgering you but do nothing to try to help you? Second, Dora needed to go find boots and look for a map. When a man is done with you that’s it, pick your dignity up and find someone else. I was NOT here for the way Ryland handled his “woman”. If someone is trying to help you you don’t go poppin off at the mouth and ending it. And shame on her for just letting him roll through with that weak a** apology/explanation. What you’re not going to do is yell at me for no reason. The family was trash and honestly, wasn’t family at all. Why do you need to be involved in every decision I make? Should I call you when I go to the bathroom too? Lastly for me, who was Carlos in the car with? Did they have some sort of pack to go out together? I had more questions than answers so I couldn’t give it 5 stars.
Kaya and Ryland meet under the most unorthodox circumstances and she can't get her mind off this man even when she should be grieving. The question is she should really be grieving like a real widow? The life she and her husband Carlos were living was for appearances, but when the truth actually comes out she wonders if she really knew her best friend? The pressure of living up to parental standards are great for everyone involved, but Kaya and Ryland aren't going to allow others to dictate their feelings and the chance at actually finding real love.
This book was unexpected and not your typical romance, but it's a good quick read. What you'll get: * Loss of a spouse/child * A widow with questions. * Transphobia (due to lack of knowledge and anger, but fixed and educated). * Found Family * HEA of course for more than 1 couple.
My heart went out to Kaya; she didn't deserve all the drama laid at her feet stemming from the cowardly actions of her husband and so-called best friend. I'm glad she overcame the lies and found her truth - happiness and true love.
Ryland was a man's man. Faced with a failing family business and no support, Ryland is determined to forge his own path based on his terms. His support came from an unlikely source - Kaya.
Despite the drama in their lives, Ryland and Kaya found what they needed in each other. I really needed Dora the Explorer to move around and Carlos the Coward to have another accident, but I'll settle for them being a memory.
The supporting characters were enjoyable and really rounded this couple out.
Ms. Erika did her thing with this work of art. It is well written, articulated, have great character development and a fantastic plot. It's a lot of twists and turns in this book, but as long as you read carefully it will all come full circle.
Kaya truly and utterly deserved real love. Although not in the most conventional manner she met Ryland. He was exactly who she needed in her life. I loved her strength throughout this book, she endured a lot, but was still able to withstand. I was upset with the mess she was left with to clean up but she managed.
This is a magnificent read, Ms. Erika did not disappoint. If you have not had the chance to indulge in any of her books do so. You will be thoroughly happy you did.
Kaya could be the spokesperson for "thank God I don't look like what I've been through." I wanted to help her dig Carlos up and give him exactly what he needed...initially. While he harbored one too many secrets, I place a lot of the blame with with grandparents in this story. They were so caught up in appearances and what people think, that they made their children sacrifice a lot. I loved the chemistry between Ryland and Kaya and Ry gets mad props for self control because he was too nice to Dora. Ryland's siblings were something else too...then add Selena---the twists and turns kept coming all the while skeletons were falling out the closet.
There were so many secrets and I wished that Carson lived in his truth because the cost of not doing so was significant. Poor Kaya had to pick up the pieces and whew...it was a lot. I am glad Ryland came into the picture, a man who unapologetically lived his truth and never wavered from it. Lesson learn from this book - live your truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!
This story was so thought revoking. Carlos had so many secrets, that his friend/wife had to clean up for him being a coward. Then to die with another woman, after leaving your wife for a totally different woman was ridiculous.
How were you planning in staying three doors down from your children with a whole new family. Carlos needed help.
Dylan's was my man. He was a real one and I'm happy he loved Kalia and the children without hesitation. Great story
This was a good story but it felt like a lot of things were missing. Kaya & Carlos get married at 18 because she gets pregnant. She ends up being a stay at home mom. Then we find out he died in a car crash. That's when everything gets crazy. There's a woman involved, he wasn't at work like he said, a mistress, a side baby, the question of sexuality & some pain in the behind parents. Then that's it..almost. There's new love too.
The power of forgiveness even in death is a beautiful and powerful emotion, it freedom from carrying someone else burdens. Kaya, realizing her shortcomings along with her strength was required to ensure her children didn't live in their father's lies. The strength and love provide by Ryland was on time at the right time for them and no one else.
This love story was definitely outside the norm and original! All the makings of a best seller. Personally, I'm not sure how I would have handled some of the situations introduce, but Ms. B did a wonderful job introducing and resolving conflict.
This is my first read by this author and I was definitely impressed. Ryland and Kaya had a strength that I admired because I would have had some heads rolling. But despite their storms, they were able to find love!
This book definitely was more than I expected it to be. Carlos was such a weak guy as it turns out. Kaya extended a lot of Grace and deserved true happiness. Ryland was everything!
Kaya had been through enough when it came down to love….did she even know what that was. Her husband basically left her to fix everything. Then she meets Ryland. He was everything she needed and more to show her real love.
I enjoyed reading this book. Kaya deserved her happiness and Ryland gave it to her. Hated that the husband felt so bad he had to end his life. Great story