Buttons & Deceit

Beyond Buttons #11

by Penelope Sky

I've decided to keep her.
I paid for her, after all.
I should feel guilty for the decision I've made, but why? She prefers me to her previous master anyway.
And it's not like my father didn't do the same thing when he was my age.
I'm rich, powerful, and untouchable.
I'm a Barsetti, and I can do whatever I please.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Romantic Suspense, Crime, Enemies To Lovers

Unknown Binding

First published August 28, 2018

About the author

A New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Penelope Sky is known for her dark romance that makes you fall for her characters….no matter how dark they seem. Her books are being translated into several languages around the world, and she’s sold more than a million books worldwide. She lives in a small town in California with her husband, where she spends most of her time writing on the back porch.

Reviews

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

80% Bones and Vanessa story

20% Carter and Mia story

And that's fine by me...

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I'm I the only one who doesn't care much for Carter and Mia story. It's obvious we can all see that history is repeating its self, the same thing happened with all the Barsetti mens. So we also know that war is inevitable when it comes to the Barsetti. His father and uncle want a quiet life in the country but we all know that not going to happen. Carter took what he wanted I won't say that he doesn't know that his action had consequences he does but he already in to deep. I just want more Vanessa and Bones, they are truly a fascinating couple. Every woman should be love and cherished by a man like Bones. The rift between Crow and Bones was super intense but now that Bones has truly forgiving the Barsetti clan I'm looking forward to seeing his relationship evolve with the family. I also can't wait for baby Barsetti. As usual fantastic read. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no monetary compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Dai G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me alegro que ya estén solucionando los problemas que aparecieron!

Me encanta que sigan apareciendo personajes de otras series, y que haya tantos puntos de vista de distintos personajes.

Me encanta la acción y las escenas que pusieron.

No tengo mas que elogios para esta serie.

[Lobke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaaawh that ending was the best! I felt a bit emotional while reading it hahaha!
I'm also really happy that they worked it out with the Skull Kings. But, I don't think it will be calm for the Barsetti's. Not with Carter and his plans. He'll probably be the reason why there's coming a lot more drama.

This book was mostly about Griffin and Vanessa, and I loved it. Hope the next one will be as good!!

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't like Carter and hell will freeze over before you convince me otherwise.
(The stars are obv for my husband Bones (ily babe))

[Toni K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good series but a rip off

I keep buying these because I am invested in the characters. I really like the story. That being said, I feel ripped off. I will not start another series by Penelope unless she changes the way she only writes one third of a book and charges like a full paperback novel. She drags out a story about 2 characters and before their story reaches any kind of resolution she starts on a new couple, in this case the story of Vanessa and Griffin, my favorite character, the story of Mia and Carter ( started in the previous book) continues. This sucks you in to buying the next book. I will be in for over $100 for what should have been decent length novels.
I will finish this series, but then I am done with the writer unless she either lowers the price for the novellas, or writes full length novels.

[Eva Blr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just realise that I already read that book a while ago so I will stop here . It won't be a DNF but I won't count it in my yearly challenge

[Donna Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are the Barsetelli family. This was the way it should be, and Penelope Sky has written an action-packed story that brought the entire family together including Bones. She didn’t disappoint us, and I loved it.

I won’t tell you any details about this story because you must read it. As I said it includes all the Barsetelli’s, many with bit parts, but those part are significant in the overall story. We see love and forgiveness. We see anger and hate. We see hot sweaty sex and sweet lovemaking. We see the grow of a family in pain and turmoil.

This installment brought more excitement for what will come. A new Barsetelli and a new love as the Bareselli family grows strong.

I so look forward to the next installment in the Lingerie series with Mia and Carter, baby Barsetelli’s arrive and maybe a wedding for Bone’s and Venessa. I also want to thank Penelope Sky for writing such wonderful characters that we have grown to love so much. Each book is more exciting than the previous one.

It is an honor to participate in the ARC group for Fine in Lingerie.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm nervous. This book made me love Bones 5 times more than I ever have. But, it also made me very nervous as to why they are showing his arrogance so much. Penelope, please dont let nothing happen to him. I had fear at every turn when he handled business, just worried that he is not as unbreakable as he believes he is. I'm scared.
On the other hand.... DAMN CARTER.... you need to do what's right and do it now. He is going to ruin all the work his family is putting in all because of his secrets. To let Conway take the heat alone is selfish and wrong. Carter's a goner and that's a given but I can't wait to see how this plays out. Amazing book just impatiently waiting. :)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are finally looking up and calming down in so many ways, while others are heading to a point. It's hard to get anxious or frustrated about Carter's situation, or even excited at the possibility of a future Carmen story, when I'm still riding the happy of the Bones/Vanessa situation. I mean that one really put me through the ringer and still has a bit more chance of heartache in the future!

I love how this series focuses on the whole family, because realistically they all have stuff going on around the same time. It makes sense in my head. I'm curious if the next book will have a bit more action in it, kind of hoping so?

[Lisbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buena lectura, pero la historia de cada personaje comienza a volverse repetitiva y voy perdiendo el interés. Arrastra una historia sobre dos personajes y antes de que su historia alcance algún tipo de resolución, comienza con una nueva pareja. No obstante, disfruté el libro en su mayor parte, pero Carter y Mia no me atraen. Me encanta que el amor de Griffin y Vanessa no se deba a la debilidad del uno por el otro, sino a la fuerza. La relación de Crow, Pearl y Griffin progresa y es muy agradable ver cómo sucede.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of these Barsetti’s! This is book 11 in the next generation and this book continues the story of Vanessa and separately also Carter’s story. I have to say it’s been a week since I finished this as I am struggling with how to review it without spoiling it. It was so intense. We are still switching between the three major story lines of Vanessa & Bones, Carter & Mia and just a bit of Conway and Muse. Each of their stories is complex in their own way and this was such a great part of the series. Although, again the I didn’t enjoy the hopping between the Vanessa and Carter story lines as each time it jerks me out of the flow of their individual stories, but overall I am enjoying each of them. Bones is struggling with the change in the Barsetti’s to say the least. Carter is trying to ignore the pull he feels with Mia. It was nice to see a new side of Crow (it’s about darn time). I am anxious for the last books which has now grown from 12 to 15!

I am on the edge of my seat to see what happens next in Princess, Dancer Fighter and Lover….

Hero 5 | Heroine 5 | Plot 5 | Writing Style 5 | Steam 5 | Romance 4 | Angst-Suspense 4 | Darkness 2 | Humor 1 | Secondary Characters 5 | Drama-Conflict 5 | Mystery 4 | Twists 4 | Action 4 | Pacing Slow/Steady | Dual POV | MF | Billionaire | Twists and Turns | Cliffhanger | Overall 5 Stars
#MSBB

[Jennifer Lamb Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love love that this book has continued Bones and Crows feud and seeing that finally come to an end. I only gave 4 stars because I feel as though Carter and Mias part of the story was very scattered. All of the books have been very set to one story line where as this book seemed to bounce between Conways story, Bones and Vanessa, Bones and Crow, and lastly Carter and Mia. Hoping to see it all pull together in the upcoming book.

[Andrea Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their story. This book has it all, hot alpha males, strong resilient women, gangs, hitmen, bdsm, sex, and so much more. The story reads well, you don't want to put it down once you start. This was a cover to cover non-stop read for me. You'll want to buy the whole series once you start, they are so addictive.

[Diana Ostoich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine In Lingerie had all kinds of different emotions and it left me turning the page's quick. As usual when it comes to this series, I couldn't stop reading until the last page so if you want a good book to read I recommend this book along with all the other one's Penelope Sky has written.

[Jacki Turpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking Love ..Griffin and Vanessa love is the ultimate sacrifice..The intimacy jumps off the pages...Carter and Mia, they're going to be a intense love..Penelope Sky knocks it out of the park with this series.....

[Brandi Stilwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously love Griffin and Vanessa! We got to see Griffin really battle with his relationship to crow, I love his soft spot for pearl! After the interaction with the skull kings things with Griffin and Crow seem to be taking a turn for the better! “I forgive you” melted my heart!!

[Claudine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sorry why do I keep tearing up whenever the Barsetti family worships Bones and kissing his ass for his approval? Because he deserves it.

Carter and Mia’s story is like a deja vu, the same as story of his parents..

[Dallas Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Bones and Vanessa is a great love story. I love that the barasetti men and bones are on good terms. I can’t wait until the next one.

[Brittany Simonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Sky has done another 5 stars! Loved reading the part between Crow and Bones that says "I forgive you"! Craving to read the nexted book! Way to go Penelope!

[Kassandra Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the books. I just wish it wasn’t so damn short. I hope Carmen gets her book.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is Carter and Mia's story and you will not be disappointed. Another five star read by the talented Penelope Sky.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

J'ai du mal à retenir mes larmes en ce fin de livre, wow… Je m'y attendais tellement pas. Beaucoup d'émotions. Cette série devient clairement l'une de mes préférés !

[Debra James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome conclusion

This was a great conclusion to Vanessa and Bones’ story and it was great to see the rest of the crew. I also love how the next story has been woven into this one.

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things continue to keep getting more and more interesting with this family and their dynamic with each other, with Griffin and now with Carter/Mia. The trend that started in the last book continues here and while it’s nice, it complicates things a bit more as well.

First, the primary story line of Griffin and Vanessa continues to blossom. We see them together now, the Barsettis are on board with the relationship, but now Griffin is the one with the issues. He keeps putting on a great effort to make the relationship with with Crow and the family, but sometimes it’s just pushing too hard and he explodes. Every step forward is a million steps back, and it leaves us wondering if there will ever be calm and peace with this family. It’s so important to Vanessa that everyone gets along ,but maybe the end result is that they will have to get along separately.

The good news though is that in this book, it’s not the dynamic or relationship between these two lovers that has the roller coaster. It’s what Carter and Conway have done that makes this exciting.

You’ll remember the side hustle that they had with the slaves from the Underground. Well, as you’ll remember from before, it’s caught up with them and now the Skull Kings are after them for blood. Even though they weren’t successful in killing Conway before, they’re not done with their efforts and we know that the Skull kings are viscous, so theyll never stop until they win.

Again, another reason Griffin/Bones has to get involved. The biggest issue here though is that he’ll likely end up blowing his cover of being involved with Vanessa, which he’s tried to keep under locks. He’ll use up all of his chips that he’s got with the other people who go to the Underground because he’ll need their help and protection, and there’s not guarantee that anything will work. So….we spend much of this story wondering what the outcome will be and who will be alive and with what when it’s over.

Separate from that story line, is Carter and Mia. It’s no surprise to know that the back story here is going to be much more robust and entertaining than ever. And Ms Sky, our author doesn’t disappoint. We learn that Mia was taken years ago by Egor, and that she’s been abused for years with little to no freedom. She escapes him and ends up with the Skull Kings, thinking that anything is better than her past master. So when she realizes that Carter isn’t as bad as everyone else, the way that she views the world changes.

He has few rules for her and her life will be luxurious while she’s with him. Don’t cross him, don’t try to escape. Do that and all bets are off on her safety and freedom. Well, this wouldn’t be a story without a really strong woman, so Mia would have to make her move at some point, and we know that the moves would fail. Carter is much smarter than she gives him credit for and the enjoyment that i get from watching this play out makes the book even better.

There’s definitely a trend that we see throughout all of the stories written by our author – we have volatile relationships that all have this immense intense chemistry that can’t stop anything. Relationships are fueled and started by deep rooted hatred, and they blossom into something that’s so powerful that you can’t hope but pray that they overcome what they’re going through.

In the case of Mia and Carter, it seems like there are far too many secrets, far too many unknowns for things to workout. Carter was mislead by Egor on who Mia was to him. He hired carter under the guise of being her brother, but we know that he was an abusive master. We don’t know the true circumstances that Mia was taken, but we do learn that she’s got a valid reason to stay alive and fight. We know that Carter is a Barsetti through and through, yet he seem to be the most naive of them all. Which hohnestly is kind of interesting to me since Cane is the more ruthless of the brothers. Anyhow, he finds himself at an impasse where their story takes pause during this 11th installment, and that’s not a good place. He can’t do what Mia wants, and Mia can’t agree to her horrible future.

Add in more dispute with the Skull Kings yet again, and you have a perfect bridge to the next installment where i’m sure things will continue to get dicey. So…now i’m off to reading the 12th book and hopefully get some answers

[Anadosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Penelope Sky is magnifysent writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

[La_Pire (TheWorstReader) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, I did enjoy the Lingerie series, probably because I'm a sucker for alpha males (in books, let's be clear :p). However, these books had too many mistakes, too many repetitions, sometimes a paragraph was placed twice in the same book, a whole paragraph! How does that even happen??? I felt like the author thought I was stupid or had a very bad memory because she kept repeading why the characters were attracted to each other, why they couldn't be together, why it was wrong to love each other, etc. Writing four books for the same couple is just absurd and unncessary here, one book for one story would have been enough!
Also the characters had the same way of talking, the same personnalities, the author literally toke the same characters but changed their physics and their background story a little bit and bam she had a new book.

However, I feel like this series could have some potential if she made it shorter, worked on her characters and had an editor (because I guess she doesn't have one?).

[Gemma Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last… we get what we’ve been waiting for!

Anyone who has read this series right from the beginning will feel the same. At last!!!

Following the lives and loves of these awesome Barsetti’s has been one incredibly emotional journey. And in all honesty there has been moments where I wondered if this was going to be one of those books where a happy ending wasn’t going to be on the cards… but then I also had every faith that Penelope wouldn’t do that to us.

Vanessa and Griffin’s love for each other is so deep and pure and that has been obvious from the moment they allowed themselves to admit their feelings. But with the Barsetti family so dead against their relationship, it felt doomed from the start.

It’s been the bumpiest, most heartbreaking road that we’ve travelled on with these two lovebirds but even though everything and everyone was against them, they kept fighting. Even when they were forced apart, their hearts refused to let each other go. No one was ever going come between them… not even the perfect man with every attribute Vanessa should have wanted was going to measure up to the love she had found in Griffin.

The acceptance wasn’t going to come ease on either side, and whilst Crow had every intention to overlook the past and forgive the man he’d once labelled as trash and worthless, Griffin’s hurt wouldn’t allow him to do the same. He’s laid down his life to save a man he hated, which opened the doors to forgiveness… but stepping through into the unknown was hard for Griffin. His resistance and stubbornness is definitely understandable but I was glad he finally discovered that Crow is not the enemy he once thought.

As for the new relationship blossoming between Carter and Mia. It’s synonymous with that of his uncle and his father, although he wasn’t to know just how similar his current arrangement was to the way his parents had met. They say the apple never falls far from the tree, and that almost perfectly describes the similarities between Carter and Mia’s story to his mother and father.

I love Mia’s fire and sass but she knows when to stop fighting and show her vulnerability. It doesn’t make her weak, but shows her ability to read the situation and know how to turn it to her advantage, especially with Carter.

Mia can see Carter is a good man and not the monster her previous captor, Egor was. So she knows that if she can make him see her as a person and not the prisoner he bought, then she can maybe be free from a life of torture and brutality.

I’m interested to see where this goes because I’m pretty sure that Egor is a powerful man who won’t agree to any terms except having Mia back in his prison. Will Carter be able to strike a deal without endangering the lives of his family? Will Mia get to live her life without looking over shoulder? I can’t wait to find out!

As with every single book in this incredible series, I haven’t been able to put it down. I love it and can’t stop turning the pages. Every couple that we get to know captures my heart. These intensely powerful men become mice around their equally powerful women, yet the tiger returns when their love is threatened. It’s a beautiful battle and one that fills the heart and gets the blood pumping! Amazing! Well done Penelope!

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlimited Kindle and Hoopla
🖤 BONES & VANESSA

Bones is still traumatized

Being back around Crow triggers memories of being chained, tortured, and nearly killed.
He can’t sit through dinner without feeling trapped.

Bones & Crow go after the Skull Kings

Even though they are barely on good terms, they unite because the Skull Kings are still a threat.

This storyline leads to:
• A dangerous in-person confrontation
• A truce attempt
• Bones starting to see Crow as something other than a tormentor

Huge emotional moment

Bones forgives Pearl and begins to soften toward Crow — especially after seeing how deeply Crow cares for his daughter Vanessa.

This is one of the biggest emotional beats of the book.

⸻

🖤 CARTER & MIA — THE MOST DRAMATIC ARC

Mia tries to escape — Carter catches her

Their relationship is messy, dark, and emotionally charged.

Massive revelation: Mia can’t get pregnant

Her tubes were tied without her consent, something she’s ashamed to reveal.

Carter forces STD tests

He wants to make sure both are “clean.”
Mia flips it: if she has to get tested, he must too.
He does it for her — because he’s falling for her harder than he admits.

Huge twist: Mia has a son

She finally tells Carter she has a child.
Her son is now an orphan, which devastates her.

Carter’s internal conflict

He wants to protect her.
He wants her.
But he also believes:
• She’s a risk
• She could get him or his family killed
• Loving her could destroy everything he built

This arc ends unresolved and emotionally raw.

⸻

🔥 THE FINAL ACT — SKULL KINGS SHOWDOWN

Crow and Bones go to meet the Skull Kings alone.
They’re outnumbered, but determined to settle the long-standing war.

This moment is pivotal because:
• Bones trusts Crow enough to go into danger with him
• Crow puts himself at risk to protect everyone he loves
• It solidifies their uneasy brotherhood

⸻

💥 ENDING SUMMARY

The book ends on emotional shifts, not full closure:
• Cassidy slowly starts opening back up to Crow
• Bones releases years of trauma and begins forgiving
• Carter and Mia are in their most complicated, painful place yet
• The Skull Kings conflict is still unresolved and will escalate in the next book
• New alliances form, old wounds come to the surface, and relationships realign

It’s meant to set up massive drama in the rest of the Beyond Buttons series.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

Ese final ha sido demasiado bonito de leer. Ya parece que las cosas están volviendo a su lugar. Parece que han logrado solucionar todos los problemas con los skull king, el parto de Sapphire se acerca, Vanessa y Bones están juntos y al fin Bones ha perdonado a Crow. Este libro a pesar de lo corto que ha sido siento que ha sido muy emotivo. Ver todo el camino que atraviesa Bones para perdonar a Crow es realista. Entiendo que al principio se le hiciera muy complicado, al fin y al cabo para Bones, Crow estaba volviéndole a quitar su oportunidad de ser feliz. Entiendo que le guardara rencor. Me reconforta mucho saber que al final todos los Barsetti han terminado aceptando a Bones. Y también tengo que admitirlo, ver a Crow luchando por agradarle a Bones ha sido algo que me ha hecho soltar más de una vez una lagrimilla. Y bueno, cuando le dice a Pearl que la perdona porque le recuerda a su madre. Este libro ha teñido momentos muy tiernos. Me da mucha pena saber que ya con el siguiente libro termina la historia de Vanessa y Bones y mira que yo no paraba de quejarme con que son muchos libros. Ahora se me hace difícil soltarlos.


La historia de Mía y Carter es muy cortita pero súper interesante. Es la primera vez que Penelope nos trae a una protagonista con un hijo y que encima le han ligado las trompas para que no pueda tener hijos…eso me ha dolido muchísimo pero me ha resultado curioso. Creo que es algo innovador ya que las demás cosas estaban vistas de los otros libros. Tengo mucha curiosidad por saber con quien está su hijo y saber qué pasará con Egor. Tengo mucho miedo de lo que pueda pasar…solo espero que por esto no se inicie otra guerra contra los Barsetti que ya demasiado llevan