And then we are swept up into a different world. One that is gritty, unstable, violent, and looked down upon. But in this dark world, there is a light and her name is Cora. She is the mother, protector, fixer, and savior the many woman that she watches over even if she has to sacrifice herself. She has been stuck in this situation for so many years that she does not ever see getting out.

But then Penn and Drew Walker enter her world. They are there for a job. There is plenty for them to do. Penn doesn't want to have anything to do with Cora. He does not want to want her. He does not want to feel anything. But it is in his nature to want to protect her. And he is terrified he could fail.

Penn is a man so broken that he can't see it ever getting better. But just a smile from her can crack his broody exterior. And she is good at getting under his skin. But he has a job to do and she could only be a complication they both don't need.

Both have layers of secrets, demons, and scars. They sometimes tell the truth or half-truths, but also tell themselves and each other lies for protection. There is no black or white, just various shades of grey. There are threats around them and they never know what could happen next. It's a delicate house of cards and eventually it might just all fall down around them.

OMFG! Aly Martinez has done it to me again. This book sucked me in and owned me! The whole premise and storyline was unique, compelling, and unpredictable. The twists, turns, and surprises just kept coming. I figured out some things, but certainly not all of them. This story was so intense and riveting. The situation would be enough to destroy weaker people. The characters were so complex, multi-faceted, and conflicted. There was so much pain and passion. It was mysterious, suspenseful, raw, and heartbreaking. These two characters were so in need of hope, but so scared of it at the same time. They were survivors, but not sure how much more loss they could take. And every day they were at risk for it all coming apart. I could feel everything they were feeling, and I was so tense and invested that I could not put it down.

 And now I cannot wait for more! I need the rest of the story!

 I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Penn is haunted by the woman he couldn’t save. The opening of the prologue gutted me and had me hooked on him from the very beginning. When he begins working in Cora’s building, he is drawn to her despite his best efforts to be unmoved by the protective, strong woman.

Cora did her best to make a horrible situation bearable. She found the good in every situation and cares deeply for the women in her life. Living in a whore house may not seem like a life she would stay in, but her girls mean the world to her and she takes their well being very seriously.

I loved these two and their game of lies and truths. But as they weave their truths and lies, the web they create is fragile and threatens more than just themselves. They are each keeping secrets among their lies, and if they are caught the consequences could be deadly. They are both protective, whether than can openly show it or not, and I loved the way they each tried to protect the other, even when it wasn’t always welcome.

I am struggling to find words, because so much of this book is tied up in lies. And not knowing which pieces of information are facts and which are lies is part of the draw, which leaves very few details that won’t spoil something.

I could not put this story down, literally. Once again, Aly Martinez has created characters and a storyline that pulled me in and would not let go. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second in this duet because I need to know what happens next!
 

The Truth About Us

Release Date September 13, 2018