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Destructive Truths

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Lies, Saoirse. It was all lies.

Those were the last words I heard before my attacker held me under.
Left shattered by deceit, with a past I couldn’t outrun, Killybegs destroyed the girl I used to be.
But here’s the thing, this queen was born to rise, and those who hurt me will pay for the sins they committed.
All the Queen’s horses and all the Queen’s men… we’re coming for you, and we’re out for revenge.

Destructive Truths is book two in the Kings of Killybegs series. This is a dark new adult mafia romance and contains MFM scenes and dubious situations that some readers might find offensive.

This book is part TWO of a series and is NOT standalone, so expect a cliffhanger ending.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2023

34 people are currently reading
403 people want to read

About the author

Shauna Mairéad

12 books305 followers
Dark. Devious. Damaged.

Shauna Mairèad writes dark, emotionally charged romance—where magnetic villains meet their match in fierce heroines, and darkness mingles irresistibly with humor. Born and bred in Dublin, Ireland, Shauna blends her distinctively Irish wit and irreverent style into stories filled with passion, intrigue, and a healthy dose of romantic chaos.

A self-confessed character tormentor and master of emotional whiplash, Shauna thrives on crafting messy, complex dynamics that feel as real as they are unhinged. She's drawn to morally grey love interests, vulnerable strength, and the kind of tension that smolders slow before it snaps. Her readers know to expect layered storytelling, raw vulnerability, and a touch of madness stitched into every page.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany (happy.ending.always).
1,258 reviews50 followers
February 24, 2023
As I write this review I’m sobbing. I am not ok! Just when I thought the last book’s cliffhanger was unbearable, pow, you punch me in the gut with this one. I am speechless. Speechless with tears streaming down my face. I’m going to bed in hopes that when I wake up tomorrow, the ending will magically change!

Ok, dramatics (on my part aside), what a fantastic book. We as readers were put through so much with this story. You love a character, then next chapter you dislike them, oh wait then you love them all over again. The flip flop back and forth had me on the edge of my seat. A character I loved in book one had me so angry in this book. Then a character in book one I was on the fence about in this book, I couldn’t get enough of them. See, flip flop, emotional rollercoaster ride. But, let me tell you, the steaminess in this book is all worth everything you are put through. Read this for story and the added steamy, hot deliciousness!!!

Ok, am I being super cryptic here in my review, absolutely. Will I tell you more, no I’m sorry I won’t tell you anymore. Because, I need your gut to be punched just like mine was from Shauna’s fantastic writing. When an author can put this much emotion into a story, it deserves all the stars. I may be sad, heartbroken and dramatic, but trust me, read this! The highs are beautiful. Saoirse, Rohan, Liam and this amazing extended characters are fun, hot and will have you begging for more.
Profile Image for B. C. Booklover.
784 reviews55 followers
March 18, 2023
My God- my heart is still pounding!!! Book 2 in this wild story left me without words....😳

Back again in the wild world of the Kings of Killybegs where wealthy, ruthless Irish crime lords rule and their battle scarred heirs are ready to fight for their place in this treacherous hierarchy. This is where Saoirse Ryan found herself in the previous book in this series. Keep in mind- this is definitely NOT a standalone and you must read every book in order to fully understand how this story plays out. Do NOT jump ahead.

There are many cogs in the wheel of main character Saoirse Ryan complicated story. It's taken her from a life as a sweet, ordinary girl with a sheltered, nomadic lifestyle, to one of riches and privilege with too many dark, dangerous secrets to keep track of. She's been lied to since she was born and now, bit by tiny bit, she's finding out just how much her life is going to change, now that she's the chosen heir to a violent throne she knew nothing about and never asked for.

This future Queen's star is on the rise, but there are many who would love to see her fall or wiped off the face of the earth forever. Some have already tried- she can't turn her back for fear of finding a knife buried to the hilt in it. Who can she trust when the darkness is coming for her from every side? Saoirse wishes for the past and simpler times, but those days are long gone now.

As Saoirse's 18th birthday draws near, those destructive truths begin to spill out from unexpected sources. New alliances form while others are severed- or are they really? It's hard to know for sure. Training for the first battle in her trials will be one of the hardest thing she's ever had to do, but chosing who to give her heart to might be the most difficult decision of all.

I loved the evolution that Saoirse's character goes through as she's been learning to navigate the tangled web of her new life in Killybegs. Who should she trust when every little thing happening around her is far from what it seems. The strength and determination that Saoirse possesses seems genetically predisposed, knowing now who her father is and the lengths her parents went through to keep her safe, along with the truth behind her mother's traumatic story that sent her running all those year ago.

Oh the angst, drama, suspense and treachery, with spicey, heated scenes, burning everyone with their flames. I do love a sexy and anti-hero or two and admire a strong woman who can hold her own, but also finds her softer side for the people she loves. These characters have all that and so much more. I've fallen straight down the Killybegs rabbit hole and am loving this darker side of Shauna's treacherous criminal world. But, then she slayed me with that unbelievably shocking, 'didn't see it coming' cliffhanger ending that left me without words and a huge chunk of my heart missing. Well, Shauna Mairead, you evil plotter, I hope you find a way to make this all better, because I DO need my happily ever after- even in a pretty hellhole like Killybegs!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shannon (litmuggle).
433 reviews18 followers
March 11, 2023
It took me a minute to write this review I loved it so much. This series just keeps getting better. Only Shauna can make you get attached to a character your not even sure you like and torture you with them. This series is about to get substantially darker and I can’t wait for the next one. I highly suggest for anyone who likes bully and mafia romance.
Profile Image for JackaayReadsallday .
783 reviews17 followers
September 10, 2023
I don’t even wanna talk to you right now. You got me all up in my feels and I don’t like it. There’s so many things that I want to say but I can’t say any of them. I’m in freaking tears about the series. I have other things that I planned to do this week and one of them was not obsessing over this book. I hope you’re happy, you have a new stalker.
Profile Image for Michelle Mastandrea.
370 reviews11 followers
March 3, 2023
HOLY HEART THRASHER....SHAUNA WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME!!!

Destructive Truths rocked me to the core!! I was not PREPARED or READY for the absolutely STUNNING and INCREDIBLE book Shauna has written! If you think Delectable Lies was amazing....well, I'm just going to tell you hold on to your seats because you ain't seen nothing yet and OMG was this book SO WORTH THE WAIT!

My emotions were put through a blender, and my heart bottomed out of me multiple times, and holy hell was it HOT! This book is clever, twisty, and carefully crafted talking you on the ultimate epic rollercoaster of emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, and the sinfully hottest of sexy times....GAWD IT'S SOOOO FREAKING GOOD!!

More intense, more mind-blowing, and more jaw dropping... This story will have you riveted....literally glued to the page from beginning to end. I can’t even begin to express the sheer brilliance that Shauna has created in her Killybegs world! I'm still left still left dazed, shattered, and processing everything.....

My stomach is in knots....my jaw is on the floor...
and because you're getting no spoilers from me, I will only express that this second book in the Kings Of Killybegs Series was just devastatingly beautiful PERFECTION!! Rohan may have my heart forever but, Liam will have my every sunset .....

If you haven't started this series yet, get it on your TBR NOW! It's freaking INCREDIBLE and an absolute MUST READ! I seriously can't recommend it enough! 😘❤️




*I have the extreme pleasure of being an Alpha reader for this series and all opinions are my own *
Profile Image for coffeeinlibraries.
434 reviews41 followers
February 17, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
MFC: couldn’t love her anymore.
MMC(s): besides wanting to smash their heads together, I love them.
Plot: 4/5
Book cover: 5/5
Would I buy a physical copy?: absolutely!

I am not o-fucking-kay. I was not expecting to cry while reading this. I’m shocked, hurt and want to boycott. But I won’t… I’ll just continue to sniffle as I write this and act like my heart wasn’t ripped out by that cliffhanger.

Saoirse continues to prove her strength throughout this book. While she’s getting a handful of answers to her previous questions, there’s so much plotting still happening in the shadows. Her trials have started which means the drama is amping up and book three is going to be wild!

The spicy scenes were chefs kiss 🤌🏻💋✨

Ps. Rohan can suck a fat one for some of his words.
Pps. Take back that cliffhanger, right now!

*ARC reader
Profile Image for TINA | DejaLu✨.
743 reviews12 followers
July 2, 2023
Fecking hell! I am not okay. What have you done to me, Shauna?! 😭

I read book one a while back, which was fantastic, and had to wait for the release of book two. It then took me a while to get back to it and all I could think was WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG? It’s so good!

x Dark romance
x Irish mafia
x Dubious situations
x MFM scene
x Love triangle

Secrets and lies are coming to the surface as Saoirse is preparing to take her rightful place in the Syndicate. One man betrays her and one man pieces her back together. She craves them both.

𝖶𝖾’𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗈𝗍𝗁 𝗅𝗂𝖺𝗋𝗌, 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾. 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘯 𝘴é 𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦. 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘣𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘪𝘭. 𝖧𝖾 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝗍𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝖺𝗋𝖾. 𝖨 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝗍𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝖨 𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍.

Profile Image for Read By Cassie.
448 reviews11 followers
February 20, 2023
I am honestly speechless after reading this book.

Even after taking some time to think about how I feel, I am unable to come up with anything useful to say.

This book kept me interested throughout the entire time I was reading. I fell more in love with each of the characters and loved seeing the growth of Saoirse. She is becoming more and more of a queen the more I read.

The ending and the cliffhanger shocked me and I am still not entirely sure how I feel about it. Despite that, I still loved the book and cannot wait to see what this author gives us in the next book. I know the cliffhanger likely means one thing but there is a small part of me that is still wishing for it to not be the case.

Amazing story.
Profile Image for The Book Hangover.
285 reviews20 followers
March 5, 2023
First off…..I am NOT ok!

Shauna I am trying to find the words to express how I feel about you…..on one hand I hate you for that ending and on the other I love you for writing such a fantastic story that has my heart and feelings all tied up in knots. It kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end, I love the characters and OMG the spice….hot! This is the second of three books in the Kings of Killybegs series and after the Cliffy in this book I’m chomping at the bit for the next one. Please check your TW before reading.
Profile Image for Amandaa.
54 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2023
"A queen knows how to save herself."

The rollercoaster this book just took me on.
I didn’t expect that ending AT ALL.
Saoirse really comes into her own in this book and you start to really see her character come through.

I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. If you like broody, dark, and an amazing dad you'll love this.

10/10.
Will read again when book three comes out.

"He can have your darkest nights as long as you promise your sunsets belong to me."


Profile Image for Brandi Exline.
129 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2023
I don't even know where to start with this one. I literally have just finished this book and I'm just sitting here crying. I thought Exodus broke my heart, then here comes Shauna even more determined to emotionally wreck us. This book is so good in all the ways. The story, the plot, the spice is all chefs kiss 💋. I went into this book completely team Rohan, and throughout this book I fell for Liam as well. Still mostly team Rohan tho. But the ending of this book ends on one hell of an epic cliffhanger that has me bawling. I need book three right now.
Profile Image for Georgia  Stephenson .
13 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2023
First off I love this series and this author. She made sure to take her time and write a book that the characters wanted not what the people wanted. But I have to say I am not liking her after finishing this book. This is such a griping story and you fall in love with the characters from the moment you meet them. I honestly can but can't wait for the next book to come out. Hopefully by then my heart will be better.
Profile Image for Yari.
59 reviews
March 30, 2023
“All your sunsets, Free Bird.”

Shauna is an evil genius. This book was 🤌🏽💋

When I read this for the first time (yes I tortured myself not once but TWICE) my heart shattered into tiny pieces. I literally cried for almost an hour. It took me a long time to write this review because I felt like I was mourning a real person.

If possible this book was even better than the first (and I loved that one). The character development really grew in this storyline and I can’t wait to see what Saoirse does next.

The current “Kings of Killybegs” have no idea what this young girl is capable of. I think she is going to come back with a vengeance and they will soon learn they messed with the wrong one. Queen Saoirse is going to burn their world to the ground and I’m bringing my marshmallows while I enjoy the sight.
Profile Image for Ode to my book boyfriends.
535 reviews
February 17, 2023
I'm still recovering from the bomb that is Destructive Truths, book 2 in the Kings of Killybegs series. I devoured this book in one sitting. Shauna has created such a unique, intriguing, suspense-filled story that kept me on the edge of my freaking seat.

This book took me for quite an emotional ride and I'm not even mad about it. I loved every raging, tear-filled, swoony, spicy, shocking moment.

We're gifted three POVs in DT...our girl Saoirse and both her love interests...Rohan King and Liam Devereaux. I love seeing Saoirse grow into the fierce queen she's meant to be. Rohan...this guy radiates BDE and possessive touch her and die vibes - I flove him! She's known Liam since childhood and he's her safe place to land. I'm no stranger to MFM, but I'm really hoping she chooses in the end (I know who I'd pick).

There are so many secrets and jaw-dropping moments that I refuse to spoil for anyone...I can't recommend this book and this series enough (they must be read in order). It's dark romance PERFECTION!

Favorite Spoiler Free Quotes:
Never feed your fears, Saoirse. Because if you do, they will eat you alive.

Only love a king when he deserves it. That’s when he’ll need it most.

“You gave her up for a chance at everything. I gave up everything for a chance with her.”

Profile Image for Sammysreads.
193 reviews34 followers
March 11, 2023
With a title like Destructive Truths I probably should have guessed that I would need to prepare for some destruction, but when I say I wasn't prepared, I MEAN I WASN'T READY SHAUNA 🤣

I Loooooved jumping back into this world and learning more about Saoirse and her family. The steamy scenes were 💥🥵 and I think everyone wants to say thank you for the gym and birthday gift scene. (IYKYK)

In this amazing world that Shauna has created, potential syndicate members need to 'prove' themselves through a series of trials once they turn 18. Everyone has trained their whole lives for these trials - bar Saoirse, the long lost Mafia princess who has NO IDEA about this life. Talk about having to hit the ground running. She doesn't know who she can trust, and unfortunately the ones she can't are more than happy to see her well and truly unalived. There were times throughout this book I had no idea who she should really trust, I was second guessing EVERYONE 😅

The danger she is in throughout this book is tangible, but so is the love and support.

I am still in some shock and REELING after that ending - I need book 3 IMMEDIATELY.

ALL YOUR SUNSETS 🌇 ✨️

And Exile by Taylor Swift ON. REPEAT.

Thank you Shauna for sending me an arc for review!
Profile Image for Erika.
61 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2023
Excuse me while I crawl into a hole & die from a broken heart.

Destructive Truths is a devastating and delicious rollercoaster. I swear to sweet baby Jesus I felt every emotion under the sun reading this book.

Saoirse, Liam, and Rohan are without a doubt three of my favorite characters ever written. Their story is so captivating. In Destructive Truths we really get to see Saoirse transform from the girl unsure of herself and lost in this new world to this strong and determined queen ready to fight for what she wants & her place in the life she’s been thrust into. Rohan is still top tier book boyfriend with all his angst and pretty words. Even when I hate him it’s easy to love him! And Liam, oh sweet perfect Liam. “All your sunsets” …. Just rip my heart right out my chest why don’t you.

I said it after Delectable Lies and I will say it again… Shauna is DIABOLICAL. But I am 100% invested!! I can not wait for Desecrated Reign.

I will be sending you my therapy bills! Kidding… kind of!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


This is a DARK romance. Check your triggers.
Profile Image for Katnip.
179 reviews
February 20, 2023
I don’t have words for this book. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. My emotions were tugged in every direction. I don’t think I’ve ever had such an intense emotional response to a book before. Shauna is queen of the twist and turns, and throwing you for a loop. This book is superbly written. It will keep you on your toes. But that cliffhanger…😶 Shauna, you are evil!

Before you read this you MUST read Delectable Lies! You won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Heather Rada.
577 reviews135 followers
April 13, 2023
Gut Wrenching and Phenomenal

Shauna Mairead is a literary genius! Destructive Truths was hands down phenomenal from the first page to the last. I fell hard and fast for Liam but Rohan wormed his way into my heart and stayed there right along side Liam. I refuse to believe the ending of this book is real and will anxiously await book 3 and the final 2 trials that Saorise has to accomplish to make Killysbeg her kingdom.
Profile Image for Renata.
296 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2023
HOLY SH$T

My heart is racing, my hands are shaking and my mouth is hanging open.
Wow just wow. I don’t know how to process everything.
That ending…nearly killed me. Talk about cliffhanger.
Ok ok you (me) can do this, it’s the final book you got this. 😱
Giving myself a peep talk Ms. Shauna, that’s what you have me doing. Ppl better start dropping like flys in this one and I mean it 😤
Sigh
Profile Image for Renee.
461 reviews22 followers
February 28, 2023
Holy cow!! I don’t know how it’s possible but this book is even better than the first and damn even hotter!!

Picks up right where book 1 ended (the cliffhanger, iykyk) and damn it came punching through.

Very strong story, more background information among with the FMC coming into her self. The two MMC’s, while got on my nerves at times, really came together (in more ways than one). Lots of growth in this book from mostly everyone.

The cliffhanger in this one, is probably more intense to me than the last one. Made me tear up screaming no!!

I can’t wait to see what book 3 brings us.

Ok I have to say that gym scene and party scene were 🥵🥵🥵

Story 4.5⭐️
Spice 5⭐️🌶️

I received an ARC copy and this is my honest & true review
Profile Image for Bambieyes.
78 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2023
Breathtaking!
Exhilarating!
Heartbreaking 💔
This book has been so highly anticipated and it has truly DELIVERED !!!
Tho one wonders if Shauna Mairead truly realized the emotional impact it was going to have on its readers ?!
My heart still hurts …..

Straight to my book shelf !!!!
Outstanding 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Plot 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Feels ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for Debbie Ohrem.
196 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2023
This is book 2 in the series. First, make sure you’ve read book 1! Second, be prepared for so many answers- most of which will shock you. Third buckle up for a crazy ride and an epic cliffhanger of an ending. Oh and the spice is off the charts!
Profile Image for Cacey.
92 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2023
Alright, I've sat on this for a week and I'm still struggling to comprehend how Shauna could do this to us 😭

So I'm just going to leave some of my favourite quotes:

"I refuse to leave this world marred by men who crave power— power that is rightfully mine."

"I thought his lies were delectable, but nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared me for the way he blew up my life with destructive truths."

"Rohan King is untamed chaos, like a raging sea threatening to drag me under."

"Liam Devereux is my lighthouse, shining his calming beacon and guiding me back to shore."

"Whether I like it or not, he’s wrapped my heart in his thorns, embedding himself so deep nothing I can do will ever remove him."

This may be a man’s world, but Killybegs is a woman’s kingdom.

“All your sunsets, Free Bird.”

And now I bow down to the queen of cliffhangers! Well done Shauna 👏
Profile Image for Traci Sek.
Author 12 books47 followers
March 10, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review. Man oh man if you want your heart ripped out then I recommend you read this series. If you like new adult mafia romance THEN READ THIS SERIES. It is like no other. The way this author writes grips your heart, tears it out, and feeds it to you with a symphony of magical masterpieces.

Liam, my boy till the end of time, Rohan, and soarise team up in this epic love battle against a raging syndicate. Soarise was born to rule this world despite it being a man’s world. She is fierce and ready to take down anyone who stands in her way.

I LOVED the twists and turns that this author gives you in this book, the character development, and let’s not forget the ability to suck me in. Oh yeah and the spicyness of two very hot 🥵 MMC’s who are in love with one girl but in the end only one can be her king.

Warning triggers galore with a mfm scene 🎬 bring the whole box of tissues you’re gonna need them. ❤️
Profile Image for Kass.
185 reviews10 followers
February 24, 2023
I am completely speechless!!! Shauna, what have you done to me 😭😂

How am I supposed to write a review after reading this!!
My heart & my mind just can't!!!!

I LOVED everything about this. Every character, every plot twist, every scene, every detail was just PERFECT!!
That's all I can say right now until I can properly form words.

If you haven't already, go read book #1- Delectable Lies then read this!
Profile Image for Jenni Catherine.
Author 2 books25 followers
February 25, 2023
Shauna knows what she's done to my heart and she doesn't even care lol. Book 2 gripped me as much as book 1. Loved the chatacter development. Rohan is the ultimate book bf and even though I usually hate my native language Rohan can whisper Irish in my ear any time. Chapter 30 and 31 that is all

There is a cliffhanger so if you can't hack that wait for book 3 where there will be a HEA.
Profile Image for Brittany waggingwithwords.
747 reviews38 followers
February 20, 2023
I haven’t highlighted this many quotes in a book in I don’t know how long or swoon worthy phrases.

Also that ending COME ON I’m still friggin crying. Like I can’t. I’m not okay. That cliffhanger. I need Book 3 stat.

I love them as a throuple. I feel like we just need to make throuples a thing. Rohan and Liam are so wonderful in their own ways. Liam with this sweet darlings and adoration and free bird and Rohan with all of his Irish sayings that just make me swoon. I wouldn’t be able to choose either.

Also Gabriel and Donnaneka can eat rocks. So can Oliver.

The cabin and the gym scenes and the birfday segggss yessss please 🥵

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You’re amazing but I hate you a wee bit Shauna. 🫶🏼
Profile Image for BeaC.
382 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2023
No, no, no, no!!!! I've read a lot of dark romances, but nothing could have prepared me for this book.

I love Liam and Rohan, and Saoirse is one of my FMC ever, so for most of this reading I was doing ok and then the cliffhanger.... I mean why is Shauna doing this to me!? lol

I feel 100% grateful with the book Gods for putting this trilogy in my path and if you haven't started reading I truly don't know what you are waiting for, it's THAT good and beyond!

I can't say much more without starting an endless no spoilers free ranting, so I'm gonna ask where the third book is!? I need it now!
Profile Image for Stephanie Hutchison.
545 reviews8 followers
February 20, 2023
I am not even sure I can find the words to adequately express my feelings on this book without giving anything away. This book is so much more than I expected. Some things from book 1 are answered but many more are raised by the end of this one. Shauna Mairéad is the new queen of cliffhangers in my book.

Buckle your seatbelts before starting this one because you are in for a ride.
38 reviews
February 22, 2023
What……Just what….So many emotions while reading this book. This book broke my heart. This is the most savage cliff hanger I have ever read. I’m gonna go finishing crying now.
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