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Truth and Lies Duet #2
Throne of Truth
The thrilling conclusion to Crown of Lies from New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters
TWO YEARS
Since my life changed for the second time and not necessarily for the better. Two years since I traded prison bars for streets and hunted a runaway who I'd met in an alley.
TWO DAYS
Since I forgot how to lie, woke to fists, and chased after the girl who'd been stolen from me.
TWO HOURS
To save her, rescue her, keep my lies intact. She looks at me full of hate. I look at her full of confession.
TWO MINUTES
For our relationship to switch from mutual dislike to floundering with unknowns. I've hurt her. Now, she's hurt me. I guess we're even.
TWO SECONDS
For her to listen, to see, to finally know who I am. The answer comes with hardship. The answer isn't what she wants to hear.
TWO BREATHS
For me to walk out the door.
TWO HEARTBEATS
For it all to be over.
TWO YEARS
Since my life changed for the second time and not necessarily for the better. Two years since I traded prison bars for streets and hunted a runaway who I'd met in an alley.
TWO DAYS
Since I forgot how to lie, woke to fists, and chased after the girl who'd been stolen from me.
TWO HOURS
To save her, rescue her, keep my lies intact. She looks at me full of hate. I look at her full of confession.
TWO MINUTES
For our relationship to switch from mutual dislike to floundering with unknowns. I've hurt her. Now, she's hurt me. I guess we're even.
TWO SECONDS
For her to listen, to see, to finally know who I am. The answer comes with hardship. The answer isn't what she wants to hear.
TWO BREATHS
For me to walk out the door.
TWO HEARTBEATS
For it all to be over.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2017
About the author
Pepper Winters
89 books16.7k followersPepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 898 reviews
March 1, 2017
4 Stars!!
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To say that I was excited to read this second installment in this series would be a big understatement. Once again, Pepper Winters delivers an intriguing, sexy, emotional read that kept me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. Gripping and enthralling, 'Throne of Truth' is filled with suspense, emotion and angst and while I didn’t love it as much as the first installment, I enjoyed it very much.
“The longer I was in his presence, the more I fought an unwinnable battle between my heart and body.“
The book picks up right where the first installment ends. Elle finds out that Penn is hiding something. She doesn’t know what he wants from her or who he is. She just knows she doesn’t want anything to do with him anymore, not when he’s so linked to her past. Elle finds herself in a dangerous situation. She’s alone and afraid, but she’s willing to do anything to get out from the frightful situation she’s currently in.
Meanwhile, Penn finds out Elle is missing. He’s frustrated that Elle refuses to talk to him, to let him explain everything. Even if he doesn’t want to, he cares for her and he will do anything to get her back. He will find her no matter what and he will make her listen to him one way or another, because she needs to find out the truth.
“He kissed me savagely. We kissed as if we were starving. Our tongues fought, our teeth nipped, we became drunk on fucking with our bodies and our lips.”
I was immersed in this story from the very beginning. 'Throne of Truth' is well written, captivating and, most of all, full of angst and, of course, some interesting twists and turns. I’m sure, like me, you had lots of questions when you finished the first book, but rest assured - all your questions will be answered. This second installment is full of surprises and revelations I quite enjoyed.
Once again, Elle is a great heroine. I loved her strength. She’s smart, very mature for her age, a real woman who knows what she wants and needs. In this second installment, we find out more about Penn – who he is, what he wants from Elle and everything about his secrets. His character is intriguing, layered and I absolutely loved his portrayal. His POV is fantastically written. Penn is kind, sweet, thoughtful, considerate and very possessive and protective at times. I loved the way he was with Elle, and the passion between them was intense.
“He was an angel and monster in one. Just human with perfections and imperfections.”
I loved the connection between the two main characters and how palpable the chemistry between them was at times. As for the sex scenes between them – holy cannoli! – so damn hot!
All in all, 'Throne of Truth' is a great conclusion. The enthralling story-line and the slow burn romance really kept me intrigued from cover to cover.
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March 6, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Throne of Truth, book 2 of 2. The conclusion to Penn & Elle!
“Lazy and sleepy, under the covers half-awake, half-dreaming, my back wedged to Penn’s front, his cock slipping between my legs and filling me effortlessly.”
Books in Truth and Lies duet should be read in order:
Book 1: Crown of Lies
Book 2: Throne of Truth
In Crown of Lies, book 1 heiress Elle Charlston, Bell Button was swept off her feet by infuriatingly sexy investor Penn Everett. Though their sex was explosive she was ill prepared to deal with Penn’s unpredictable temper switching from dirty-talking seducer to commanding and possessive a-hole.
Throne of Lies, book 2 opens up to book 1’s distressing ending. Penn and Elle have much to overcome. It’s a treacherous and angst-filled, at times hopeless, journey of danger and sacrifices; truths and forgiveness; compromise and self-reflection.
Eight words to describe Penn Everett: complex, enigmatic, commanding, aloof, kinky, devious, possessive and dirty-talker.
Eight words to describe Elle Charlston, Bell Button: lonely, naïve, reflective, smart, obedient, impressionable, meek and insecure.
Throne of Truth, told from dual POVs, is a mixture of suspense and second chance at love. Masterfully written it revolves around the themes of deceit, betrayal, jealousy, conspiracy, greed and… lies. It ends with victory in truth.
“His fingers wrapped around my throat as he angled my head, taking me past the realms of sanity and into chaos with his kiss. It hurt. It broke. It freed. It destroyed. Teeth and tongue and wet and heat. Our heads tilted and fought. Our breathing ragged and short. My lips burned from his as if we’d burst into flames.”
***
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★1/2
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | HIGH FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Thank you to everyone on Shh… ARC(F)BR: https://goo.gl/8spBkW
ARC provided to me by author Pepper Winters in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2017
If you enjoyed 'Crown of Lies', then you don't want to miss the conclusion to Penn and Elle's story. Finally, all of the lingering questions I had have been answered. With plenty of twists and turns along the way, the facts and the past are unveiled. Some things were predictable, others not so much.
Picking up where 'Crown of Lies' left off, 'Throne of Truth' thrusts readers right back into the dangerous situation that Elle has found herself in. If I thought that I hated Greg before, I had no idea of how much I would come to despise him. Totally unhinged, with a penchant for the sadistic, he proves to be far worse than I had imagined.
With Elle missing and at the mercy of her abductor, Penn is determined to rescue her. Whether or not Elle wants anything to do with him once he finds her, is something he's willing to let her decide once she's heard him out. He's come too far to let her slip away without hearing his truth.
Elle ends up spending more time than I had anticipated as Greg's captive. Accordingly, this book had a "darker" feel to it than the first book did. He was one crazy guy and he had no qualms about mistreating Elle.
Eventually, Penn does come to Elle's rescue. No big surprise there! However, the two still have their own problems to work out.
Despite the big heroic rescue, Elle still isn't willing to trust Penn. Given the situation, the bickering seemed a little petty and unrealistic to me. I mean, come on! You've just been rescued from your kidnapper/would-be rapist and you're going to refuse to talk to your savior? I call BS.
Once the two finally get things squared away again, it doesn't take much time before they run into another problem. Elle's company comes under fire for her association with Penn. After all that work to get her back, Penn begins to question whether or not he is good enough for Elle.
They're off. They're on. They're off. They're on again. There is certainly plenty of angst and conflict in this second book. I am a lover of angst, but it was getting to feel a bit too contrived for me.
That being said, I did enjoy this book quite a bit overall. I had plenty of gripes - like the friendship with Gio- but I have to admit that I couldn't put it down or pull myself away from all of the drama. Sure, I rolled my eyes...but I couldn't get enough.
I haven't found a Pepper Winters book yet that I haven't enjoyed. This one proved to be no different. I have enjoyed every minute of Elle and Penn's story, albeit unbelievable at times. I also loved having a story that came full circle in only two books, versus a series that goes on and on without an end in sight. This wasn't my favorite of Ms. Winters' series, but I thought it was great all the same!
Picking up where 'Crown of Lies' left off, 'Throne of Truth' thrusts readers right back into the dangerous situation that Elle has found herself in. If I thought that I hated Greg before, I had no idea of how much I would come to despise him. Totally unhinged, with a penchant for the sadistic, he proves to be far worse than I had imagined.
With Elle missing and at the mercy of her abductor, Penn is determined to rescue her. Whether or not Elle wants anything to do with him once he finds her, is something he's willing to let her decide once she's heard him out. He's come too far to let her slip away without hearing his truth.
Elle ends up spending more time than I had anticipated as Greg's captive. Accordingly, this book had a "darker" feel to it than the first book did. He was one crazy guy and he had no qualms about mistreating Elle.
Eventually, Penn does come to Elle's rescue. No big surprise there! However, the two still have their own problems to work out.
Despite the big heroic rescue, Elle still isn't willing to trust Penn. Given the situation, the bickering seemed a little petty and unrealistic to me. I mean, come on! You've just been rescued from your kidnapper/would-be rapist and you're going to refuse to talk to your savior? I call BS.
Once the two finally get things squared away again, it doesn't take much time before they run into another problem. Elle's company comes under fire for her association with Penn. After all that work to get her back, Penn begins to question whether or not he is good enough for Elle.
They're off. They're on. They're off. They're on again. There is certainly plenty of angst and conflict in this second book. I am a lover of angst, but it was getting to feel a bit too contrived for me.
That being said, I did enjoy this book quite a bit overall. I had plenty of gripes - like the friendship with Gio- but I have to admit that I couldn't put it down or pull myself away from all of the drama. Sure, I rolled my eyes...but I couldn't get enough.
I haven't found a Pepper Winters book yet that I haven't enjoyed. This one proved to be no different. I have enjoyed every minute of Elle and Penn's story, albeit unbelievable at times. I also loved having a story that came full circle in only two books, versus a series that goes on and on without an end in sight. This wasn't my favorite of Ms. Winters' series, but I thought it was great all the same!
February 20, 2017
The Epic Conclusion to Crown of Lies...The following is my personal review-
It happened in a whirlwind. She didn't have time for love. IT was never in the equation, yet Penn waltzed into her life, well more like pushed his way into her life, she couldn't help be enamored.
So many questions, so many lies. Was there anyone in her life that wasn't putting on a facade? How could the one man she happened to fall for after giving her heart away so many years ago to a practical stranger, easily replace him?
Penn wasn't meant to love, care for those who'd chosen to care for him, yes. Her? No. She was to be nothing more than a conquest, a job-retribution. When push came to shove, would she end up being everything he never thought he wanted or deserved, or would she unequivocally be his undoing?
How far would the Queen of Belle Elle go to seek out the answers she's searched for? Would Penn be the end to her reign? Or would lies, deceit and utter betrayal rip the dynasty she'd given up her life for, apart?
It happened in a whirlwind. She didn't have time for love. IT was never in the equation, yet Penn waltzed into her life, well more like pushed his way into her life, she couldn't help be enamored.
So many questions, so many lies. Was there anyone in her life that wasn't putting on a facade? How could the one man she happened to fall for after giving her heart away so many years ago to a practical stranger, easily replace him?
Penn wasn't meant to love, care for those who'd chosen to care for him, yes. Her? No. She was to be nothing more than a conquest, a job-retribution. When push came to shove, would she end up being everything he never thought he wanted or deserved, or would she unequivocally be his undoing?
How far would the Queen of Belle Elle go to seek out the answers she's searched for? Would Penn be the end to her reign? Or would lies, deceit and utter betrayal rip the dynasty she'd given up her life for, apart?
March 17, 2017
1,5 stars
Okay...I'm going to be a bit....not more than a bit...unpopular here!!!! Now, before you all LOVERS of Pepper Winters follow up to the amazing Crown of Lies (which I more than loved....see my review here ... https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... ).....try to "diss" me or even think of doing worse than that...like ...
PS....There may be a few minor spoilers...but nothing major!!
Now, I loved Noelle "Elle" Charleston and Penn Everett in the first b0ok. There was something charming about these two together and when we were left with the cliff-hanger.....I just wanted to "dive" in!!!!
No, No, No!!!! Talk about rolling my eyes.........
Oh, yes, where was I....okay, so the kidnapping is over..........thank heavens!!! On with something exciting next...but NO!!!! I had to put up with even more UNBELIEVABLE stuff re: US LAWS ............now, I am not totally in the know about the laws in America...but even so....I know for a fact that what happens to Penn after Elle is rescued, could not possible happen!!!! MORE EYE ROLLING!!!! All the drama whilst Penn is jailed for not a day, not two days...but more like weeks...or months!!! Can't remember....but .......
Let me conclude this rant........I lost interest in the characters and what happens to them....before the end...I couldn't give a toss!!!!
PS......The reason for 1/2 star..........I actually like the author's writing style!!!
I certainly wasn't expecting the way the story went!!! But hey, I'm in the minority here...so if you want to give this book a try...no, if you've read book 1, then you should probably give this a try..me....no, Throne of Truth ain't gonna be a reread or a keeper for me!!
Okay...I'm going to be a bit....not more than a bit...unpopular here!!!! Now, before you all LOVERS of Pepper Winters follow up to the amazing Crown of Lies (which I more than loved....see my review here ... https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... ).....try to "diss" me or even think of doing worse than that...like ...
.......let me quickly explain why I was beyond DISAPPOINTED in Throne of Truth!!!
PS....There may be a few minor spoilers...but nothing major!!
Now, I loved Noelle "Elle" Charleston and Penn Everett in the first b0ok. There was something charming about these two together and when we were left with the cliff-hanger.....I just wanted to "dive" in!!!!
No, No, No!!!! Talk about rolling my eyes.........
Not only did I have to put up with one third of the story about the stupid and implausible Elle's kidnapping.....which after a chapter or two.....I found myself .........
YES, THERE WAS A LOT OF EYE ROLLING AROUND WHILST I WAS TURNING THE PAGES...........
Oh, yes, where was I....okay, so the kidnapping is over..........thank heavens!!! On with something exciting next...but NO!!!! I had to put up with even more UNBELIEVABLE stuff re: US LAWS ............now, I am not totally in the know about the laws in America...but even so....I know for a fact that what happens to Penn after Elle is rescued, could not possible happen!!!! MORE EYE ROLLING!!!! All the drama whilst Penn is jailed for not a day, not two days...but more like weeks...or months!!! Can't remember....but .......
And what happened to feisty and interesting Elle???? She morphed into someone that's totally unrecognisable from the 1st book.........and Penn.........let me not even go there!!!
Let me conclude this rant........I lost interest in the characters and what happens to them....before the end...I couldn't give a toss!!!!
PS......The reason for 1/2 star..........I actually like the author's writing style!!!
I certainly wasn't expecting the way the story went!!! But hey, I'm in the minority here...so if you want to give this book a try...no, if you've read book 1, then you should probably give this a try..me....no, Throne of Truth ain't gonna be a reread or a keeper for me!!
March 8, 2017
If two people are meant to be together, they will always find their way back.
Have you began and ended a story in tears? The first, last, and so much of the middle of the book render you a wreck, where the tissues are a lifeline, controlling those feels that flow like a river. Emotions are entangled so deeply where you feel EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.
I began and ended Throne of Truth in tears, my emotions on edge, entangled and engulfed in this story, where I felt every EVERYTHING. Throne of Truth by Pepper Winters hit my heart hard and sank itself into my soul. ALL THE FEELS flowed fast and furiously, where I was immediately bound to this devastatingly beautiful book, where I would likely remain.
I dove into Throne of Truth, barely surfacing for air. This book was the drug and I was the addict. I shut out the world while Throne of Truth became my world. Dark bled with light. Wrong bled with right. Throne of Truth BECAME ME. This story swiftly was my air…my ache…my anguish…my addiction…my ALL. I was quickly lost in Throne of Truth and did not want to be found…EVER. I already knew that this story was MY EVERYTHING.
Beautiful blonde and blue-eyed Noelle ‘Elle’ Charlston has lived a fairy tale of a life with a caring father, powerful position as a young and wealthy CEO of her family’s retail company, and everything she’s ever wanted. She thought she found love but realized it was a lie. Now she doesn’t know who to trust. Who she though was a friend is now a foe. Now Elle must simply survive.
She gave me life, and she took my life.
Penn Everet is tall, dark, muscular, and handsome. Hero and villain. Angel and monster. Saint and sinner. Penn is a man of many layers and lies, but underneath the layers is a heart is gold, and oh did he hold onto my heart.
The truth shall set you free. Elle wants the truth and Penn is sick of the lies. Penn must reveal himself, as he has been a man of mystery, to Elle or she will flee forever.
“How can I tell you? How can I make you see what you don’t want to see?”
THIS DARK HERO WAS MY DRUG…and I could not drink the dominant and delicious Penn enough.
I was no longer a girl masquerading as a woman. I was all woman.
Elle was a girl in Crown of Lies but she’s a woman…a warrior…in Throne of Truth. She must protect those she loves along with herself. Like a butterfly, Elle has sprouted wings and is soaring high. So bold and brave, this confident and controlled woman is PURE POWER, and oh did I love this metamorphosis…this grown-up Elle.
Her passion and affection electrocuted my heart. She gave me the power to keep fighting.
Fight is what Elle must do…fight for her freedom…fight for Penn’s…just FIGHT like the warrior woman she’s become.
Penn and Elle are PURE PERFECTION together. The fusion of hot and cold perfectly blend into magic that melts like molten lava. You can’t help but feel their chemistry-clad connection, two powerful people powerless around each other perhaps brought together by fate.
He exploded as if he’d ultimately die if he didn’t have me that very moment. We kissed until we were breathless.
Penn and Elle’s kisses are molten lava that melted me from head to toe. Their chemistry is combustible, but their connection is EVERYTHING!!! This is not just lust but so much more! I felt their passion through the pages.
“It was you, Elle. I fell for you the second I met you.”
This saint and sinner made me SWOON, as I floated on Cloud Nine. This is a new side of Penn, one where is heart is no longer frozen but free.
Crown of Lies was the dinner, but Throne of Truth is the dessert. Crown of Lies was Penn’s show, but Elle owned the hell out of Throne of Truth. Elle went from meek princess to fierce queen, a queen who still wants Penn…her king. This is a tooth and nails fight for love!
“I’m giving you a way out, Elle. Say the word, and I’ll let you go. It will f**king kill me. You’ll rip my heart out…Leave me, Elle. Don’t let me get away with stealing yet more of you.”
Penn’s past erupts, exploding around him like fireworks. To protect Elle, he must set her free.
My heart cracked open, dying, gasping.
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because for the first time in my life, I need to do the right thing.”
Throne of Truth revealed itself, baring its soul to me, while stealing mine. This story stole my soul like a thief in the night, and all I could was submit to its power….its passion…its promise of more. INTENSE and INTOXICATING, I was indebted to every word…every page…every emotion that escaped, entangling around every part of me.
I felt every word I read in this pulse-pounding UNPUTDOWNABLE soul-searing story. I FELT EVERYTHING!!! This story struck my emotions like a match, setting them on fire where every feel was a burn. Throne of Truth took my tears, tears permanently etched in my eyes while reading. Throne of Truth nearly brought me to my knees where I WEPT from words that penetrated me with passion and power…heartbreak and hope.
Throne of Truth is deliciously dark, passionately poignant, and breathtakingly beautiful. Throne of Truth STOLE MY BREATH in a book that bled beauty and angst. I was ENRAPTURED by heart-wrenching and heartwarming tale.
I LOVED THIS STORY SOOOO HARD! Pepper Winters outdid herself again as I…gasp…loved Throne of Truth even more than Crown of Lies! Throne of Truth is easily one of my top February reads and 2017 best books too!
This book held my heart in its hands, where my heart bled and beat with every word. I’m still bleeding from Throne of Truth, a book that BROKE ME IN THE BEST WAY!!! Throne of Truth BLEW ME AWAY!!!
Throne of Truth is over but I am still basking in UTTER BOOK BLISS!!! My soul is sliced open and my heart is racing where I still feel Throne of Truth thrashing through me. My body, heart, and soul are still on fire...feels in flames…as this tale of truth has imprinted itself on me...perhaps forever.
Romance. It wasn’t paint-by-numbers or color within the lines. It was messy and scribbly and up to us to draw it how we wanted.
★★★★★ ‘but worth 10’ gut-gripping gold crowns
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February 26, 2017
4.5 Stars
Talk about your gripping conclusions. WOW. I did NOT see this book coming at all. Full of twists and revelations that will leave your head reeling, Throne of Truth was the much anticipated conclusion that definitely lived up to the promise of the first book! This duet was Pepper Winters at her finest and exactly why she's an auto-buy for me when it comes to dark romance. The woman can write one twisty and emotional tale that's as gritty as it is sexy.
Starting immediately where Crown of Lies left off, we're thrown right back to the world of Elle and Penn and the fall out from all the truths that Penn has been holding back.
I don't want to give you much of the story because it will ruin the first book for you. I'd highly recommend not reading many reviews for this book if you haven't read the first. Trust me when I tell you that you'll want the full effect of the twist and turns of this romance.
Throne of Truth gives us the full story of Penn. Who he is, what he's been hiding, and why. Where Crown Of Lies was gritty and erotic, Throne of Truth is an angsty slow burn. I must have flew through the pages with lightning speed, absolutely riveted, and dying to know all his secrets. And boy does the man have some secrets. Elle's eyes are wide open here, and she finally sees the man that's both broken her and freed her for who he really is...and what he truly means to her.
These two were sizzling together. Pepper truly gives that slow burn of romance here, which is funny considering that these two were hot and heavy already. But, man, I loved that she pulled it off so flawlessly.
My only quibble is I wished that the conclusion was a little more fleshed out. I'd have loved to see the chain of events rather then reading the wrap up. But that aside, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Pepper certainly doesn't disappoint with this emotionally charged conclusion. I devoured it in one day. I couldn't bring myself to put it down for even a second. And my sleep deprived self can't find it in me to be even a little sorry.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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Her apology echoed in my ears. Her tears glistened in memory. I’d hurt her, but she’d hurt me. And now, I was here, and she was there, and there was no way to fix what was broken.
Talk about your gripping conclusions. WOW. I did NOT see this book coming at all. Full of twists and revelations that will leave your head reeling, Throne of Truth was the much anticipated conclusion that definitely lived up to the promise of the first book! This duet was Pepper Winters at her finest and exactly why she's an auto-buy for me when it comes to dark romance. The woman can write one twisty and emotional tale that's as gritty as it is sexy.
Starting immediately where Crown of Lies left off, we're thrown right back to the world of Elle and Penn and the fall out from all the truths that Penn has been holding back.
I don't want to give you much of the story because it will ruin the first book for you. I'd highly recommend not reading many reviews for this book if you haven't read the first. Trust me when I tell you that you'll want the full effect of the twist and turns of this romance.
Throne of Truth gives us the full story of Penn. Who he is, what he's been hiding, and why. Where Crown Of Lies was gritty and erotic, Throne of Truth is an angsty slow burn. I must have flew through the pages with lightning speed, absolutely riveted, and dying to know all his secrets. And boy does the man have some secrets. Elle's eyes are wide open here, and she finally sees the man that's both broken her and freed her for who he really is...and what he truly means to her.
These two were sizzling together. Pepper truly gives that slow burn of romance here, which is funny considering that these two were hot and heavy already. But, man, I loved that she pulled it off so flawlessly.
My only quibble is I wished that the conclusion was a little more fleshed out. I'd have loved to see the chain of events rather then reading the wrap up. But that aside, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Pepper certainly doesn't disappoint with this emotionally charged conclusion. I devoured it in one day. I couldn't bring myself to put it down for even a second. And my sleep deprived self can't find it in me to be even a little sorry.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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February 28, 2017It's LIVE!!!
THRONE OF TRUTH
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July 8, 2023
"I’m going to take away all your control. I’ll fuck you the way I want to fuck you. I’ll look after you while I ruin you. I’ll protect you while I hurt you—just like I promised that first night. I’ll take everything you have to give. We play rough. We love hard. We live every fucking fantasy."
Penn Everett, literally and properly fucked me. Again. Ahhh he's that amazing... :-D
Ps. Pepper, my queen. You never dissapoint me. Thank you so much for this wonderful story. :)
Penn Everett, literally and properly fucked me. Again. Ahhh he's that amazing... :-D
Ps. Pepper, my queen. You never dissapoint me. Thank you so much for this wonderful story. :)
March 6, 2017
"Would she still trust me...or at least learn to trust me?"
Throne of Truth is the second book in the Truth and Lies Duet. Penn and Elle are caught in a web of lies, and the only question on everyone's mind is will they survive the truth when everything is finally revealed?
"What if..."Throne of Truth picks up directly after Crown of Lies. Elle's life is in danger, and despite her best effort to remain unstained from the deception of her foes, she is continuously brought right back into the chaos. With her trust in Penn and her desire to be with him swinging like a pendulum, she is continuously battling her emotions versus what she believes are the facts. Elle continues to act out of fear and will stop at nothing to find out the truth about Penn.
"Someone kind but ruthless. Supportive but possessive. Intelligent but quick tempered. He was an angel and monster in one."Penn was certain that he would be able to spend time with Elle and then leave her alone. Now that she is deeply embedded in his heart, he can't seem to stay away. With time quickly slipping away, does he have what it takes to convince Elle that he is worthy of her love and affection or has too much damage already been done?
"Piece by piece, I revealed the man I'd always known existed."Told in dual POV, Throne of Truth offers an intriguing romance of two people from different worlds that are desperate to be together. With a blend of passion, romance, and action this mysterious romance will certainly keep you engaged with each twist of the plot! I found Penn to be a complex character whose history and life experiences made him a unique hero with multiple layers of intensity. Elle experiences a rather large transformation throughout the development of the series, and although she wasn't my favorite heroine, I certainly felt that she and Penn made a perfect match. The secondary characters enhanced the plot, and I was especially fond of Larry. This duet is tender, sweet, passionate, mysterious, and with a dash of action and angst, it is sure to please contemporary romance fans.
Overall, I highly recommend Throne of Truth. The Truth and Lies Duet was certainly an intriguing read and Penn is certainly one hero you will want to meet!
***Truth and Lies Duet***
*ARC graciously provided via author in exchange for an honest review!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 25, 2017
The highly anticipated thrilling conclusion to Crown of Lies from New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters. Remember back in the previous book where the Queen of Cliffys *Coughs* 'Pepper Winters' threw us all over that horrendous cliffy?? You'll be glad to know that she's picked us up and dusted us off, this book starts off right where Crown of Lies book ended!!
THRONE OF TRUTH: The beginning of the book as I stated previously pics up right where BOOK#1 left off.
We’re at that crucial part where Elle is being deceived by her co-worker and childhood friend Greg, kidnapped, hurt beyond measure and fuming at the predicament she finds herself in, all in the name of greed, but throughout her hate for this man outshone all feelings of being scared.
Moved from cabin to cabin, in an unmarked car, a trail gone cold, but Penn is relentless when it comes to finding Elle and will go to any lengths to rescue her.
The last time we saw Penn Everett he was beyond frustrated at the turn of events, saddened that Elle had taken off without listening to his explanation, and her refusal to have anything to do with him had him at his wits end.
Poor and rich
Lost and found
Safe and scared
Most of the time my new world was a thousand times better than my old one.
But that was before Elle.
Before I f#cked up.
That very same night thugs break into his apartment, beating the shit out of him and withdraw with a departed message, to leave Elle alone that she wasn’t his and that she was to marry another. And to fuck off and screw some other blond.
That’s when the puzzle pieces started to make sense and one name rang louder than any other ‘Greg’
Then everything starts to come crashing down, like a dominos effect and the whole story goes full circle to where it kind of all began.
Just like school had bullies
Prison had thugs
It was all a chess board in the end
No one was king for long
And no one stayed a rock forever
We were all jumping over each other trying to win the Queen.
Throne of Truth takes us on a roller coaster of epic proportions, an unforgettable journey, as the light is finally cast on lies that all become revealed, with questions burnt into our brains 'Who is the real Penn?' with varying degrees of twists and turns and boundless obstacles that painstakingly get revealed piece by puzzle piece, it’s up to us as the reader to place each piece when information is disclosed.
I'll f#ck you the way I want to f#ck you.
I'll look after you while I ruin you.
I'll protect you while I hurt you
Just like I promised that first night.
I'll take everything you have to give.
We play rough
We love hard
We live every f#cking fantasy.
In true Pepper Winter fashion she delivered an unputdownable, swoon worthy read!! If you've not read this series it's one of my highly recommended one clicks, this author always and I mean always delivers without fail an alpha male and like crack addicts we all quickly lay claim to all that is Penn..Even his name embodies such claiming of raw passion. Take the plunge and get carried away on the riptide of deliciousness that is all Penn.
August 13, 2017
Well, I literally just finished this book so you're gonna get my raw, fresh, true feelings...
I don't know what I'm more upset about... the waste of my time or my money. I can't believe I paid for this book nor that I actually finished this book.
Despite not being super hype for this book after I read book #1 in this duet... the first book was OF COURSE a cliffhanger. I really hate this ridiculous S-T-R-E-T-C-H of stories that seems to be the norm nowadays. Seriously, this story didn't need more than the first 25% of this book to wrap up the duet. On top of this ridiculous story extention, the two MCs spent the vast majority of this book... 80+%(?)... apart. WTF?!
I cannot believe the amount of inner dialogue going on in this book. I thought the 50 Shades trilogy was littered with too much inner yadda yadda... no, no, this takes the cake. It mostly went something like this...
Person 1: "Dialogue"
2+ pages of inner thoughts
Person 2: "Answer to Person 1 dialogue"
2+ pages of more inner turmoil and reflection
Person 1: "Answer to Person 2 dialogue"
Seriously?! Conversation stunting at it's finest!
And, let's just slop some icing on that cake why don't we.
I have no more words. Here's a rundown of my reading this book...
Going In...
Shortly after beginning this book...
Then we just went straight into BOREDOM LAND .
My overall feelings on this book... nay, this duet...
I don't know what I'm more upset about... the waste of my time or my money. I can't believe I paid for this book nor that I actually finished this book.
Despite not being super hype for this book after I read book #1 in this duet... the first book was OF COURSE a cliffhanger. I really hate this ridiculous S-T-R-E-T-C-H of stories that seems to be the norm nowadays. Seriously, this story didn't need more than the first 25% of this book to wrap up the duet. On top of this ridiculous story extention, the two MCs spent the vast majority of this book... 80+%(?)... apart. WTF?!
I cannot believe the amount of inner dialogue going on in this book. I thought the 50 Shades trilogy was littered with too much inner yadda yadda... no, no, this takes the cake. It mostly went something like this...
Person 1: "Dialogue"
2+ pages of inner thoughts
Person 2: "Answer to Person 1 dialogue"
2+ pages of more inner turmoil and reflection
Person 1: "Answer to Person 2 dialogue"
Seriously?! Conversation stunting at it's finest!
And, let's just slop some icing on that cake why don't we.
I have no more words. Here's a rundown of my reading this book...
Going In...
Shortly after beginning this book...
Then we just went straight into BOREDOM LAND .
My overall feelings on this book... nay, this duet...
September 16, 2019
Book 2 picks up where Book 1 has left. It begins with Greg putting his psycho plan into action.
“I can’t wait until you’re clean, Elle. Once he’s washed away, I can replace every memory with me.”
“Don’t fucking touch me!”
...
“This is the part of you that needs washing the most. Fucking asshole needs to be deleted.”
***
He’s chained her up? That motherfucker. He’d pay for this. Over and over, he’d pay. He had his motherfucking hands on her. Soon, I’d have mine on him.
This book is told by dual point of view and because now we read from both Elle’s and Penn’s point of view, we learn the answers to all the questions that are left unanswered in Book 1.
Lies, lies, lies. I wanted to vomit with lies. I wanted to wash away the lies. I wanted to bleach the lies.
This book shows what happened to Nameless that night and afterwards.
It answers who Penn is.
It answers why Penn wanted to punish Elle and why he was such an as*hole to her in Book 1.
“I can’t tell you who I am because I never told you my name.”
***
I didn’t just remove his clothes. I removed his past. I tore off the months of imprisonment. I slipped off his lies and half-truths. Piece by piece, I revealed the man I’d always known existed.
Book 2 is the revelation of all truth and salvation. It brings many more tragedies with it but in the end, what is left for us to say is that all is well that ends well and it surely ends well :)
P.S. If you make up a lot of complicated conspiracy theories, you may be disappointed. When the secrets are revealed, you see that everything stem form little misunderstandings and wrong assumptions.
I mean you shouldn’t expect a complex deep and dark truth just because this is Pepper’s book. Nothing that dark happens in this duet.
Both books are emotional and hot, not dark at all and both books deserve 5 out of 4,5 for me.
Why -0,5 ?
Well, I still have one or two minor questions that are unanswered but no big deal...
SAFETY:
See my review for Book 1.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
“I can’t wait until you’re clean, Elle. Once he’s washed away, I can replace every memory with me.”
“Don’t fucking touch me!”
...
“This is the part of you that needs washing the most. Fucking asshole needs to be deleted.”
***
He’s chained her up? That motherfucker. He’d pay for this. Over and over, he’d pay. He had his motherfucking hands on her. Soon, I’d have mine on him.
This book is told by dual point of view and because now we read from both Elle’s and Penn’s point of view, we learn the answers to all the questions that are left unanswered in Book 1.
Lies, lies, lies. I wanted to vomit with lies. I wanted to wash away the lies. I wanted to bleach the lies.
This book shows what happened to Nameless that night and afterwards.
It answers who Penn is.
It answers why Penn wanted to punish Elle and why he was such an as*hole to her in Book 1.
“I can’t tell you who I am because I never told you my name.”
***
I didn’t just remove his clothes. I removed his past. I tore off the months of imprisonment. I slipped off his lies and half-truths. Piece by piece, I revealed the man I’d always known existed.
Book 2 is the revelation of all truth and salvation. It brings many more tragedies with it but in the end, what is left for us to say is that all is well that ends well and it surely ends well :)
P.S. If you make up a lot of complicated conspiracy theories, you may be disappointed. When the secrets are revealed, you see that everything stem form little misunderstandings and wrong assumptions.
I mean you shouldn’t expect a complex deep and dark truth just because this is Pepper’s book. Nothing that dark happens in this duet.
Both books are emotional and hot, not dark at all and both books deserve 5 out of 4,5 for me.
Why -0,5 ?
Well, I still have one or two minor questions that are unanswered but no big deal...
SAFETY:
See my review for Book 1.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 19, 2022
#1.) Crown of Lies ★★★★
February 28, 2017
Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Throne-Truth-L...
4.5-5 brilliant stars!!
Throne of Truth was one of my most anticipated books! I was excited to read the conclusion to this story because Crown of Lies left me wanting for more!Pepper Winters didn't disappoint me, I got what I wanted and even more!
"Our bodies reacquainted,our hearts patterned to the same rhythm, our minds synced into one frequency."
This book was full of suspense,angst,hot and intense moments.I fell in love with Penn and Elle from the beginning,their story is unique and addictive and definitely one ill never forget!!
If you are looking for an incredible mix of suspense,mystery,angst,plot twists and a heavy romance this series is perfect!!
4.5-5 brilliant stars!!
Throne of Truth was one of my most anticipated books! I was excited to read the conclusion to this story because Crown of Lies left me wanting for more!Pepper Winters didn't disappoint me, I got what I wanted and even more!
"Our bodies reacquainted,our hearts patterned to the same rhythm, our minds synced into one frequency."
This book was full of suspense,angst,hot and intense moments.I fell in love with Penn and Elle from the beginning,their story is unique and addictive and definitely one ill never forget!!
If you are looking for an incredible mix of suspense,mystery,angst,plot twists and a heavy romance this series is perfect!!
March 21, 2017
“Sometimes, love isn’t enough. It doesn’t conquer everything.”
Thankfully, I know that’s not true. Throne of Truth proves that theory wrong. Elle and Penn are put through the ringer in this final installment of the Lies Duet. They experience so many ups and downs and trials and tribulations, but become stronger after it all.
Lies “have a life of their won. They multiply divide, and conquer – not just the listener but the liar, too. They infiltrate the truth. They twist words until false is truer than reality.”
That’s the premise of the novel. How the various swirling lies affect all the characters. It’s a story of contrast of contradiction. Truth versus Lie. Light versus Dark. In the end, will truth win out?
I’ll forego the usual breakdown of what happens and just tell you that I was amazed, entertained, and torn up emotionally. Once again, Pepper's writing moved me. It’s poignant, artistic, and above reproach. Penn and Elle are intriguing characters and I’ve enjoyed tagging along for their wild ride. However, my true joy was reading the words. I highlighted nearly 1/4 of the book!
“I wasn’t a woman anymore. I was sharp breaths, swirling thoughts, and lost bearings.”
The imagery and character development also topped my list. Character growth is a key component in a novel and this one excelled. Penn and Elle, both finally tell their truths and deal with the fallout head on. Elle, in particular, really grows during this novel. She takes risks and chances she may not have braved before Penn.
Overall, this is a very satisfying ending to the story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. SOON! I recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance, mystery, and intrigue.
Thankfully, I know that’s not true. Throne of Truth proves that theory wrong. Elle and Penn are put through the ringer in this final installment of the Lies Duet. They experience so many ups and downs and trials and tribulations, but become stronger after it all.
Lies “have a life of their won. They multiply divide, and conquer – not just the listener but the liar, too. They infiltrate the truth. They twist words until false is truer than reality.”
That’s the premise of the novel. How the various swirling lies affect all the characters. It’s a story of contrast of contradiction. Truth versus Lie. Light versus Dark. In the end, will truth win out?
I’ll forego the usual breakdown of what happens and just tell you that I was amazed, entertained, and torn up emotionally. Once again, Pepper's writing moved me. It’s poignant, artistic, and above reproach. Penn and Elle are intriguing characters and I’ve enjoyed tagging along for their wild ride. However, my true joy was reading the words. I highlighted nearly 1/4 of the book!
“I wasn’t a woman anymore. I was sharp breaths, swirling thoughts, and lost bearings.”
The imagery and character development also topped my list. Character growth is a key component in a novel and this one excelled. Penn and Elle, both finally tell their truths and deal with the fallout head on. Elle, in particular, really grows during this novel. She takes risks and chances she may not have braved before Penn.
Overall, this is a very satisfying ending to the story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. SOON! I recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance, mystery, and intrigue.
July 15, 2017
Get it here:
Amazon US * Barnes & Noble
Such an amazing end to Penn and Elle! This book had my heart stopping more than once and I loved every second of it. I'm so happy I got to see Penn and Elle get the love the deserved, but their journey to get there almost killed me. If you haven't read this duet yet, you are missing out big time. Don't make the same mistake I did and let this book just sit around - read it!
Amazon US * Barnes & Noble
Such an amazing end to Penn and Elle! This book had my heart stopping more than once and I loved every second of it. I'm so happy I got to see Penn and Elle get the love the deserved, but their journey to get there almost killed me. If you haven't read this duet yet, you are missing out big time. Don't make the same mistake I did and let this book just sit around - read it!
March 10, 2017
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We play rough. We love hard. We live every fucking fantasy.
Crown of lies left me with such a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach that never truly left me until I started reading Throne of Truth. I kept thinking to myself: This is Pepper Winters damn it! She’s not going to string us along and make us wait for all of these answers, so I needed to calm my tits. Two chapters in, I’m ready to finish reading this book at a bar! This was one heck of a follow up and if there was any doubt I had about Penn Everett, it’s now been completely obliterated.
Picking up where Crown of lies left off, Elle has learned that Penn has been keeping some pretty big secrets from her and she’s not a happy camper right now. If that wasn’t bad enough, she gets kidnapped by none other than the Douche nozzle a.k.a Greg and is forced to obey his every command. But what Greg failed to realize is that a woman like Elle, listens to no one and his kidnapping just got a little bit more complicated.
Penn Everett has done a lot of things in his life just to survive. He’s also seen a lot of things that would make you wonder how certain people can even call themselves human beings. From bad decisions to just poor luck, Penn has seen and been through it all. But nothing could’ve prepared him for the blonde hair stunner that would knock him off his throne and bring him to his knees. So when he learns Elle has been kidnapped, his main focus is getting her back safely and listing his long line of truths to her.
“I’m going to take away all of your control. I’ll fuck you the way I want to fuck you. I’ll look after you while I ruin you. I’ll protect you while I hurt you…
In the beginning of the story, I really didn’t know what to expect with Elle and Penn’s relationship. They were on extremely shaky ground and to mix in a kidnapping and unanswered questions, I was dying to see what was going to happen. It was amazing to see how much Elle grew as a character and she really put herself first and went after for what she wanted. But my favorite thing in this story was Penn’s POV. I LOVED it! We really got to explore this man and all of his complex tendencies. He was a force to be reckon with but he was also broken in certain ways and I’m glad we got to see that side of him.
If you’ve read the previous book then I know you must dying to know exactly how everything is going to play out.
Will Penn redeem himself?
How did his past fit in with Elle?
Find out in this sexy, thrilling conclusion.
“We play rough. We love hard. We live every fucking fantasy.
Crown of lies left me with such a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach that never truly left me until I started reading Throne of Truth. I kept thinking to myself: This is Pepper Winters damn it! She’s not going to string us along and make us wait for all of these answers, so I needed to calm my tits. Two chapters in, I’m ready to finish reading this book at a bar! This was one heck of a follow up and if there was any doubt I had about Penn Everett, it’s now been completely obliterated.
Picking up where Crown of lies left off, Elle has learned that Penn has been keeping some pretty big secrets from her and she’s not a happy camper right now. If that wasn’t bad enough, she gets kidnapped by none other than the Douche nozzle a.k.a Greg and is forced to obey his every command. But what Greg failed to realize is that a woman like Elle, listens to no one and his kidnapping just got a little bit more complicated.
Penn Everett has done a lot of things in his life just to survive. He’s also seen a lot of things that would make you wonder how certain people can even call themselves human beings. From bad decisions to just poor luck, Penn has seen and been through it all. But nothing could’ve prepared him for the blonde hair stunner that would knock him off his throne and bring him to his knees. So when he learns Elle has been kidnapped, his main focus is getting her back safely and listing his long line of truths to her.
“I’m going to take away all of your control. I’ll fuck you the way I want to fuck you. I’ll look after you while I ruin you. I’ll protect you while I hurt you…
In the beginning of the story, I really didn’t know what to expect with Elle and Penn’s relationship. They were on extremely shaky ground and to mix in a kidnapping and unanswered questions, I was dying to see what was going to happen. It was amazing to see how much Elle grew as a character and she really put herself first and went after for what she wanted. But my favorite thing in this story was Penn’s POV. I LOVED it! We really got to explore this man and all of his complex tendencies. He was a force to be reckon with but he was also broken in certain ways and I’m glad we got to see that side of him.
If you’ve read the previous book then I know you must dying to know exactly how everything is going to play out.
Will Penn redeem himself?
How did his past fit in with Elle?
Find out in this sexy, thrilling conclusion.
March 2, 2017
Review to come when I have more time but I will say the I loved this read very much. My only complaint would be that the ending did feel a bit rushed... everything worked out very quickly!!!
Thank you Steph for another wonderful buddy read!
Thank you Steph for another wonderful buddy read!
March 4, 2017
ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Where do I even start with this book ????
The Beginning was so attention grabbing, I just couldn't put the book down. Every page it got more and more intense. The suspense and the characters never let you down it just kept coming and coming.
So when you thought the storm was finally letting up, IT happened.
Now I don't want to give much away but this series I believe is worth reading if you need some tears and some OMFG moments
Where do I even start with this book ????
The Beginning was so attention grabbing, I just couldn't put the book down. Every page it got more and more intense. The suspense and the characters never let you down it just kept coming and coming.
So when you thought the storm was finally letting up, IT happened.
Now I don't want to give much away but this series I believe is worth reading if you need some tears and some OMFG moments
March 5, 2017
DNF @ 62%
I'm throwing in the towel. I can't continue any more which is making me sad because I never DNF. I somewhat enjoyed the first book. Yes, I struggled with Crown of Lies but the story picked up. With Throne of Truth it just keeps dragging on and on. Whenever something is about to happen it gets derailed constantly with stupid excuses just to further the story. I was bored and I also early on figured out who Nameless was. Now I only needed to know Penn's backstory and then it was too late. I wasn't committed to the story or its characters. I know it's fiction but certain things like the criminal law justice and how a chief police captain can cheat the system was too far fetched and ridiculous.
I've enjoyed other books by Pepper Winters. I love the Indebted and Monsters in The Dark series and this little hiccup won't stop me from reading her books.
Don't let my review keep you from the duet. Throne of Truths just wasn't my cuppa.
I'm throwing in the towel. I can't continue any more which is making me sad because I never DNF. I somewhat enjoyed the first book. Yes, I struggled with Crown of Lies but the story picked up. With Throne of Truth it just keeps dragging on and on. Whenever something is about to happen it gets derailed constantly with stupid excuses just to further the story. I was bored and I also early on figured out who Nameless was. Now I only needed to know Penn's backstory and then it was too late. I wasn't committed to the story or its characters. I know it's fiction but certain things like the criminal law justice and how a chief police captain can cheat the system was too far fetched and ridiculous.
I've enjoyed other books by Pepper Winters. I love the Indebted and Monsters in The Dark series and this little hiccup won't stop me from reading her books.
Don't let my review keep you from the duet. Throne of Truths just wasn't my cuppa.
March 16, 2017
2* more drama than Gossip Girl STARS! ** UNPOPULAR & SPOILER **
A bit recap, Noelle "Elle" Charleston left her fake fiance, Penn Everett without explanation. She's beyond upset and something unexpected waiting for her. As the final continuation from Crown of Lies, I'm disappointed.
⇒ The story told from 2 POVs between Penn and Elle. I was waiting for this moment, to know more about Penn. But nothing surprised me until the end. Well, nobody's perfect, include Penn. I couldn't hide my disappointment with how delicate he is. It's really different from Penn in the previous book.
⇒ Elle's kidnapping drama happened in really big portion. Almost 30% of the book. IMO, it was really lame. First, as a rich heiress, Elle should be prepared as she kicked the useless Greg. I already predict for the worse and this shit happened. Second, Greg is a delusional piece of garbage and should be restrain. Again, Elle was too nice and naive since the first time.
⇒ The most "magical" thing happened in this book is when Elle didn't fill report for her kidnapping instead "negotiating" with a psychopath. Yeah, right... And after Penn appears to be a hero, he's the one who get thrown to jail because of his past. Superb!
⇒ Also the 50% of the story focused on Penn in the jail drama. I seriously didn't understand how the law works in real life. But I've read other books when rich people could hire high-class lawyer to get this done, but they couldn't?! (Please hire Annaliese Keating from HTGAM). Of course, Penn started to lose hope. He couldn't do anything beside depends on Elle and his benefactor. Penn feels like shit and closing himself.
⇒ Finally, the rest of the chapters, Elle and Penn reunited again with countless make-up sex. Penn came back to his alpha caveman mode while Elle switch into sweet submissive. Well, that's okay. I need it. This story became really DRY without the naughty sexy times. BUT... another drama attacked them and Penn shocked me with his martyr complex. AGAIN? FFS!
⇒ +1 STAR for the cover! The writing was okay as expected from PW. Even sometimes some parts was too flowery but still acceptable. Sadly, this is really unlike Pepper Winters I used to read.
Conclusion? Honestly, I lost my interest since the kidnapping, and there is no progress to WOW me. Throne of Truth is like a TV soap opera. I couldn't count how many times I'm frustrated with the main characters. What's the truth? Purpose?
Overall, I'm totally lost. As a suspense? Failed. As a romance? Confusing. It was all started with insta-love then insta-lust and I still feel like it until the end. Couldn't connect with their chemistry whatsoever. Everything is taking too unnecessary long yet felt rushed.
A bit recap, Noelle "Elle" Charleston left her fake fiance, Penn Everett without explanation. She's beyond upset and something unexpected waiting for her. As the final continuation from Crown of Lies, I'm disappointed.
⇒ The story told from 2 POVs between Penn and Elle. I was waiting for this moment, to know more about Penn. But nothing surprised me until the end. Well, nobody's perfect, include Penn. I couldn't hide my disappointment with how delicate he is. It's really different from Penn in the previous book.
⇒ Elle's kidnapping drama happened in really big portion. Almost 30% of the book. IMO, it was really lame. First, as a rich heiress, Elle should be prepared as she kicked the useless Greg. I already predict for the worse and this shit happened. Second, Greg is a delusional piece of garbage and should be restrain. Again, Elle was too nice and naive since the first time.
⇒ The most "magical" thing happened in this book is when Elle didn't fill report for her kidnapping instead "negotiating" with a psychopath. Yeah, right... And after Penn appears to be a hero, he's the one who get thrown to jail because of his past. Superb!
⇒ Also the 50% of the story focused on Penn in the jail drama. I seriously didn't understand how the law works in real life. But I've read other books when rich people could hire high-class lawyer to get this done, but they couldn't?! (Please hire Annaliese Keating from HTGAM). Of course, Penn started to lose hope. He couldn't do anything beside depends on Elle and his benefactor. Penn feels like shit and closing himself.
⇒ Finally, the rest of the chapters, Elle and Penn reunited again with countless make-up sex. Penn came back to his alpha caveman mode while Elle switch into sweet submissive. Well, that's okay. I need it. This story became really DRY without the naughty sexy times. BUT... another drama attacked them and Penn shocked me with his martyr complex. AGAIN? FFS!
⇒ +1 STAR for the cover! The writing was okay as expected from PW. Even sometimes some parts was too flowery but still acceptable. Sadly, this is really unlike Pepper Winters I used to read.
Conclusion? Honestly, I lost my interest since the kidnapping, and there is no progress to WOW me. Throne of Truth is like a TV soap opera. I couldn't count how many times I'm frustrated with the main characters. What's the truth? Purpose?
Overall, I'm totally lost. As a suspense? Failed. As a romance? Confusing. It was all started with insta-love then insta-lust and I still feel like it until the end. Couldn't connect with their chemistry whatsoever. Everything is taking too unnecessary long yet felt rushed.
February 13, 2023
The chocolate kisser!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 😤😥😊🤩😘
The heroine: Noelle “Elle” Charlston - current CEO of ‘Belle Elle’, the worlds largest department store that has been in her family for generations. She is a young CEO who worked with her father at Belle Elle since she was young. She grew up in a gilded cage, at work and at home. She escaped her cage once at nineteen and has had her head to the grindstone ever since.
The Hero: Penn Everett - for years he planned to help homeless people transition from the streets back to productive lives. He is on the verge of bringing that to fruition when Elle ran out on the gala they were attending. He had originally planned to have a short relationship with her, use her and leave her, though everything changed that night.
The Story: Elle has had her fill of men who want to use her to get her money, position and power. She has been taken, mistreated and lied to. She is through with men and just wants to get back to her life. Though nothing ever goes like she would expect.
Like Crown of Lies, this book was told in dual points of view and with duet narration where the male narrator did all the male voices and the female narrator did all the female voices no matter who’s POV the chapter was in. I love this type of narration. Kylie C. Stewart and Eric Rolon did a great job and I really like their styles. Kylie’s voice is strong but soft and Eric has a deep but not overpowering voice and he was believable as a businessman that came from the streets.
I really enjoyed this one, the storylines were completely original and unpredictable and I listened intently to the whole book in one sitting. It was fantastic and went to places I couldn’t have imagined. I felt for both Elle and Penn and what they went through to be together. I was also as frustrated as they were when things didn’t go the way I hoped for them. This duet was a real winner. I will definitely listen to this again at some point.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 😤😥😊🤩😘
The heroine: Noelle “Elle” Charlston - current CEO of ‘Belle Elle’, the worlds largest department store that has been in her family for generations. She is a young CEO who worked with her father at Belle Elle since she was young. She grew up in a gilded cage, at work and at home. She escaped her cage once at nineteen and has had her head to the grindstone ever since.
The Hero: Penn Everett - for years he planned to help homeless people transition from the streets back to productive lives. He is on the verge of bringing that to fruition when Elle ran out on the gala they were attending. He had originally planned to have a short relationship with her, use her and leave her, though everything changed that night.
The Story: Elle has had her fill of men who want to use her to get her money, position and power. She has been taken, mistreated and lied to. She is through with men and just wants to get back to her life. Though nothing ever goes like she would expect.
Like Crown of Lies, this book was told in dual points of view and with duet narration where the male narrator did all the male voices and the female narrator did all the female voices no matter who’s POV the chapter was in. I love this type of narration. Kylie C. Stewart and Eric Rolon did a great job and I really like their styles. Kylie’s voice is strong but soft and Eric has a deep but not overpowering voice and he was believable as a businessman that came from the streets.
I really enjoyed this one, the storylines were completely original and unpredictable and I listened intently to the whole book in one sitting. It was fantastic and went to places I couldn’t have imagined. I felt for both Elle and Penn and what they went through to be together. I was also as frustrated as they were when things didn’t go the way I hoped for them. This duet was a real winner. I will definitely listen to this again at some point.
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March 6, 2017
With an uninterrupted timeline, Throne of Truth begins with Elle’s discovery of Penn’s lies and the tension of her newly precarious situation. Applying the tenacity she employs in the board room, Elle realizes she must fight for justice and to use her resources to aid such a cause despite the implications to her family or the business.
“I’d wanted him from the first moment I met him. I wanted him now I knew the truth.”
As his nightmare comes true, Penn’s resolve is tested. As he trusts those who have proven their worth, Penn slowly begins to withdraw to a place where he can survive on a basic level. In trying to spare Elle, Penn’s selfless quality shines abundantly. Adding to Penn’s dimension, the harshness of his past is revealed and these scenes offer a stark contrast to the illuminating and precious moments he shared with Elle years ago.
“But if you are asking who I am? How can I tell you? How can I make you see what you don’t want to see?”
With certain truths exposed, there is a deep understanding by Elle of Penn’s former lifestyle and how it influenced his choices thereafter. Even with the union of Elle and Penn, the tension remains high due to the miscarriage of justice. But, this time Elle chooses to make the right decisions and matures into her own by acting the way she should have years ago.
“No more secrets. No more lies. You fuck me knowing entirely what you’re getting into.”
I enjoyed Penn and empathized with how deeply he felt his emotions, whether it was love, anger, betrayal or respect. Additionally, I liked the dynamic of his friendship with Larry and the noble reasons for raising Stewie. As for Elle, she remained a weak element for me for not trusting her instincts sooner. Granted she is young, but I was hoping for more of a change for Belle Elle’s CEO. Ultimately, she took the right path and became her own person.
In this duet series, Pepper Winters takes two characters from different worlds and experiences and shows the commonality they share, as they are desperately willing to fight for each other. Though the tone was meant to feel reflective throughout out the book, the pacing felt slow and a bit superfluous at times. However, there were moments where Penn’s intensity for Elle was palpable, as I loved the letters written by Penn to Elle and the element of intimacy and adoration that was evident. Overall, this is a story of sacrifice, love and redemption.
Truth and Lies Duet:
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was an ARC (F)BR with the Shhluts!!
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March 3, 2017
Throne of Truth
Pepper Winters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the last book of the Crown of Lies duet.
Crown of Lies should be read first before starting Throne of Truth or else you won't know shit.
Praises for Pepper Winters for yet again another masterpiece that went through and beyond my soul. The story picked off when Elle was kidnapped by Greg and Penn is going out of his mind searching for her.
The following chapters is a series of how-he-found-Elle and eventually caught Greg about to rape her. Of course knowing Penn, he went crazy and immediately pounced Greg when he had the chance. He left him with cracked ribs, broken throat and a lot of black in his face.
Elle finally got her answers when she was rescued. But the twisted part of it was thinking she was with one of the two offenders from three years ago. Penn was so heart broken, yeah I know dumb for not telling her who he really was but still it hurt when Elle didn't recognize him right away.
Penn was imprisoned for the beating he caused Greg and every agonizing moments away from Elle he felt undeserving of her love, time and everything else.
“I’ve done things I wish I could undo. I’m not proud of who I’ve been, but, Elle, fuck, if you can stand by me in prison, if you can stand with me in court, then I will stand by you for the rest of your life”
I also should warn you that this is not a walk in the park kind of book. The hero is broken, but has a good heart. He thinks he doesn't deserve anything good and rejects all things good.
For a long time their love was hindered by unfortunate events, but their love won.
Their story was a mix of tragedy, heartache, their time lost when they could've been together. I can say the entirety of the book is full of pain written of the pages, but I can guarantee that at the end of their story, you didn't waste your time.
Pepper Winters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the last book of the Crown of Lies duet.
Crown of Lies should be read first before starting Throne of Truth or else you won't know shit.
Praises for Pepper Winters for yet again another masterpiece that went through and beyond my soul. The story picked off when Elle was kidnapped by Greg and Penn is going out of his mind searching for her.
The following chapters is a series of how-he-found-Elle and eventually caught Greg about to rape her. Of course knowing Penn, he went crazy and immediately pounced Greg when he had the chance. He left him with cracked ribs, broken throat and a lot of black in his face.
Elle finally got her answers when she was rescued. But the twisted part of it was thinking she was with one of the two offenders from three years ago. Penn was so heart broken, yeah I know dumb for not telling her who he really was but still it hurt when Elle didn't recognize him right away.
Penn was imprisoned for the beating he caused Greg and every agonizing moments away from Elle he felt undeserving of her love, time and everything else.
“I’ve done things I wish I could undo. I’m not proud of who I’ve been, but, Elle, fuck, if you can stand by me in prison, if you can stand with me in court, then I will stand by you for the rest of your life”
I also should warn you that this is not a walk in the park kind of book. The hero is broken, but has a good heart. He thinks he doesn't deserve anything good and rejects all things good.
For a long time their love was hindered by unfortunate events, but their love won.
Their story was a mix of tragedy, heartache, their time lost when they could've been together. I can say the entirety of the book is full of pain written of the pages, but I can guarantee that at the end of their story, you didn't waste your time.
April 5, 2017
Throne of Truth is the finale for the Truth and Lies duet. This is less intense in comparison to the first book, still, it's remarkably wrapped up.
It begins at the end of Crown of Lies wherein Elle Charlston was abducted by Greg Gobson, her father's best friend's son and her childhood friend. Who would have thought this idiot was evil and Elle's instincts were right all along. Penn knew something was sketchy on her sudden disappearance and he'll do everything in his capability to find her and eventually as soon as he save her, it's an opportunity to answer all her questions truthfully.
I made a guess on the previous book of who "Nameless" is and I hold on to it until the end....and I freaking got it! Glad I got it right and too bad it was too predictable I may say. I have to give big hands on Elle in this duet. Her character is consistently impressive throughout the story. She's courageous, supportive and loyal. She knew the love of her life was an innocent man and deserved freedom. Penn was falsely accused for the crimes he didn't committed and she fought by his side. She and Penn had been through a lot and I'm glad these two got the happiness they both deserved. I'm also glad it's in dual POV and it's nice to hear Penn's thoughts.
As always, Pepper Winters delivered another great story. I recommend her books if you're into dark romance novels.
It begins at the end of Crown of Lies wherein Elle Charlston was abducted by Greg Gobson, her father's best friend's son and her childhood friend. Who would have thought this idiot was evil and Elle's instincts were right all along. Penn knew something was sketchy on her sudden disappearance and he'll do everything in his capability to find her and eventually as soon as he save her, it's an opportunity to answer all her questions truthfully.
I made a guess on the previous book of who "Nameless" is and I hold on to it until the end....and I freaking got it! Glad I got it right and too bad it was too predictable I may say. I have to give big hands on Elle in this duet. Her character is consistently impressive throughout the story. She's courageous, supportive and loyal. She knew the love of her life was an innocent man and deserved freedom. Penn was falsely accused for the crimes he didn't committed and she fought by his side. She and Penn had been through a lot and I'm glad these two got the happiness they both deserved. I'm also glad it's in dual POV and it's nice to hear Penn's thoughts.
As always, Pepper Winters delivered another great story. I recommend her books if you're into dark romance novels.
March 2, 2017
The second and final book in Pepper Winters Truth and Lies duet picks up right where the first left off. Elle and Penn are separated by not only Greg, but the lies that have built up between the two. I felt like both Penn and Elle had some pretty big character shifts in this one and it didn't really work well for me.
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book
I'd hurt her, but she'd hurt me. And now, I was here, and she was there, and there was no way to fix what was broken.The broody, mysterious, and secretive Penn we met in book one shifts to being a more emotionally driven character in this one. I felt like he had a more persecuted and sentimental vibe. We dive into his past more and get an intimate look at the life Penn had growing up and his thoughts about the people around him. Penn's actions in Crown of Lies were selfish and mean, his emotional mindset that drove his actions was understandable but not fully warranted in my opinion.
To deny that would be the worst kind of lie because it would mean I'd have to lie to myself.The fearless leader of Belle Elle is less badass in this installment than the last. She’s more meek in this one, the girl who gives as good as she gets, is far from the pages of this book. She’s replaced by a girl who fails to see what’s right in front of her eyes, and who plows headfirst into situations without assessing the potential damage.
Christ, I'd fallen so damn hard, I hadn't recovered from the bruises even years later.The conclusion to Penn and Elle’s story goes in a surprising direction, one where both Penn and Elle are tested by new circumstances, and old one’s come back to haunt them. There was a deeper connection between Penn and Elle because of their trials and tribulations in this story. While there were some elements of the story that I was not thrilled about, overall, I thought it was a good conclusion to their story.
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book
ARC (F)BR with my shhluts!
March 27, 2018
”I’ve wanted you since the first moment I saw you. I want you so damn much it interferes with my head, my heart, my very fucking existence.”
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 had left off. Throne of Truth, the much anticipated conclusion of Penn’s & Elle’s story. This book is told from a dual POV and I loved getting to know Penn, reading the flashbacks of his former life, who he was and how he has become who he now is, what and why he's been hiding, why he was not able and willing to share the truth.
The story evolves from Penn’s POV in prison and Elle’s from her life in her office and her apartment trying to get to Penn. We learn about the lies that are converted into truths for both of them.
With Penn in prison because of an alleged assault on Greg, Elle & Lars fight to get him a fair trial and out of prison.
I’d know destitution and abandonment, I’d known terror and shame and respect and confusion and every fucking emotion on the roulette called life.
But I’d never known love until her.
And I’d never known hate until her.
When Elle senses Penn losing hope of ever getting out of jail she arranges to remind Penn why he should keep fighting.
Penn slammed to his knees. His fingers traced my bra, then my naked belly, before teasing the topline of my panties.
A slowly build story filled with angst and an expected outcome. I only wish that the ending and the consequential events were a bit more elaborated and detailed. I loved reading their story but I did find the time they spend apart dragging on too long.
But, as always, another compelling and engaging book from Pepper Winter that had me hooked from the beginning and made me forget I had things to do. At least hubby was supporting enough to hand me some take out dinner.
We’d love. We’d argue. We’d protect. We’d evolve. We were a family. And that was all that fucking mattered.
Part of the Truth and Lies Duet series and has to be read in order:
Read at your own risk because you will get hooked!
March 6, 2017
When Greg becomes desperate for Elle attention, he did what he thought was right, he kidnapped her. That’s where book two, Throne of Truth, begins; Greg took Elle to an unknown location to convince her that he’s better than Penn. Of course, Elle didn’t agree to that, to her Greg is a delusional prick.
Meanwhile, back to his apartment Penn accepted the fact that he lost Elle before he got the chance to explain himself. He knows Elle was mad at him and decides to sleep on it and tomorrow he’ll talk to her. Just as he’s about to sleep, men came in and start throwing punches at him and warned him to “stay away from her”. Thinking fast, Penn knew something wrong happened to Elle and wasted no time to get to the bottom of it. After getting the information he needed, he was able to track the whereabouts of Greg and Elle.
Will it be too late to save Elle from Greg? Will Penn get the chance to tell the truth to Elle?
Throne of Truth gave the answers to the questions left hanging in book one and so much more. We got a glimpse of Penn’s past life; his struggle, and the people who help him go through it. Elle proved to be a strong willed kind of woman who will stand by his man.
Overall, I really enjoyed this much awaited conclusion from one of the best authors of our time, Pepper Winters. She captures my undivided attention from Crown of Lies to Throne of Truth and it’s a time well spent reading the love story of Penn & Elle. Highly recommended!
Note: ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks Sue. (f)BR with Shh... Ladies!!!
March 14, 2017
Title: Throne of Truth
Author: Pepper Winters
Category: Romance, Suspense
Series or Standalone: Series, Book #2
POV: Dual POV
Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Scorching Level: 5
HEA: Not telling
OMG! The truth is finally out!!! Are you ready to enter Penn's head?
Because in this book the author allows us into Penn's past and I am telling you now, his story is emotional and fascinating!
I was very excited to read the conclusion to this duology and I have to say that I was not disappointed. Pepper Winters took her characters down a road I did not expect and I simple LOVED how much emotion she put into her male hero in this story. Penn's got to be one of my favorite Pepper Winters heroes. Seeing the story from his perspective changed my opinion of him, made me love this perfectly imperfect character more. I understood him and I kept wanting more information about him.
The story picks up right from where Crown of Lies ended and we finally get to find out the truth. Elle will find herself in danger, but along with the danger she will also find clarity and answers to all her questions.
The chemistry between the characters was even more intense than the first book and I simply loved every single detail that the author put in the storyline.
Passion, danger, lies and finally the truth, will have your head spinning! If you loved the first book, then you will adore this one.
Expect more emotion, love and of course sizzling sensuality. Don't miss it!
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