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Skullz Ink #2

Forgiving River

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Two very important lessons were taught to me the day I witnessed my father kill my baby brother. One, wealth can buy anything—including freedom—and two, monsters come in all kinds of disguises.

I just didn’t think I’d be one of them.

When tragedy strikes close to the heart, I decide to try to make up for the part I played. It’s an everyday battle and the woman I was falling in love with never lets me forget what I've done. Loxley has her own demons to fight despite the happy front she puts on, and every time I get a glimpse of the pain in her dual-colored eyes, I want nothing more than to help her defeat every last one of them. Like me, trust comes hard for her, so she doesn’t make it easy.

When she finally reaches out for help, I grab the chance to show her—and everyone else—the man I really am. Neither of us expect the shocking revelations from the past to collide with our present.

After we learn exciting news, we realize our fight with the past is going to be the most important one yet. In order to move on though, we must confront the monsters from our nightmares and hope we survive.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2018

72 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Lynne Leslie

25 books396 followers
Mom. Fiancee. Wine Drinker. Hot Mess. Even bigger Walking Disaster. Fluent Sarcasm Speaker. Word Writer. Collector of Readers Hearts. Taco Lover. Book Nerd. USA Today Bestselling Author.

Lynne lives in the quiet country with a bossy mister and two little divas. If you don’t catch her with her nose in a book or her fingers scribbling on paper, she’s usually right in front of the television with her family. She loves anything that glitters and has a weird habit of collecting pens. She thinks seafood is disgusting, beach sand is the devil, and Tom Hardy is life.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
1,636 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2018
Sooo GOOD!❤
A heart rendering read that gives you all the feels as it demands you attention as it sears the the storyline into heart mind and soul! Tears will be shed sucking the life out of you but laughter will come along and pick you back up dusting you off or you will become enraged wanting to reach in and lash out as the drama ruffles your feathers needing to get your two cents in! Thrilling hot chemistry, exciting, fun, intense, edgy, raw, a myriad of emotions, page turning twists and hard to put down! An incredible must read!
Profile Image for Michelle Brace .
1,736 reviews15 followers
September 2, 2018
Holy crap this book!!! I am so freaking happy that I chose to read this series by Lynne Leslie. I wasn't sure what her books would have in store for me but you can now consider me a fan. This book had me in tears, left speechless, angry, heartbroken, happy, and so freaking much more. If you haven't checked out a book by this author this is a series to do just that.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about River after the first one. He did redeem himself in the end of the first book but I still wasn't sure but I loved getting his story and I absolutely fell in love with him after reading this. Loxley is such a caring, hilarious and haunted person. You know there are things in her history that have left her with a lot of pain but what she experienced broke my heart. The same goes for River. Both of these characters have survived some awful things and they are perfect for each other and can be that person for each other.

The things that take place in this book had me in shock. Just when you think the threat is bad it just gets worse. You are going to want to jump in and bash some heads and really commit some acts of violence. I loved the journey that Loxley and River take to overcome their histories, their heartbreaks, their past and the threats against them. River is all in with Loxley but Loxley is a fighter and hopefully she can learn to open her heart and trust to River fully before she loses him as more than a friend.

This is a series that I highly recommend. These aren't easy romance stories. These characters have an uphill battle to overcome and it is an addicting ready for sure. I can't wait for the rest of the characters stories as well.
Profile Image for Bookish AF • Kris.
185 reviews23 followers
September 8, 2018




Forgiving River by Lynne Leslie is the second book in the Skullz Ink series. I absolutely dove into this book after reading the first. This is the book of Loxley and River. Both of who have their secrets, heart aches, and mistakes. Will those keep them from finding their way to each other?

River betrayed Lox and several of her friends, only to redeem himself in everyone's eyes but Lox's. She struggles to forget and forgive. Yet, Loxley is drawn to River. If only that was Lox's only struggle. Her past won't let her go and when it comes crashing into her present she has no choice but to let River in.

Loxley grabbed River's heart from the moment he saw her. He wants all of her, not just the small bits she is willing to give.

Lynne Leslie grabbed me with the first book and only succeeded in making me a have to read this book. She has created characters that draw on all of your emotions and brings them to the surface. This world of Skullz Ink is a world that I personally would like to be a part of. Well developed characters and story lines that demand attention. I can't wait to read book 3 in the series when Leslie releases it.



This review was originally posted on My Blissful Books
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,084 reviews56 followers
August 31, 2018
Oh my gosh I'm sat here a complete blubbering mess. My emotions are all over the place after finishing Forgiving River. After meeting these two characters in a previous book (Fighting for Phoenix) I had an inkling their story would break my heart I just didn't anticipate how much. Both River and Loxley have had difficult pasts dealing with abuse at the hands of people that should have had nothing but love for them but both are survivers and have fought their way through. When Loxley finally gives into what's in front of her and gives River a chance of been more than just her friend the strength they garner from each other immense, but being together is just the tip of the iceberg they're about to hit, you just have to hope that, that strength is enough to carry them through and hopefully at the end of it all they will get the HEA they both so greatly deserve.

This book definitely deals with some very sensitive issues but the author writes about each and everyone as delicately as possible. A highly deserved 5 stars from me and I'm hoping we see more of the secondary characters get their own books in the future.
6,559 reviews27 followers
October 23, 2018
This is the second book in Skullz Ink series and we met these two characters in the first book Fighting for Phoenix now we get a more in depth look at their lives and be prepared this book will turn you into a blubbering mess It is a long time since a book as tugged at so many emotions for me. This author is fast becoming a favourite for me

Loxley Erin Parrish is a strong woman ho has survived a nightmarish past after been left for dead at the bottom of a flight of stairs she has picked herself up dusted herself and decided that she will let no man ever get to he again. River James DeLuca has made many wrong decisions in his past but he is trying to become the man that he is meant to be. He is deeply attracted to Loxley but she will let no man in, when danger threatens her though she turns to River for help. With her past quickly closing in on her will he be able to keep her safe and will she realise that there are some men you can trust. Once again we have wonderful secondary characters that help to give this wonderful book lots of depth Can't wait for more books in this outstanding series
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews32 followers
September 6, 2018
We first meet Loxley and River in Fighting for Phoenix. You could tell that both of these characters had something happen to them in the past and I when I learned the second book was going to be about them I was excited to find out what happened. They might come from upper class families but that doesn’t protect them from abuse. Those that were supposed to care and protect them broke that trust.

Once again Lynne Leslie has me feeling the full range of emotions from heartbreak and sadness to anger and happiness for these two. I felt so bad for Loxley and wanted her to see how River was not going to hurt her. I was cheering when she finally let her walls down. As for River, I was not too impressed with in him Fighting for Phoenix but he definitely made me come to care for him too.

This is an amazing series. I admit that I’m not a big romance type girl but this is one series that I recommend checking out. It will have you emotionally wrung out but wanting more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Profile Image for Crissy.
2,816 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2018
3.5 STARS!!!
Forgiving River was a good read. River and Loxley knows what it's like to live with abuse and loss but their love and strength will get them through the darkest and toughest times. I enjoyed Loxley's character a lot. She dealt with a lot but I loved that she was such a strong character, and every blow she took in life only made her that much stronger. Jason definitely got what he deserved in the end. River has definitely redeemed himself in my eyes and I loved how caring and loving he was with Lox. No one is perfect and they both had their faults but I enjoyed their story a lot. The surprise within the story and the ending will leave readers happy. It's a story worth reading but beware that their is abuse in this story, so if its something that's not for you then this book is not for you. My one complaint about this story is that it moved at such a slow pace, and it made the story drag and seem too long but other than that it was a good dark read.
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,143 reviews13 followers
September 6, 2018
This is the second book in this series and it had so many twists and turns I felt like I was on a roller coaster and could not keep my heart under control.
Loxley and River they both have pasts that would make the Pope swear and they are both trying to make their future better but River wants Loxley and she has walls that most couldn't scale and be safe.
But when she let's them down for him holy crap the hotness that came from this book had me fanning myself and needing a smoke afterwards.


This is the second book in this series and it had so many twists and turns I felt like I was on a roller coaster and could not keep my heart under control.
Loxley and River they both have pasts that would make the Pope swear and they are both trying to make their future better but River wants Loxley and she has walls that most couldn't scale and be safe.
But when she let's them down for him holy crap the hotness that came from this book had me fanning myself and needing a smoke afterwards.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,753 reviews31 followers
October 24, 2018
River unwittingly betrayed everyone without knowing or realising the repercussions he would be met with, now after redeeming himself to a certain extent he still has a long way to go with the one person who means the most to him Loxley. Fortunately for him things are about to spiral out of control Loxley and her past she has run from is about to come back and she needs someone who is on her side without hesitation however they both have horrific pasts that will either make them stronger together or break them both. There are soo many emotions in this book and yeah they will hurt, make you cry, make you laugh as well as worry what will become of River and Loxley, will they open up to each other so they can see the real them or decide its not worth opening your heart. This book is about people who have been through gut wrenching things, which can be written well or put you off a book and this was written with respect to what they and people in real life go through so I tip my hat to you Lynne Leslie for making this emotional journey one done with those in that type of position.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
January 16, 2019
Forgiving River will pull on your heartstrings. Gripping, emotional and intense.

River deals with the demons of his past daily. The abuse he and his family has endured from the hands of his wealthy father. He's also seeking redemption from his friends at Skullz Ink especially Loxley. The fiesty, stubborn woman that turns him into mush.

Loxley (Sadie) has been running from her past for three years. She carries a deep secret deep in her heart. A wealthy abusive husband and murderer who will not stop until he finds her.

When Lox's past comes back to haunt her, secrets are revealed and lies are exposed causing her to turn to River for protection. The chemistry between them is explosive. 

Lynne Leslie has written an incredible series filled with murder, suspense, mystery, deceit, abuse and romance. I would highly recommend Skullz Ink Series!

Can't wait for next installment, Healing Saint!
2,438 reviews22 followers
August 24, 2018
Ms. Leslie has again written a story that will tear you up and allow you to see hope and humanity. Abuse comes in many forms, most of which are featured in this story. I cannot identify with the actual abuse of these victims but I can sympathize with their stories. I liked how the victims are not from lower income families but shows that wealth and status have nothing to do with the vile abusers. The family portrayal in the story really stands out – they do not have to be blood relations, just people who care and look out for each other. River and Loxley’s story is one that will be hard to forget. Again, get out the tissues, you will need them.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Laid-Back Book Bitches.
360 reviews99 followers
September 1, 2018
I am still sitting here with tears running down my face. I am still in such an emotional state! This was my first read from this author and will not be my last. I was drawn in to this book right away, I could not put this book down. It has me turning pages faster then I like to admit. I needed to know what was gonna happen next. I had a feelin this book was gonna break my heart and I was right, but I was also fixed. Both River and Loxley have had difficult pasts dealing with abuse at the hands of people that should have had nothing but love them. My heart broke for these two, but they are survivors! Wanna know what I'm talking about? Go get your copy, I promise you will not be sorry! This is a major must read, worth all the tears cross my heart!
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,149 reviews12 followers
September 27, 2023
Loxley is a woman who has survived hell with her ex-husband. Although 7 years have passed and there are wounds that do not close, which has made her a closed person with her feelings , there is only one man who can break those barriers and that is River.
If you have already read the first book of the series you already know that he did not start with the group in the best way and even 6 months later Loxley has not completely forgiven him. Until one day she offers him an opportunity.
But every time this couple seems to have a happy and peaceful moment, something happens that clouds everything.
I liked it more than the first.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2018
An enthralling emotionally deep romance. It tugged on many emotions – anger, sorrow, happiness. The storyline is beautifully written, shocking, twisted, and very interesting. The characters are well-developed, strong, and brave. They are broken after years of abuse; however with the love for each other and the love of family and friends they heal and move on to find their HEA. This series is amazing and pulls on your heart strings, but I cannot get enough and I look forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
977 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2018
Loxley has lived a horrible life of abuse and her ex just won'the quit. She has built a new life for herself can it also include love and trust?
River did years in prison for something he did not do and suffer physical assault that has left scars. He is trying to make a mends and have a life that includes friend and hopefully a loving relationship.
Join them on their path to healing and love. You need to set aside time to read as I could not put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mandy Barnes.
334 reviews29 followers
April 25, 2019
Lynn Leslie has done it again with Forgiving River, I couldn't wait to return to the group at Skulls Inc to see what was in store for River and Lox. what she has written really touched base with some things in life.

River is trying to make up for the wrong he done in the past few months with the crew while loving and pinning for a woman he can't have, but he is set out to change all that, to deem himself worthy of her once and for all.

Lox is scared of letting people in, afraid of what they might think, but she will soon discover that no all people are bad, and that she will need them to get thru what is coming her way.

Can River and Lox both redeem themselves and put to rest the demons that haunt their nightmares? can they find the true happiness they deserve or will it all be for not?
Profile Image for Charlene.
670 reviews
August 24, 2018
I was eager to read this book knowing the back story between Loxley and River after reading Fighting for Phoenix. Forgiveness won’t be an easy task, but River is determined to show everyone he’s worth it. Loxley had a horrific past, and when that past catches up to her in the present, River might be the only one who can save her! This is a story of abuse, strength, friendship, forgiveness and love.
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,831 reviews44 followers
August 24, 2018
Not an easy read, but this is a story of how strength, friendship, forgiveness and love can conquer anything!

I was eager to read this book knowing the back story between Loxley and River after reading Fighting for Phoenix. Forgiveness won’t be an easy task, but River is determined to show everyone he’s worth it. Loxley had a horrific past, and when that past catches up to her in the present, River might be the only one who can save her!
Profile Image for Melissa Ann.
338 reviews19 followers
September 6, 2018
This book was so amazing and heartbreaking. This story shows strength and forgiveness. The story of these two will pull at your heartstrings and have you on the edge of your seat. My heart broke for Loxley’s past but she is such a great strong character, I enjoyed reading. What these two go through is super intense and watching them conquer their demons was a wild and suspenseful ride! Can’t wait to read more of this series!
Profile Image for poppy.
4,590 reviews28 followers
October 19, 2018
I am absolutely hooked on this series after reading and loving the first book I went straight on to this book. We met Loxley and River in the previous book and I just knew these two were going to break me and I was right this is a fantastic book I was hooked from the first chapter and ended up finishing it in one sitting. This is a pretty emotional book at times. I would recommend this series I just loved it.
1,293 reviews8 followers
October 20, 2018
This is the second book in the Skullz ink series and book is it just as brilliant as 5e first book which I loved reading. I absolutely love reading this series as you get to feel all the emotions with the characters and you get to feel like you are there with her characters. River and Loxley are get characters you can’t help but love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Teresa Doherty.
338 reviews9 followers
November 8, 2018
I would give this ten stars if I could, as I write this review I am crying, the emotional rollercoaster in these pages has produced the most beautiful story. River has bridges to build, Loxley just had to keep the walls around her heart intact knowing that she can never be in a bad place again, until River and her past catch her, first class reading for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
September 21, 2018
Forgiving River is one of those stories that gripped me from the very beginning, while making my heart race cover to cover in all of its exciting goodness. Lynne Leslie penned an amazing story that was highly addictive with her very talented writing style, and frankly, I absolutely LOVE this Skullz Ink series, and will NEVER EVER get enough of this group of friends. There's Loxley Erin Parrish, a strong woman, who survived a past that would curl a normal person's hair. She has sky high walls, for good reason, so in the 3 years since she was left for dead at the bottom of the stairs, no man has scaled those walls. River James DeLuca has his own dark past, which has caused him to make some very bad decisions, and he's trying to make up for them. He has a thing for Loxley, but again, it all goes back to those bad decisions. However, when Loxley's past finds her, she turns to him for help, and he gets to show her the man he really is. I swear that my heart stayed lodged in my throat throughout this story as I waited for that other shoe to drop, as I knew that Loxley's past was going to come knocking, just not in the way that it did. Which means that the twists were flying from every direction, coming down as my f-bombs dropped, all the way to the big finale at the end. She was a very complicated heroine, as her stubbornness was huge, so I wanted to shake her, though I understood at the same time. So when she finally let River in, their chemistry ignited, lighting the sheets on fire during sexy times. And of course, their friends made for a brilliant cast of secondaries who added depth, and at times more humor to the mix, which was a break from some serious angst. I read this story in one sitting because I couldn't put it down once I started it, so I CANNOT WAIT for more in this awesome series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
2,978 reviews10 followers
October 21, 2018
Fantastic gripping emotional story of River and Loxley (Sadie). What doesn't break us will truly make us stronger and Loxley proves that to us with what she has overcome in her life. When she lets River in she finds a strength like none before. Together they are stronger and can fight for what they want.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews34 followers
October 11, 2018
The book is a good dark romance read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is a real emotional read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
749 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2018
Wow, this is such a great series! It pulls at the heart string. It makes you sad, happy and then leaves you wondering. This is the second in the series, the storyline is great. I can't say enough good about this book. It is a must read. I received it as an arc and voluntarily left my review.
738 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2018
this is book 2 in this series about bad boys who need second chances with the woman they were meant to be with. this is River's story, he is tall dark and handsome and I really enjoyed his love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for April Collins.
13 reviews
August 24, 2018
I loved Forgiving River. River and Loxley's story takes you on an unbelievable ride. It makes you wanna laugh and cry. Leaves you wanting more. I don't see how she will top this.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,558 reviews16 followers
October 26, 2018
This book is such a gripping story, with so many emotions. Characters are strong and engaging. It is well written. I appreciate reading this book.
Profile Image for Jimette Ross.
490 reviews35 followers
May 16, 2019
Fantastic! Love this edgy, emotional, suspenseful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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