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Truth is pain.

The truth I hide has left me nothing but rage and a need to hurt. Until Truth, personified by golden curls and innocent, haunted eyes, walks into my life and lies to me.

I know nothing about Verity except that she doesn’t add up. The lies uttered by that luscious mouth don’t seem to matter, though. Because I can’t rid myself of this all-consuming need for her.

I try to push her away. To make her flee. But the more she runs, the more I need to hold her close. Truth is pain, and I learn just how much when Verity reveals her truth to me. When her captors drag her back to her gilded cage, determined to destroy the beauty of her soul, I will hunt them down, and before I kill them, I will show them what pain truly is.

No one will hurt my truth and live.

Previously titled Preserving His Truth

WARNING: This book is not for the faint of heart. It will tear your heart out and stomp on it before putting it back together. The characters are not perfect, and the heroes are flawed. If you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows, I suggest you try another book. But if you want real emotion with a happily ever after, then you’ve found your book.

TRIGGERS: human trafficking, sexual assault, violence, kidnapping, talks of rape, abuse

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2020

107 people are currently reading
267 people want to read

About the author

Nola Marie

26 books225 followers
Louisiana-born and raised Nola Marie loves spicy crawfish, rock music, high drama, and all the glitter, despite being extremely introverted with a severe case of anxiety. As a child, she preferred her imaginary friends to real ones and fiction to reality, a condition that has lingered and grown, and in 2019, she decided to share the voices in her head with the world.

When she's not writing, she can be found with her nose in some other fictional world or having conversations with people no one else can see, but it's okay. She's a writer ;-)

Feel free to find her and yell about her dramatic character through Instagram or Facebook. She loves to hear from you.

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5 stars
146 (57%)
4 stars
76 (29%)
3 stars
22 (8%)
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9 (3%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for BookLover.
654 reviews4 followers
February 15, 2021
Preserving His Truth

Sebastian and Verity’s story.
Verity is promised in marriage at 14 by her parents and at 18 given to her fiancé who rapes, assaults and abuses her for 5 years with Verity not realising its wrong at the time. Now 5 years later it’s Verity’s wedding day and she decides she can’t marry her fiancé so she runs. She meets some random prostitute who offers her a room in her flat in some sleazy dive. The prostitute gets Verity a job in a strip club working as an waitress. Seriously, wow why would she go to a place full of the type of men she despises and is running from?? There Verity meets one of the owners of the strip club Sebastian who we met in previous books.

Sebastian is the typical big, tough, alpha male arsehole who’s not interested in a relationship until he meets Verity as he only sleeps with a woman for a few moments of pleasure a few times a week.

I’d want more than a few moments ladies 😏...

...but as soon as he lays eyes on Verity he feels an instant connection like he’s never felt before. The timelines don’t flow and the story repeats from previous books only this time from Sebastian’s point of view just with his and Verity’s drama thrown in. Danger lurks with Sebastian vowing to protect his woman.

Verity decides to overcome her past abuse she needs to switch from waitressing to stripping as that’ll be something for her and it’ll build her confidence and self esteem. Say what now 😳

We catch up with all the gang and there’s danger, abduction and murder lurking.

Sigh 😔 and the ongoing grammatical, spelling and spacing errors. What can I say other than it’s brought a 3 star read down to a 2 star. By now the author should have lifted her game and sorted out these ongoing errors. It spoils the read and takes away from the reading experience and as for the story this ones the most far fetched and it’s naive, weak and choppy. It could’ve been better and unfortunately I’m not invested enough to continue onto book 4 in this series.
Profile Image for Coastie  Mom.
1,450 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2022
Nola Marie really does know how to make a person go through all the emotions in each of her books. Bastian is ruthless, dark, dangerous and a very bad boy! He runs the mafia with Rory McCabe and gets off on the violence. But yet, Bastian has a backstory and once you hear it, everything makes sense as to why he is the way he is. Verity is a damaged girl who ran away from her arranged marriage – I mean after all, all he did was abuse her and force her to do things. When you hear about all the horrible things that have happened to her in her short life, you will be sad, then mad because you just want to rip their hearts out!

Verity runs away to River City and starts working at Red’s. When Bastian sees her, he is immediately taken by her, but is angry with himself for even feeling anything. He humiliates her every chance he gets. Verity is mad at herself because she is attracted to him but doesn’t understand why. Bastian’s sister is back and that only means one thing – trouble always follows when she is around. Let’s see who she can mess with this time. Deception, secrets, lies, kidnapping, abuse, passion, truths, darkness, and add in some twisted stuff and you will have a hard time putting this book down. I cannot wait to read Zane and Tori’s story next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Andrea ( books_fiction_desire ).
675 reviews
July 21, 2022
Preserving his truth is the third book in the series of The Men Of River City series and it is just as amazing and complete roller coaster ride of emotions.
Verity is a princess stuck in a very abusing family and expected to be married to her even more cruel fiancée and on her wedding day she finally finds the courage to run away as far as she can. Finding herself in a town where she finds other way of living, her road to freedom is more complicated than it should be. Hiding her true identity from the people she started to love and trust it’s not easy.
Sebastian, the sexy tattoo artist finds a way in her heart while he’s also struggling with his past and promise that he will never love again. His walls are slowly coming down and once he realizes that she’s the one that makes him whole again he will do anything in his power to protect her even when it might be too late when Verity is kidnapped again by her fiancé.

This is really great series by Nola Marie and highly recommend it to everyone. Be prepared to have some tissues ready because you will need them ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for C.M. Danks.
Author 8 books73 followers
January 25, 2021
HOT!!!
Sebastian... the brooding, moody, broken, dominate, hot, alpha. He’s a legend tattoo artist and a strong mafia boss. Oh, did I mention he’s also got a thing for the new cute, petite, blonde who works at Red?

Verity... after running from her current life, she stumbled upon a new one in River City. New job, new (not so great) place to live. She has secrets, secrets Sebastian (Bastian) wants to uncover.

This series had me hooked from the start and with each book I read, I fall more in love with these men! With Book 3: Bastian had me fanning myself off multiple times. Maybe it’s the tattoos... or maybe it’s his possessive, protective, alpha persona. Whatever it is, I couldn’t get enough! Between the hot men, action packed drama, and the well written writing style from the author, makes me absolutely love this series!

“When this is all done, and I get you home, I’m going to show you which one of us is really the devil.” 🔥

Zane is next in Book 4 and I can’t wait! ;)
Profile Image for C.M. Danks.
Author 8 books73 followers
January 25, 2021
HOT!!!
Sebastian... the brooding, moody, broken, dominate, hot, alpha. He’s a legend tattoo artist and a strong mafia boss. Oh, did I mention he’s also got a thing for the new cute, petite, blonde who works at Red?

Verity... after running from her current life, she stumbled upon a new one in River City. New job, new (not so great) place to live. She has secrets, secrets Sebastian (Bastian) wants to uncover.

This series had me hooked from the start and with each book I read, I fall more in love with these men! With Book 3: Bastian had me fanning myself off multiple times. Maybe it’s the tattoos... or maybe it’s his possessive, protective, alpha persona. Whatever it is, I couldn’t get enough! Between the hot men, action packed drama, and the well written writing style from the author, makes me absolutely love this series!

“When this is all done, and I get you home, I’m going to show you which one of us is really the devil.” 🔥

Zane is next in Book 4 and I can’t wait! ;)
Profile Image for Tamara Ford.
Author 16 books35 followers
November 27, 2020
Ruthless killers need love too.

I love Sebastian. This ruthless, raw, savage, tactical, Italian speaking beautiful man. He is my absolute favorite in this series.
Once again Nola Marie has taken me on a wild ride. I never thought that the great Mr. Sebastian Delrie could have fallen in love but he did and he fell hard. I was not disappointed, as usual it had everything to keep me turning the pages.

Looking forward to reading Zane's story.
Profile Image for R C.
14 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2021
Let me tell you! This is my book. My favorite of the entire series. I love men that are sexually dark and oh yeah...Bastian was it. Sexiness personified. Lord...the way he tries to fight not the physical but the emotional attraction to Verity. 🥰🥰🥰 #TeamBastian here.
Profile Image for Samantha.
119 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2024
The book was decent. But I was so bored by it all, I did not enjoy it, I didn’t think it was good. I actually want to rate it a one but I feel like it was slightly better than a 1

I need writers to stop writing heroines that have been raped or physically abused and then not use that in the rest of the book. Like it’s fucking weird

You’re telling me, she’s been raped since she turned 14 by this guy who’s in his 20’s, who also hits her, but then gets turned on by the first hot guy she sees after running away and starting over.

Also, I don’t need an author explaining what irony is and how what she wrote is ironic. Either you get it or you don’t, this isn’t English class.

Back to the abuse thing, not only did her ex beat her, but he and her parents also berate her. And she falls for a Sadist? But no, he’s not a sadist after meeting her. Which is a whole other can of worms.

Also, men who are petty and constantly throwing themselves pity parties are not sexy. Idk what that’s about.

Also, the whole her dancing in the strip club to own her sexuality is so criiiiiingeeeeee. The whole she doesn’t even know she’s pretty. Please.

Lastly, the girls name is verity. I’ve only ever heard of this name once before. You’re telling me, she runs away, and decides to not change her first name??? And then use the last name jones? She should’ve just said Jane doe at that point.

I honestly really liked Zane and I would love to read his book but the writing and plot and miscommunication was so boring that I would rather slit my wrist with a plastic butter knife than read another book in this series.
8 reviews
October 26, 2020
I've been waiting for book three of this series for what feel like forever. I loved the back and forth banter of Rory and Bastian in book two, so I was really excited to see more of that. It is most definitely seen, but what I found the most surprising was the way I was drawn into wondering more about Zane. He has been a character at the forefront of my mind since book one, and each book draws his personality out some more.
Verity is so different from the previous two female leads. She is not confident in herself. She is soft-spoken and a good girl. But she's also been through so much in her life that I wondered at first why in the world she would ever want someone like Bastian. Funnily, she asks herself the same thing. But soon I realize that Bastian is exactly what she needs. She needs someone to draw her out of herself. She needs someone to protect her. But more than all of that, she needs someone to want, need, and love her.
Verity couldn't be more right for Bastian. She is the polar opposite of him. She centers him and give him purpose. No. That's not quite right. She helps him see that life is more than what he's been living. She helps him remember what it is like to feel something.
This book was perfect from all angles, and has left me crazy ready for Zane's story.
28 reviews
April 25, 2023
Violent Truth is the third book in the River City Series by Nola Marie. It is the story of Bastian and Verity. Bastian is the boss of the River City underworld. Verity is a runaway bride trying to escape her tortured past. She finds herself working in Bastian's club Red. Bastian being who he is feels the need to torment Verity because he thinks she's a snob. But little does he know all those polished manners have come from years of being abused and put on display by her family and fiancé. Bastian is all things dark and dirty but he cannot get the curly blond out of his head no matter how many walls he puts up. Verity is drawn to Bastian like a moth to a flame. She knows he is dangerous but would never hurt her. These two are destined to be together despite the obstacles. Bastian has finally let his guard down with Verity then she "runs away". She has a habit of this. A note is left that says she returned to her former life. Bastian is so blinded by his hurt to realize Verity would never do that to him. It takes his friends to make him realize she is in trouble. Watch out because Bastian is on the warpath.

Bastian and Verity's story is my favorite of this series! Bastian is everything you want in a badboy that loves those around him fiercely. He will do anything to protect them. He is all things ALPHA MALE. If this is your kind of troupe, you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Sydnee.
161 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2023
Bastian & Verity’s story is SO amazing🫶🏼 it’s everything I like in a mafia romance.

This is an insta - love angsty mafia romance. If you’re looking to get into mafia romance and want something to ease you into it, this book & series is amazing

Verity is so so strong and super lovable from the start. Her strength in this book is absolutely amazing & her love for him runs so so deep even after her trauma.

I was so giddy when Bastian finally got over the reasons he’s so closed off and went for her!! And the protectiveness is off the charts🥰 he would do anything for her, & we love to see it

Profile Image for I am the greatest.
14 reviews
October 26, 2020
Bastian is so hot and sexy and everything in between. He oozes sex and danger. At first, he seems totally wrong for Verity and vice versa, but it doesn't take long to figure out they balance each other out. She makes him see that it's okay to feel something and he helps her discover that she deserves so much more than she was ever show. This book had my stomach, on more than one occasion, tighten and sink before flipping back up. I think they're my favorite of the series so far.
7 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2020
Loved, loved these characters. Sebastian is so freaking hot, and Verity is so sweet. I love how they find healing through each other, and they balance each other so perfectly. I love Bastian's protectiveness and Verity's innocence. The only part that confused me was Tori. I remember her from the first book, and her appearance in this book was a little confusing, but I assume (hope) it is to setup Zane's story.
241 reviews
December 19, 2020
Brilliant read

This is the 3rd book in the series The Men of River City, and l have loved it. The mafia trope isn’t one l usually like to read, but this book doesn’t tie itself up with mafia day to day dirty work, the characters lead the story. That said, there is the murder and violence, but told in a way that is “okay”, if it ever can be and the females are not shrinking violets that need saving from horrors. Loved the couple, Bastion and Verity, and loved the romantic HEA.
9 reviews
October 26, 2020
Nola Marie does it again. I was curious about the mysterious Bastian after little snips in book one. Book two left me begging for more of the sarcastic and sadistic bad boy. But it turns out the bad boy has one big damn heart even if he doesn't think so. He's rough and raw but with Verity he is caring, protective, and everything the perfect book boyfriend should be.
2,170 reviews5 followers
November 13, 2021
Still with all the spelling and grammar errors. It seriously detracts from the story for me

Secondly, Verity is raped and beaten by her fiancé for years. But she likes the BDSM brand of sex with Bastian? Seems far fetched.
I do like the “crowd” of characters in this series.
The overall story arc of Rory and Bastian building their empire and protecting woman. The in/out of Zane and Jax.
Profile Image for Jamie Stahl.
374 reviews14 followers
July 10, 2024
The Truth will set you free

Bastian is the big bad of River City. Verity is running from unimaginable horrors. She somehow lands directly in his path and try as he might, she has embedded herself into his soul. He has never wanted to keep anyone before her, but she may be the one woman he can't hold onto, especially when her past comes back with vengeance.
Profile Image for Crystal Kaiser, PA.
61 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2022
Man oh man Nola has.once again hit a homerun with this one. Bastian the big baddie finally meets his match and gets his HEA. He never thought in a million years he would ever find the one who could bring him to his knees!!! Welp Verity does just that!!! Absolutely adore Bastian!!!
Profile Image for Billie Arlen.
46 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2023
That whole collection of books and the Sons of Sin is just chef's kiss.
I have no words about how attached to each of them I became.

Nola Marie has a way with words. She can write emotions, humour and spice and she write them all so well.
Profile Image for Katie M..
159 reviews
May 19, 2024
Verity & Bastian

Definitely some darkness here but the light that Verity brings is worth it. Love the protectiveness that Bastian has for her. Looking forward to reading about Zane & Tori… already love the intro
124 reviews
June 12, 2024
Oh how much I love this series, it just keeps getting better and better. This one definitely did not disappoint. Oh the spice level was amazing. I highly recommend this book/series, I couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
November 4, 2020
Great Read

Nola love your books in general, never a dull moment, full of everything and more. Look forward to many more!
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,982 reviews11 followers
May 9, 2023
Great

Bastian and Verity.

I loved reading this book
I loved the characters.
The plot and storyline were pretty too.

I loved the hot 🔥 chemistry.

Read it
44 reviews
May 2, 2024
4⭐️ Loving this series
8,785 reviews63 followers
October 14, 2022
Verity is on the run working at Reds she crosses paths with bastian. They feel the connection but both pull away, and Bastians actions towards verity would make any one crumble, but Verity remains strong and when her past comes to light bastian will go to any length to keep her safe. Well written great addition to the series but can be read as a standalone. Engaging emotional, desires steamy and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
135 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2022
Violent Truth by Nola Marie is the third instalment in the River City Series. This series follows four alpha males as they stumble through life that has given them heartbreaking blow after blow to find their love.

OMG this was such a rollercoaster of a journey. This is by far one of my new top series ever. It is emotionally raw and broke my heart continually but also focuses on redemption and forgiving those from our past who have made mistakes. I loved this second chance romance between Sebastian and Verity sooo much. It was heartbreaking seeing the easy going and comedic character of Sedation go through so much but I was content with the ending which made the journey worth it. These two characters had so much characters and were on fire for most of them story.

I could not recommend this great story enough! This is a long book filled with lots of interesting writing and plot points about the two main characters to create a well developed story which I will love re-reading. I highly recommend reading this book and finding more by this author. You won't regret it!

Be warned that this book contains a lot of triggers and is not for the faint of heart as it covers some dark themes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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