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This book is a standalone within a series. It can be read independently but reading West – The Moral Compass Series Book 1 will give you insight into some of the other characters back stories.

North McGarry is a very attractive man. He will tell you so himself. He has it all. The fancy house, the fast cars, and all the women falling for his never-ending charm. What more could a gorgeous, single, billionaire want? He certainly didn’t want or need a new best friend until he is given Kara to protect. Feelings can change in the blink of an eye when his charms don’t work. She isn’t swooning at his feet, and he finds himself firmly friend-zoned.

Kara Simpson is a beautiful blonde bombshell with one hell of an attitude. Her mixed-up teenage years have made her hard. Her guard is up, and her walls are strong. She doesn’t want or need a man to keep her fulfilled until she makes friends with the charismatic North McGarry who secretly steals her heart. North’s lifestyle is so different from hers and when their differences are pointed out it’s very clear there could never be a future for them.

They are forced into situations that test both of their moral compasses. Can their decision making bring them together or will it tear them apart forever?

Your moral compass is linked to your heart and soul. It will guide you to make the right decisions at the right time. Whether you choose to ignore it or not is your choice.

426 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2022

43 people are currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

Martina Dale

21 books59 followers

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5 stars
88 (61%)
4 stars
38 (26%)
3 stars
13 (9%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Arabella Auberon.
387 reviews13 followers
May 31, 2022
I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first one. While there were some areas I was less enthusiastic about, the storyline and plot points are great, the world building is fantastic… Ihave to ask though? What’s up with the Drake thing? He’s a R&B/hip hop performer, not a rock star, but I guess since he doesn’t have a brother either, it’s not necessarily the Real Drake, but that worlds version of him? Just guessing.

Ok one extra star just for the Trigger Warning. I can’t even express how mad it makes me when an author uses some sort of generic TW that does not properly warn the readers of exactly Which Triggers might be activated, and this author does so beautifully without risking spoilers to her story, so kudos to you for that Ms. Dale!

There are some small continuity issues from between the first book (West) and this one. Also, I did not like Kara nearly as much as I liked Sutton, I felt like there were times she behaved ridiculously especially about North, and held things against him that she ignored in her own behavior.

But overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to East and Zed’s story. (That’s my guess given her obsession with his brother)


5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.

4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.

3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.

2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.

1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Minnie.
980 reviews
March 10, 2024
5⭐|3🌶|2💞

Another WOW...
Book one already had so much action and plot twist, but this one... I really didn't see anything coming.
Even though this book is written in dual POV, it has 3 chapters written from 3 other people's POV.
The McGarry's are all so HOT so it's no wonder when I say that North is more than just handsome. I can fully understand how all the girls get caught by his charm 😎
It isn't easy to say anything without getting into spoilers 😖 Honestly, when I said, this book has many plot twists, it's not an exaggeration. It's crazy good.
The connection between North and Kara is so wonderful. They fit together like as** on bucket (like we say in Germany). It means perfectly ❤️ But their biggest problem is communication. And that caused them a LOT of problems...
There was this situation with South... And yes, I really hated him! Such a huge a**hole!!!

You also get a lot to laugh in this book because they love to prank each other and a lot of other funny things... 🤣

I'm really really sorry but I really don't know what to say about this book other than...
It's just book 2 yet (and I'll read the other two books sooooon), but I can say, the books are extremely interconnected, so I would highly recommend reading them in order, otherwise, it could confuse and spoil you...

I HIGHLY recommend this series!!!!! Don't wait, start this series NOW!


Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
136 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2022
Oh North !!
oh my god that man is hotter than the sun I swear I love him, I do!!! ....
(annnd breathe) oky soooo review time
North is book 2 in Martina Dale's the Moral compass series and boy what a treat !!
I highly recommend reading West book 1 in this series first but there is a recap at the start of North (read book 1!😊)... Well let's get to it (spoiler free)
I loved i this book no jokes it is a cracker !! I laughed soo much North and Kara have the best chemistry and their love is soo true .. the moments of pure comedy and true love,had me an laughingnand swooning, North is the dream man honestly he's has it all .
but in book world the path to true love is never smooth and boy it is not smooth for these two. there are loads of twists and turns and I was literally laughing one minute and crying the next its such a rollercoaster ..there is a dark element to the story which does link with book one and will no doubt link with the other books.. but do not fear no clifhanger ending here just some unanswered questions which will lead to more books and that's what I need more books!!
North and Karas relationship is soo hot , saying my kindle melted seems a bit of an understatement !!!. be warned ⚠️ the heat is sweltering !!!
we also meet the rest of the Mc Garry gang, East and South ...and let's just say the drama in this family kept me glued.
I really honestly couldn't put this book down it was a heat packed drama filled rollercoaster and I am genuinely sad its over !!
I highly recommend this to all but especially readers of spicy romance books with a twist .. oh readers your gonna love it !!!!
Profile Image for Nicole Winter.
224 reviews9 followers
June 3, 2022
These books are part of a series but can be read as standalones but the story and characters are all linked.

The McGarry family have a secret and they work under the cover of darkness the 4 siblings, (North, South, East and West) alongside their mother and fellow ‘Star Gazers’ work tirelessly to ensure wrongs are righted.

After the events of West and Sutton’s story Kara is still living in the McGarry family home with her new friend North but after a moment of lust and insanity these 2 distance themselves and try and keep up the façade of being friends, lucky for us this isn’t a slow burn 😂 These 2 are so funny together the banter that they share is so relatable and I was in absolute bits at points.

There are many obstacles in their way to happiness, including Kara’s past and her insecurities with North’s playboy history. New plots and characters are introduced giving the world a wider range and opening up new twists and I definitely didn’t see one of them coming. Although North and Kara do reach their HEA this story is far from over I’m so excited to find out where we go from here.
Profile Image for WhiskeyandReading.
2,761 reviews
May 25, 2022
(ARC REVIEW)
Talk about an interesting and hilarious couple North and Kara that are made for each other. In West's book is where you meet Kara and from the very beginning I fell in love with that girl. With everything, she has been through she is still an amazing person with a firecracker attitude. Next up is North and wow is he every girl's dream man. This man is fresh and loving with a side of humor. Was there a little drama in their romance? Of course but you will love it. This book has so many moments of humor, love, and wow chemistry. North and Kara honestly balance each other out. They are what a true couple is not the made-up kind. I highly recommend this author, this series, and especially this book. You truly can't go wrong reading it.
1,177 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2022
I love the whole premise of a moral compass that brings out the best and connects you with the one you should be with. North and Kara appear so different yet they are truly perfect for each other.
Loved getting to truly know these characters and I am enjoying this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tasha_loves_to_read .
746 reviews17 followers
May 22, 2022
Oh. My. Heart. I want a North. Where can I find one?
This is another amazing book in this series.
I laughed. God, did I laugh. And I cried.
North is just beautiful, so bloody beautiful. And Kara, she kills me. Together they made my heart happy after she broke it!!
A story full of twists and turns. And still so more yet to come. I'm so excited for the rest of this series. Martina, what a world you have created. I love it and I love your words!
Profile Image for Liana.
485 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2022
Omg I thought I was in love with west but my god I love North he’s so hot 🥵 he’s definitely met his match with Kara the love they have is off the scale. This book has everything you want love, steamy scenes, heartache and suspense. Yes you can read as a stand-alone but 1st of all why would you your missing out on his equally hot brother west and my god that’s a great book.
32 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2022
This book was recommended and my goodness I was not disappointed! The first book was amazing. West and Sutton’s story was fabulous but North and Kara… just WOW!
I’m not going to give you any spoilers but this book is written really well, well structured, formidable language and humour.. did I mention the one liners?? You are engrossed from the very first paragraph. Martina will tempt you with the blurb but once you’ve had a taster you won’t put the book down (or kindle 😁)
I can’t wait for the rest of the collection.
You’re amazing Martina Dale, thank you for your dedication with making this book is 😘
Profile Image for Jaclyn Combe.
Author 2 books112 followers
June 5, 2022
Fantastic read ❤⭐

Absolutely brilliant. Once I started this book I could not put it down! I was pulled in right from the start and taken on a wild ride of twists, turns and kindle melting steam 🔥
North was just yummy! The guy is hands down one my favourite book boyfriends and the chemistry between Kara and him was off the charts. I absolutely love the McGarry family and can't wait to read more books in the series ❤
772 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2022
All hot-alpha moral compasses should point to North

**Important… this is book 2 in The Moral Compass series and there is no doubt that you MUST read book 1 (West) before you even consider reading this one as they are written with the intention of being read in order… and seriously… you need to because otherwise you won’t fully understand what is going on. Also… these books are so good that you won’t want to miss out on all the hotness that is the McGarry brothers. This review may also contain spoilers from book 1 - so you have been warned.

So, book two begins around the end of book one and follows the blossoming but slightly awkward romance between West McGarry’s youngest brother, North and West’s fiancée, Sutton’s best friend, Kara Simpson. After everything that happens in book 1, North and Kara have kind of been thrown together by circumstance and necessity.

Now for her own safety, Kara is living under the same -very large- roof of the McGarry family home… a.k.a the fortress. They’ve shared an extremely hot and intimate encounter in the pool when Kara first came to stay, but after ‘the incident’ they both appeared to have placed each other in ‘the friend zone.’ It’s not where either want to be but they are both too worried to admit that to each other. They both feel that deep attraction, but neither broaches the subject until jealousy forces their hand and they finally realise that hiding their feelings for each other cannot continue.

Now… there’s a lot of insecurity at play at first and it definitely causes lots of tension. Kara isn’t from a family anything like the one North has grown up in and all the wealth and power and the secrets they bring them takes it’s toll on their new relationship… especially when not all of North’s family welcome her with open arms. Instead of listening to her heart and to North, she only hears the negativity she receives from not only one of North’s family but also from the exes that keep turning up and trying to stake their claim on her man. She begins to feel like she doesn’t belong and walks away.

Of course… that doesn’t go down too well with North. And it’s not until he finally discovers the real reason she leaves that he makes it his sole purpose to get the love of his life back in his arms.

Kara and North are perfect together. They just bounce off each other and have that easy, playful banter but also that kind of unspoken depth that they know how the other feels without having to say it out loud. The way they connect is so beautifully in sync that you can’t help but love them.

However, there’s more than a few kinks in the road and it honestly feels like these guys get everything thrown at them… and they don’t always deal with it in the best way they could. Many times as a reader you are left cringing and thinking “uh-oh… here we go again!” But they always seem to work it out because, hey… they love each other and love will always be enough.

Really great story with lots of twists, turns and heart-wrenching moments. One minute you think everything is perfect and the next you are like, what the heck happened? It’s another certified page turner that has you completely gripped and reluctant to put it down. The characters are awesome and the more you get to meet all the main characters within the McGarry household… the more you fall in love with them. But North is most definitely my favourite. He’s tough, brave, smart, powerful, gorgeous, loyal, gallant, handsome and hotter-than-the-sun-hot… but there’s a cheeky, playful and fun-loving side that just makes him the absolute perfect package. He’s like the best Knight in shining armour you could ever want to have at your side, ready to fight whatever battle you faced. As you can probably tell…. I’m a little bit in love with him.

Anyway… the underpinning storyline is really starting to weave a dangerous web and it feels like there’s definitely more to come… but just how much more danger can this growing family face before someone gets seriously hurt?

Fantastic story and so well written that I don’t feel like I have anything to question except for where is this going to go and will they all get their happily ever after?
Profile Image for In Between The Sheets.
94 reviews11 followers
October 29, 2022
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is North & Kara's book & can be read as a standalone but follows directly on from the events of Wests book so would recommend reading that first. ✨️

North is a self proclaimed ladies man. The women fall at his feet, all except this one. Kara is an absolute firecracker. 🧨 Let me tell you, she doesn't f*ck around 😂

After a rough start, him being friend zoned, some harsh words overheard, psycho ex-hookups & a quick trip to France we get into the main story.. We see the usual twists & turns including some new family members introduced & hopefully arcs into other books. South I'm looking at you!! 🧐🙃

I am always on the edge of my seat when North has to be the hero because it never quite goes to plan does it. 🤣💀 I mean it usually works out in the end but poor North has been through the ringer twice now. Nomore please, give the man a break. 😂😂

I can't wait to dig into East & Zeds story. There's alot to unpack there. We've not learnt too much about her yet & I feel a dark horse about to be unleashed. 🙃
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.3k reviews257 followers
October 5, 2022
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series, and this is North and Kara’s story. North is sexy, charming, and a billionaire, who has it all, until Kara needs protection, and she is immune to his charms, and has put him firmly in the friend-zone. Kara is feisty and sassy, and after having a tough upbringing, she has built walls firmly around her heart, and she is convinced she does not need a man in her life. North is certainly going to have to up his game to make Kara his. This is a well written flawless story which is emotionally charged, with humor, witty banter, twists, suspense, intrigue, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Anita.
1,137 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2022
Love it!

WOW book 2 finished, this series is absolutely brilliant, there is so much going on. Love North and he's definitely met his match with Kara, the chemistry between them is of the charts. So many twists and turns so many different characters but the story flows perfectly and so smoothly. But there is so many questions that need answering!!!! This series is most definitely worth reading start with West. I'm not going to give spoilers you need to read I can guarantee it will suck you in and have you hooked before you finish chapter 1 of the first book. Oh and East will hopefully forget about Drake and want Zed or that's what I'm hoping for 😂😂
643 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2022
A Bit Engaging - Spoilers

North and Kara. It was just okay. Listen to book so no idea how writer spelled Kara.. The angst in this book was irritating. Kara left and I am glad she called herself the same name I was calling her in my head. Then all the acting weak over just the mention of things had me rolling my eyes. (Personal thing). I had to go back to ensure it wasn't something deeper that caused the intense meltdown.

As with book one it ended abruptly. Not much else to do while cleaning, so I will continue on with this series. They are slightly interesting characters and it's a bit engaging thus far.
Profile Image for Kayleigh Borrows.
309 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2022
Hot, funny & emtional

Enter North & Kara!!

I loved this book couldn't put it down, it was full of heat, drama, banter and took you on a rollercoaster of emotions. 

North & Karas relationship is hot hot hot I was worried my Kindle was going melt but its also full of emotion, laughs and lots of bumps on the road.

We get more of an insight into McGarry glan. I can't wait for East & South's book and also the continuation of the storyline that runs through this series.
69 reviews
August 2, 2022
loved it!

Another great read from Martina Dale.
I loved the humour and banter throw out the book it was refreshing.
The storyline was great the passion between the characters… wow!
When I think I have things figured out, Martina throws in a curve ball.
I cannot wait to read more in the series.
North well and truly has my heart though so I’m not sure how Martina I’d going to top it!
Profile Image for Mia Fury.
Author 41 books222 followers
August 31, 2022
The second book in this series, again a real gem of a book! North is all kinds of hotness, and Kara is so feisty that I just adore her. They're a perfect match, and they just need to accept that.

Again, the main threads of the story from book 1 are working their way through this book, and building a real picture of what's really happening with the bad guys. There are excellent teasers in this book for East's story and South's too, so I can't wait for both books!
171 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2022
What a corker

I thought West was hot, but North is right up there with him.

This story was a rollercoaster from start to finish. I couldn’t believe all the mishaps happening to North & Kara.

So many questions left, so hoping South & East’s stories come quickly.

Great book well worth the read.
Profile Image for Laci  Steimel.
718 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2022
Love it!

Must read! Love the HEA, and multiple POVs. The steam between Kara and North was so swoon-worthy. I also love how it continued West and Sutton's story, without overpowering Kara and North's. Has just the right amount of suspense, with a lot of twists, and the perfect ending. Definitely recommend this!
1,259 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2023
While I loved North, I really disliked Kara. The main female character. She was selfish and so beyond immature that it wasn’t even funny. I even wonder if age would mature someone like that. I honestly felt that North could have done so much better. Anytime the going gets tough she wants to run. Unbelievable. Has she ever heard of the word communication?
Profile Image for Kirstie Ibrahim.
1,878 reviews21 followers
June 5, 2022
LOVE me some hot hot North! The chemistry with North and Kara is sizzling and so are the sex scenes. There's plenty going on and you will have a laugh. There's also plenty of suspense and drama. A definite page turner.
Profile Image for Kayla Oaks.
158 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2022
Wow!!!!

This book was sooo good and well written! So happy to see the story with Kara and North! There is so much information in the book but it all went together very well!! Definitely enjoyed reading it!
Profile Image for Leslie Renfro.
22 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2022
I thought West was going to be the best, but North absolutely stole my heart. He’s funny, stubborn and a complete alpha. Everything you want in a man. His back and forth with his siblings is funny and very loving. I can’t wait to see how South’s story plays out.
Profile Image for Trina Raven.
344 reviews
August 6, 2022
Loved this 💞

Fantastic second book to this series ,it just keeps getting better and better . Love how even West and Sutton now with their babies are still involved in this story . Looking forward to starting East see what she's being getting up to . Definitely worth 5*
62 reviews
June 5, 2022
Absolutely fantastic book

Wow another amazing book. I loved West but this just kept me hooked. I couldn't put it down and I cant wait for the next family members stories.
90 reviews
August 5, 2022
Another McGarry brother, North has a more playfully personality than West. The banter between him and Kara is electric 💙
Profile Image for Jade Dollston.
Author 30 books212 followers
October 6, 2022
This entire series is fantastic! North's confidence was very attractive, and the dialogue was swoon-worthy. Another A+++ read by Martina Dale!
Profile Image for ssloves books - Sheila.
813 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2022
I loved North’s story with Kara. These brothers really are hot and the banter and attraction between them is great.
As part of a family who have had their fair share of incidents North’s addiction to Kara lands him in difficult and dangerous situations in this book.
Kara is an energetic character who is attracted to North but knows that being with him may not be the most safest choice for either of them.
The twists and turns in this family saga left me at the end of this book with lots of questions.
A great romance with danger, secrets and hot action.
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