Veritas

by A.L. Woods

I have more money than I know what to spend it on.
The power that comes with being a partner at a law firm.
A closet-full of tailored Brioni suits.
The ugly divorce.
A daughter I love more than life itself, even if I’m not sure she’s mine.
What I don’t have is her.
My queen of thorns.
Maria Tavares has the paralyzing effect of a black widow disguised as a femme fatale.
She’s brains and beauty, and has the audacity to f*ck around like a man without regard for feelings.
And she lives by the mantra, “hit it and quit it.”
Yours truly included.
After a one-night stand six months ago, I want my formidable rose—any way I can have her.
When she comes to me needing a favor, I’m quick with a proposition she can understand: an arrangement.
Three months.
All in. Strings attached. No interferences. Titles exchanged.
Mine.
In this battle of wills, Maria will discover that I know she needs to be handled with a firm hand.
Especially while she’s on her knees for me.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Emotional, Slow Burn, BDSM

514 pages, ebook

First published October 6, 2021

About the author

A.L. Woods is an international bestselling author of dark and contemporary rollercoaster romances, caffeine aficionado, and collector of Sailor Moon paraphernalia.

She lives outside of Toronto, Ontario with her 9lb larger-than-life miniature dachshund, Maia.

She believes that burritos should be in their own food group, loves the fall, winged liner, and listening to metalcore at an offensive level.

Website: https://amandawrites.ca/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-l-w...
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaLWrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalwrites/
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/22739...

Reviews

[Literary Child (Tania) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ця історія підняла дуже багато тем, які близькі кожній людині: страх бути відкинутим, тому працюєш на випередження, бажання бути побаченим близькими людьми, сумніви щодо відкриття своїх почуттів іншим. це все болить, це все обмежує і не дає жити повноцінним життям

Марія була тією жінкою, яка знає собі ціну, досягає професійних успіхів, але тримає усіх, в тому числі й сексуальних партнерів чи різних людей, на відстані витягнутої руки. ті блоки, які вона встановила сама собі у своїй свідомості, важко подолати, коли ти не розумієш і не приймаєш себе. на щастя, у її житті з'явився Джордан, який став тим, хто допоміг вилізти з ями у своїй голові.

цей чоловік просто затопив любов'ю моє серце. попри власні проблеми, попри страшну зраду з боку усіх, кого він вважав близькими, Джордан знайшов у собі сили відкрити серце цій замкнутій, але такій прекрасній жінці. те, як він поступово її витягував з її власної ракушки, як чудово він змушував її говорити про свої почуття вслух, не боятися відкривати ту частину себе, яку вона стримувала, щоб підходити під стандарти соціуму. все ж, і його демони ледь все не зламали, але щира розмова знову допомогла розкласти все по своїх поличках

ця книга сповнена людського болю та радощів, смутку та посмішок, і розуміння того, що ти не станеш щасливим, закриваюсь у собі. це щастя лежить на твоїх долонях, і якщо ти матимеш сміливість вхопитися в нього і не відпускати, збагачувати його та оберігати — воно лишиться назавжди ❤️

окремо хочу виділити постільні сцени, бо це, вибачте, ґрунт, основа до тріпотіння пальчиків ніг. як на мене, їх заняття коханням мали навіть терапевтичних вплив, змушували відкриватися і приймати, розширювати свої горизонти.

ці двоє НЕРЕАЛЬНІ😏

і хотіла б додати, що варто прочитати примітку авторки після книги, бо там вона виклала свої міркування, які особисто мене зачепили і змусили задуматися ❤️

[Mariia_Hevorhian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️ Обожнюю книги, в яких жінка рівна чоловіку. Робота, секс, характер, висловлювання власної думки - ніхто нікому не поступався, створювали стосунки як дві дорослі особистості. Я фанатка зрілих героїв і ця книга відчувається моєю. Звичайно, герої через емоційні травми в минулому мають право на помилки в теперішньому. Деякі потрясіння залишаються з людиною на все її життя і переслідують у найнезручніший момент.
Мати головної героїні сучара рідкісна, не варта жодного нігтя Марії. Я б не пробачила…
Дуггі той який дивний. Псував усю книгу. Колишні на те і колишні, аби залишатися в минулому. Не розумію чому він до останнього волочився за Марією.
Шон - брат Марії якась цаца раніма. Бляха ну доросла людина. Чому сестра має приховувати він нього життя, бо воно вважає,що полігамія це низько і принизливо? Не сімʼя, а якась шарашніка кантора.
Джордан і Марія - не мають нічого спільного з цими людьми. Герої є самостійними особистостями, які зробили себе самі і чхали з Евересту на думку тупих і недорозвинених людей. Обожнюю їх 💔❤️‍🔥

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

To say this book is complex and deep is an understatement. But I do not want to cheapen or scare people away. Maria and Jordan have a face they show the world and are successful in their professional lives. However, on the inside, the characters have layers, are flawed, insecure, and are quite guarded. The writing will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but worth it. I will recommend this book to just about anyone.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ця книга просто саме сердечко, тому що нарешті двоє героїв, які обговорюють своє життяі і свої проблеми хоч і зі скрипом як Марія

Джордан та Марія - в них є все, хімія, пристрасть та це саме той приклад де герої рівні один одному, і не можна сказати, що хтось є слабшим ❤️

Марія - сильна жінка, яка побудувала своє життя, як їй здавалося правильно та саме так як їй хотілося. Дуже було боляче читати про її боязнь справжніх почуттів і відносин, але потім в її життя увірвався справжній чоловік, який показав їй чого вона насправді достойна 🥹

Джордан - запав у моє сердечко своїми чоловічими проявами та бажанням все обговорити зі своїм партнером незважаючи на все, що сталося в минулому з його колишньою дружиною

Дуґі - колишній Марії, як і завжди ці колишні коханці дуже невчасно з'являвся протягом книги. Максимально бісячий персонаж. Проблеми з дружиною? Чому б не побігти до Марії як побите цуценя?😑

Сімейка Марії то взагалі окрема історія, мати Марії засуджувала її за кожен зроблений крок, і взагалі недостойна пробачення, але я рада, що Марії стало після цього легше

Шон - брат героїні, просто мамина царапинка і не може змиритися з тим фактом, що в Марії власне життя і в неї є своя голова на плечах

Історія мені сподобалася, але було декілька моментів, які трохи зменшили оцінку, тому 4,5 ⭐️

[Tori - Novel Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Star

I could really see what AL Woods was trying to do with this book and I feel that there were parts that were lacking.

While I did enjoy the romance, some things weren’t completely fleshed out.

Both Maria and Jordan are lawyers. After a one night stand, Maria up and left and Jordan hasn’t see her. Once he runs into her in the elevator, he starts to break down her walls. Maria has a lot of walls up for good reasons, from her past.

Very much hate to love but I loved the single dad aspect.

[Roxanna C Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was supposed to ARC read this book but I was so busy in October getting The New Order ready for release, I just didn't have time. So I bought it. 🤣

Tried to keep it spoiler free but there may be some....







This is AL Woods' fifth release, and the fifth book I've read by her. It's also my favourite.

Sorry Sean, I'm officially Team Jordan ❤️

Having read the Reflections series, I'd already had an introduction to Maria. I knew there was a front to her and it was great getting to know her better.

She and Jordan are both incredibly successful, but also carry a lot of baggage. I loved watching them figure it all out, together and apart.

I relate to Maria, not in terms of the career, but her walls. I know how it feels to be your own worst enemy. To hold onto anger and push people away because it's easier than forgiving them and giving them the chance to hurt you again. This was Maria.

AL Woods excels in writing complex characters, taking the risk that you may not immediately warm to them. You have to go on a journey with them while they figure their shit out and I love that.

She also writes emotions well and I absolutely teared up when Maria finally spoke with her mother. Add in some kinky 🌶️🌶️ scenes and you've got a winning combination.

She's also given us a taste of what we can expect for Dougie and Penelope in Lies and I'm nervous. I'll read it... But I'm nervous.

[reader_ka · Rating 5 out of 5]

9,5/10 💔

[Halya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Мене втомило прочитання цієї історії. Просто і безповоротно.
Марія - це звісно жінка, яка «має сталеві 🥚», але мені її справді було жаль. Мама зробила з неї в якийсь момент вирви-дитиною, тато підірвав віру в підтримку, брат пожертвував своїм навчанням (хоча я думаю, що для нього це не була прям жертва жертва)
А потім знаходиться альфа-самець з любовʼю в домінантності і думає,що ща я все порішаю,а в самого трохи в голові срач.

Що одне, що інше не знало любові і прям дивно стало, як вони дійшли до довіри і взаємопідтримки. Хоча мінімально розумію - через секс.
Сцени місцями нагадували «50 відтінків сірого»,я хоч і перечитувала цю книгу, в даному контексті щось мені не зайшло

Те, як показана тема нерівності жінки в «чоловічих» професіях - 👏🏻, а також те, як принижують їх [жінок] в суспільстві, якщо вони не хочуть стосунків і поводяться як середньостатистичний чоловік без них. Тільки чоловік - це альфа, а жінка - це слово на букву ш.

Тільки за це не менша оцінка, якби ще не кількість сторінок, то може було б ок, а так мені було дооовго це читати

[Katharina · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Sometimes we think we know everything there is to know about ourselves and then someone shows up and tells us we had it all wrong.”

3.5 ★

Maria Tavares is a lawyer and she doesn’t have time for relationships. That is until Jordan comes crashing back into her life from their one night stand and he wants more with her.

This is the first book I read from this author and I liked it. I liked how the fmc was bad ass and didn’t take shit from no one. I liked Jordan a lot too. The way he was with her was so sweet.

They both had a lot they were going through. Maria dealing with not wanting to disappoint anyone due to her mommy issues.
And Jordan dealing with feeling secured in his current relationship due to his ex wife’s affair.

I did feel like it was dragging a bit. I also wanted to see more moments with Maria and Jordan’s daughter Lana. I feel like I only got those moments 90% into the book.

Overall it was a good read.

read this if you like :

- badass fmc
- single dad
- he falls first

[κris ☄ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's A. L. Woods, everything she's written is *chef's kiss*

I deeply and genuinely loved this book. Veritas is a book about family issues, trust, and above all love. Honestly, the whole premise is *chef's kiss*, the way she write this book sounds realistically and definitely swooned-worthy!

Also, I absolutely loved the flawed, guarded, and complex characters. It's a character-driven book that would make you go swooned over the characters differences. Maria was such a strong-willed and independent woman. She build walls around her to protect herself because she has issues about trust and it's reasonable. And I just love Jordan for being Jordan.

Overall, this book deserves everything. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. A book of love, family, hope, trust, and acceptance combine.
I really enjoyed everything about this book. I cannot wait to read more from the author herself. Also, i'm nervous to read Lies, because i'm sure as hell it will be a painful, heartbreaking yet beautiful book.

[J.L. Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Veritas shortly after it was released, but life has been nothing short of chaotic and I am finally getting up my reviews! I’ll be honest, I didn’t like Maria from the get go, but I think it’s because so much of who she is reminds me of myself… Yikes! However, I trust Ms. Woods and even though her books always destroy me, it’s in the best way possible! So with that being said, she made me love Maria. She had me cheering for her even when my heart was breaking for Dougie… I wanted Maria to realize that she deserved to be happy and be loved and that letting her guard down wouldn’t take away her power. She needed to accept herself and that’s hard to do. I love that Jordan didn’t give up on her. Even when he took a step back, he wasn’t really gone. The character development in this book is on point. I appreciate how Ms. Woods showed the healing that was happening with Maria and her family. That was the crux of it all. I’m never disappointed when I read one of A.L. Woods books! This might be my favorite!

[Alexandria Redmourn]

4.5 ⭐
3.5 🌶

let me preface this review, by stating that i, without a doubt, thoroughly enjoyed this book. the emotions that it provoked from me had my head spinning and the need to draw out this book more prominent.

maria, gah i can't recall the last time i wanted to so violently hit someone. she made me so incredibly mad at the beginning of the story, but i liked her by the end of it. i loved her attitude, she exuded confidence and demanded power, but she lacked manners and looked her nose down on everyone. i one hundred percent knew that it was a defense mechanism, but it didn't make me want to hit her any less. gradually, i found myself more inclined to her—not because her deepest, darkest secrets were revealed, no we'd already got a good chunk of her backstory already—because of her personality shift. without giving out spoilers, character development was the most striking trait about maria. she went from being a woman with a holy-than-thou attitude as a way to deceive people into not looking through her, but at her, to a totally new woman that'd make the old her rear back in shock. i loved that the change wasn't sudden, it was a drawn out with little hints here and there. whether the author was foreshadowing or i was actually being perceptive (for once), maria's stance and views on things she'd once wanted, shifted completely.

jordan, whew *expels breath* i was a goner for this man from the very start. from his position at work—because we ALL love a hot lawyer—to being a single dad, his snark and for some reason, it was his grey hair that had me messed up. and then it was his need to dominate, but putting the power in the hands of maria. this man was instantly likable for me, due to the very reason he had manners. it was such an insignificant thing for him to remember the names of the baristas who prepared his coffee every morning (it still is, in the grand scheme of things) but that little bit showed his character. i'd gone from loving dougie to getting ready to fail a marriage application to mr. kovacs SO quickly—i still can't believe i switched up so fast. jordan was everything i love (do i say in a man or in a book boyfriend, because i don't know here?) from his sarcasm to his snark, to the fact he's a dad—even though lana has a mother, it doesn't take away from the fact i'm weak for dads—to his greying hair and ESPECIALLY his possessiveness. in the final chapters, i wanted nothing more to knock his teeth out. he'd allowed his past insecurities to control him and lashed out at the one person, his person, he cared so deeply for. he projected on her, the same way maria had projected on everyone else—i wanted to strangle that damn hypocrite. but by the end, even i wasn't immune to his charms.

now, those last five chapters (?) left my stomach in knots and bile in my throat. i was terrified for raquel, felt sean's restlessness, jordan's anger, maria's hurt—it was a whirlwind of emotions. i'm glad all of them are okay now, but those few chapters messed me up.

dougie, dougie, dougie, i'm still attached to him for some reason. whatever happened with penelope blew up and i don't know how to feel about that. he was going to betray her when his judgement was clouded, and yet i still want for him to have his own HEA. i'd say the true remorse he'd shown is the only reason i don't want to fling him from here to the arctic.

i'm definitely reading mirrors soon for sean and raquel's story. katerina and olivia, my spirit animals. maria's mother and henry can fall into a ditch for all i care. i need a sequel for maria and jordan, and sean and raquel, and spin-offs about kat, liv and dougie.

i loved the author's writing style. it felt like reading an encyclopedia at times and honestly, i loved it. it felt fitting for the main characters, however not so much for the speech of the rest of the characters.

my negatives about this had to be one, i needed more fluff, two, i needed more "I love you" scenes, three and four, i needed more jordanlana moments and jordanlanamaria moments, five, i needed more grovel from jordan and six, i just need the book longer (even though it's already so long, haha)

overall, one of my better reads of the month and i recommend this to anyone who likes a good second-chance, enemies-to-lovers spicy romance.

[Анастасія Леницька · Rating 3 out of 5]

ставлю цій книзі 3.5, але тут хай буде 3, а не 4, округлюючи. і все тільки тому, що Марія змогла змінитися, бо на таких американських горках я ще не каталася. людям за тридцять, а вони досі мають проблеми в дусі «я побачив тебе з іншим одягненими в одній квартирі значить ти зрадила» (ладно, на фоні травм Джордана я розумію, чого він так подумав, але навіть не намагатися розібратися? сподіваюсь у свої 30 я буду більш свідомою та раціональною). але мені дуже подобалася сама Марія як людина, яка дозволила собі вийти за рамки звичної для себе маски, Джордан в деяких моментах, бо не заперечував свої помилки і, звісно ж, дочка Джордана (я обожнюю дітей, а ця Лана просто сонце). ще й дуже здивувала колишня Джордана, в приємному сенсі (маю на увазі ту саму розмову у парку).

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review!

OH! MY! GOD!

I wanted to slap Maria so many times and high five her a lot too. I loved her in the end though (which side note, my Kindle died then!). Jordan is just hot. I don't want to say so much without giving too much away, but I will say this: I need to read Raquel and Sean's story soon! I need more A.L Woods' books in my life! Bravo!!

[Johana · Rating 4 out of 5]

rating: 4.5 ⭐️
spice: 3.5 🌶️

this is part of a series but i read it as a standalone and wasn't lost at all.

this is about Jordan and Maria. Maria is jaded, damaged and a no love kinda woman. Jordan is a damaged, single dad. they are both lawyers and blood thirsty. this goes from one night stand to stuck in an elevator to fake dating to a 3 month agreement to make Maria fall in love with Jordan.

*review*

it was literally so good! i loved this book so much! it has all the angst and emotional ties that i wanted. you get to see the characters struggle to be together but wanting it so bad. it has the family drama sprinkled in as well. there's also family growth and how therapy helps anyone and everyone as long as you just start and try.

Jordan is top book boyfriend for sure. he is so kind and sexy. Maria is a bad ass bitch and i can't help but love her and relate to her. she is also very sexy and confident and grumpy and a bitch sometimes but i loved it! one of my favorite things about this book was the banter, the smut, and all the time we got with the couples together. i found myself laughing and giggling whenever the two couples were together. Jordan loves to piss Maria off and i was so here for it haha the smut was so hot. there was, i guess, supposed to be some BDSM elements but that doesn't really pull through. it didn't take away from the story or the romance for me.

i do wish we got more time with Jordan's kid and Maria together because Jordan's kid is supposed to be super important to him and i did want to see their dynamic together. the ending was a little bit rushed for me. i found myself wishing it was longer. i also thought the plot with Dougie was over rated but i see why it was in here. either way i loved this book!

definitely recommend!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read a character like Maria, or even Jordan. She was unavailable emotionally, jaded, but actually, there's a reason for that. Jordan was betrayed by someone he thought he loved. That didn't bode well now that he wanted more with Maria.

Sometimes the things we thought we wanted the most aren’t the things that are right for us.

Both of them needed to work on themselves, their struggles, and their issues. I loved seeing their characters' developments. I feel so connected to Maria. She just resonated with me. She put up a farce, push guys who wanted more away but at the same time worrying she could never fall in love. All because of self-acceptance and escaping expectations.

I’d spent all this time worrying that I couldn’t fall in love with someone, that I never considered the possibility that I already had. I’d worried I would never be enough, and I always had been. Enough, I was enough.

And I loved that Jordan always accepted his mistakes and own them. They learn to do it together. They couldn't be more perfect for each other. I can definitely feel how much Jordan really sees through Maria's walls and the farce she put up. He understands her as much as she understands him. I loved their characters a lot. And that just makes their story amazing!

[Laura ( Latteandbookz ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was fanfreakingtastic!
Maria has worked her buns of to get to where she is, she’s all about her job as a lawyer she doesn’t have time for anything else.
Jordan is a successful lawyer with a great charm that works well on a lot of people, but Maria happens to be one of the ones it doesn’t affect and that intrigues him.
The connection that these two have is off the charts in this slow burn. They both have their own emotional stories that just suck you in with the push and pull dance they do.
Jordan, I think is going to be added to the book boyfriend list.

[Karina]

DNF . I liked the premise and it starts off good but it’s way too much inner dialogue and I stopped caring for any of the characters

[The Smutbrarians · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels 4
Steam 5
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Stephanie

Veritas isn’t the type of book I would normally go for. I do like a good second chance romance but I have never been a huge fan of the single parent second chance kind of read. But I’m so glad I took a chance on this book. This extremely well written, slow burn romance has great characters, a ton of angst and a hell of a lot of steam.

“I didn’t like jagged edges. I preferred smooth, clean lines, no surprises. White paint. Dark floors. Simplicity.”

Maria likes to be always in total control. Whether it’s work or personal, contracts and deadlines are her forte. Relationships are a hard no and in their place are one-night stands or arranged encounters. Sometimes with a little non-disclosure agreement attached. To her, work is life and boy, does she work her ass off for her law firm. The same one that keeps passing her up as a partner and giving her shitty excuses as to why. But what happens when a one-night stand pushes to stick around a little longer?

Jordan was a hit it and quit it as far as Maria was concerned. He has wanted the hard as nails, beautiful bombshell for a long time and has no plans on letting her push him away. Luckily for him their law firms are in the same building. Jordan wants Maria and Maria wants no one but when she needs a wedding date she goes to Jordan for a favor and he agrees...with some stipulations of course.

“Black widows always fucked their mates before they devoured them. It was biology.”

The sexual tension between these two was off the fucking charts from the get-go. Like OMG it was hot as hell. They both carry a lot of trust issues and other baggage from their pasts. There’s also a whole lot of secrets going on. I legit loved Jordan...freaking loved him. He’s sweet and so damn sexy. I loved so much that he didn’t try and tame the fire in Maria while she tried to figure out who she was and what she really wanted. A few times he pissed me off with some of the shotgun assumptions he made. You know what they say about assuming things, right? Maria on the other hand was an I love her/I hate her kind of character for at least half of the book for me. I loved that she was a fucking powerhouse and wasn’t afraid to be her unapologetic self. But a lot of the times her reasoning just didn’t fly and she hurt others. I get that it was a defense mechanism to protect herself. I absolutely loved the amount of growth she went through in this book...both her and Jordan. I was really rooting for them to get their HEA.

“I loved that in her most vulnerable moments, I could see her. All of her.”

This story was a little off the track from what I usually read, but it was so, so good. Honestly the only reason it wasn’t a five-star read for me was Dougie. The whole thing with him wrapped up to be a weird part of the book that didn’t work for me. I get that his character sort of set this pattern with Maria for us and let us understand her a little better. But no. I thought there was going to be a love triangle in there somewhere with the hints that were dropped. I guess his whole character and the way it played out confused me...especially near the end. Dougie and Penelope are really my only issues with this otherwise fantastic read. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

“And I trusted him. Implicitly. Veritas, that was our only rule. Truth, honesty, trust.

[bookswithsonali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM IN LOVE.

ABSOLUTELY.

POSITIVELY.

IN LOVE.

WITH JORDAN.

He is the definition of a perfect man. Everything he saw, I could see. Everything he felt, I still feel. I went into this book blind, after having followed A.L. Woods on Instagram and seeing that there was ARC copies available of her book for review.

I’m so in love with this story. I love anything with a single dad, and a pining man, and of course, the STEAM. THE STEAMY SCENES IN HERE. Oh god, they were so detailed, I thought I was in the room with them, I swear.

Maria. She is one hell of a woman. I wish I was as intelligent and striking as her. Every one of her faults was not a fault at all, and I love her for it as much as Jordan. Her character came off as someone I wouldn’t like, but all the pieces of her life came together to create such a complex character that made total freaking sense. The way she was. The way she thought. Much like Jordan, her past affected her present so well.

It’s such a slow burn at first that I’m screaming for something to happen, but when it does?! I’m a freaking goner. They have an immaculate love story, one that has many twists and turns, but the final ending and journey were totally worth following.

Veritas.

I’m telling the absolute truth right now. I’m telling you to run and go read this book because it’s that freaking good. The spice? 5/5. The stars? 5/5. Jordan is at the top of the list of book boyfriends (or can I say book daddies? OH GOD).

A.L. Woods has a way with words and phrases, and the emotions that this book evoked totally had me hooked to the point where I was able to binge it in a few hours (it’s a long book friends! I don’t mind at all. I LOVED every freaking second — not me wishing there was more. Can we get a bonus chapter?! OH YES PLEASE!)

Single dad.
Successful hero & heroine.
Somewhat of a workplace romance? It’s complicated as you will come to see.
Definite slow burn.
Lots of tension and heat.
You will love it.

Veritas.

[Angie S H aka Feelin A Little Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria Tavares has worked incredibly hard to get to where she is in her life. She is all about her career as a lawyer. No distractions. Not from family and especially not from men. Her love life is just a one night stand situation. Except that one man in particular hasn’t forgotten about Maria.

Jordan Kovacs can get any woman he wants, after all he is a successful lawyer as well. He’s single. He’s handsome and incredibly charming. His charm, however, doesn’t work on every woman he’s met. Maria is that woman. He ends up in her presence once again and pursues her relentlessly. He knows that there is more to Maria than what’s on the surface and that he can make her believe in love. Even if he has trouble believing in It himself.

Both have their own sets of ‘baggage’. Maria has gone through a lot and is emotionally unavailable. She would prefer to not waste hers or someone else’s time. Jordan has been burned before and doesn’t know if he will be able to trust someone completely again but when it comes to Maria he is more than willing to try.

The two go through a push and pull with lots of drama. Veritas is one of the more realistic novels I have read in recent months. I related to Maria on many levels and Jordan had layers to him beyond just being a handsome book boyfriend. The chemistry was off the chain between the two. Jordan can dominate me any day! I truly enjoyed this novel and can’t wait for more by A.L. Woods.

[e v e r l o r e 🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOOOOOOVED. THIS. BOOK.

LOVED the characters. The dynamic. The banter. The steammmm 🥵 The absolute realness of every scenario, especially the family and relationship issues. And Jordannnnn, dear Lord Jordannnnn. I love that he was such a devoted father and such a doting boyfriend when allowed to be. Charming, smug, lovable. And Maria, was a little cold in the beginning but had such growth and development that was authentic and beautiful and she maintained her boss ass bitch status.

I laughed at the wit, cried at the harshness and depth of the fights and real life vulnerabilities of each character (including her mother) and smiled at the eventual wonderful, beautiful sssssteamy love between them. Amazing writing. Relatable characters. Amazing book.

10/10 recommend

↬ 🅟🅢 𝗘𝗖𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗖 to see that Sean and Raquel have a story that takes place in another series! Reading this book made me soooo want to read more into their relationship so I’ll be reading THAT series ASAP.

▕ 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ▏

[Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were lots of things that I liked about this book. I loved the character development of Maria AND Jordan’s characters. I really enjoyed the mistakes that they made and how they learned from them - that felt very real to me. And mature characters with careers and problems that I could relate to? I ate that up!

For some reason I cannot put my finger on, I skimmed occasionally between sections of dialogue. I’m not sure if this was a formatting thing (like if the paragraphs should not have been as big between sections of dialogue), or if it was too descriptive, but something about it made me jump a little bit. Again, not entirely sure why.

I do think this is a good story, and overall, I’d recommend it. I started off not liking Maria, but I think that was the point. I loved her growth, and Jordan’s too.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning, Maria is not a very sympathetic character. Rude and closed off. As the story continues and we get to know her and her background and we get a better understanding.her character growth was a long and painful battle for her. By the end of the story I loved her. I loved her ruthless strength, her self preservation and her intelligence. Jordan was just what she needed. He saw past her walls and pushed her to open up. He had his own demons and at times drew some ire. He was smart, a little controlling and stubborn. He fought hard for Maria and knew her worth. They both could be a little arrogant and selfish and it caused many tense moments. Once they faced the truth of their pasts they were able to get the HEA.
A good story with emotion and angst.

[Zuzihut · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book I wasn’t sure about being Maria’s fan. I loved Raquel and Sean, I adored Rain….. so knowing what Maria did made me a bit apprehensive. I was sooooooo wrong! And I’m glad I was. I loved Maria. I dare to say we all have little bit of Maria in ourselves.

I adored Jordan not only for his kink but also for his past, his humour but above all for him being down to earth. For realising that sometimes you have to let go to gain the advantage. That sometimes distance makes the heart grow fonder.

I said it once and I will say it again, will done Amanda. Yet another amazing gripping story which will leave you wanting more. I applaud you! And love you!

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Having picked up Ms.Woods' work for the first time recently I've been wanting to read more of her books! As soon as this one was announced I couldn't wait to read it and knew i had to pick it up next! I enjoyed this story!

Maria and Jordan's journey had my attention quickly! I really liked how these two were brought together and how I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out. I really enjoyed the fact that i went through so many emotions throughout reading with these characters.

With Veritas, Ms.Woods has created such a good read that will grab your attention! Her writing pulls me in! I am so looking forward to reading more of her work in the near future!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*

[Raymie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book! Maria is a attorney who is only focused on her job. She doesn’t have time for a personal life until one of her one night stands returns. Jordan has wanted Maria since that one night with her and he is going to get her.

This was a good story. I was really drawn into the first couple chapters. I like Maria and Jordan’s personalities. I did feel like it dragged on some parts and I started to get bored, then it would pick up again. It was like a roller coaster ride.

They talked about both main characters being from immigrant families but we never heard about Jordan’s family about 80% and it was one sentence.

I could feel like the chemistry between the couple. They were both struggling with personal issues and that really plays into their relationship and how they learn to move past it. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 VERITAS STARS!! OMG....this one was so good!!! It touched all my emotion button and I can't believe I have only just discovered this author. Maria was hard, but she grew on you and Jordan well not much to say but perfection. You must read this book.

[Shirin Rasheed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veritas by A. L. Woods is a great read. I Loved the story line. It kept me glued to the book.

I Recommend this book to all Readers.

[Amy Elethea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this 3 stars. I feel like alot happened for this book. It seems to be true enemies to lovers which for my personal choice I love but absolutely would have wrapped it up a bit sooner