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Time; they say it heals all wounds. But what happens when time isn’t a luxury you can spare?

Haunted by Luciano, I attempt to rebuild myself and forget what happened. But moving forward is easier said than done, especially when I’m no longer facing just one enemy. Revenge is no longer on my agenda. Now, I have to fight to protect those closest to me. I swore to make things right and I never break a promise. But my convictions are tested as I’m thrown into more secrets and deceit each day.

I have a war on my hands, a war I might not win. But I’ll be damned if I lose.

Lies broke us, but what if the truth is more dangerous than the secrets?

**This book is part of a duet and cannot be read without reading book one, The Silence Lies first**

509 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2024

57 people are currently reading
218 people want to read

About the author

Sophie Dyer

30 books171 followers
Sophie is neurodivergent, British author currently residing in Dubai. She writes Mafia Romance with all the twists and turns you thought you saw coming.

You can find out more about Sophie below:
Website: www.thenotoriouswriter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_notorio...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dyers...

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5 stars
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49 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Paige (wingsandsmut).
939 reviews90 followers
May 29, 2024
4.5 stars on this book! This book was everything I needed to follow up the first book, but holy smokes were the plot twists and betrayals surprising at times! Sera very much embraced her strength as the leader of the mafia and I loved seeing her strength despite everything she has endured. Still here for the reverse harem and the spice is definitely SPICING...some of those scenes are so freaking hot!

It is set to release on June 3rd and is available for pre order now! This duet is easily one of my faves for a quick mafia read that keeps you on your toes and delivers on the spice!

Big shout out to Sophie Dyer and her team for the chance to read/review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for jor.
251 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2024
Words cannot express how much I love this story. The first book got me out of a bad reading slump and that cliffhanger had me anticipating The Truth Hurts so much.

I don't even know where to start with this review. Sera is so badass. She is the most lovable person ever, so forgiving, and such a great leader. unlike everyone she was fighting against, she actually puts herself before her team, even in times when she shouldn't. Gio's betrayal tore me to pieces because I ended up loving him so much, I still do, but I had the same conflicts as Sera throughout the book. Seeing the care he had for his little girl throughout the book put me through the wringer with him.
I only wish we got to see more happy moments with Gio and the guys like in the epilogue! Levi and Luca's relationship is the cutest thing ever. I love seeing a different side to Luca when he's with Levi. They have the best dynamic and it was beautiful watching their relationship grow. Individually, they're my babies and I'm gonna miss them so much 😭 Now Enzo... gonna be honest I forgave him as soon as I read the last chapter in book one lol. I hurt so much when he "died" in book one and was excited to have him back. I didn't even know I could like a character that quickly. Should he have lied? No. But let's be real, every single one of the guys would do anything to protect Sera even if that meant lying. Enzo was stubborn throughout a few chapters of book two, but when he finally learned how to share I was all for it. The spice in this book was top-tier. The chemistry everyone had with each other whether romantic or platonic was amazing. Even with the side characters, the family they have created is beautiful. Can't wait to read more by Sophie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,157 reviews23 followers
June 12, 2024
Action Packed Conclusion to this Duet!!!



I waited on the edge of my seat to read this book from the moment I finished The Silence Lies and gosh, it did not disappoint! What a ride it has been. The twist and turns to the story will have you grabbing hold of your seats because there is no way to anticipate what is going to happen next. The way Sophie depicts the love of Sera and her men was so emotionally charged that it could be felt deep within my own heart. This is a RH/Why Choose Read but the way she plays out the relationships both as a whole and individually is unique and I gotta say, I really loved it. I can’t tell you anything about the story because that would be a spoiler. What I will say is pick up The Silence Lies then grab this one and enjoy. It is a wild ride!

Profile Image for VeroReadBooks.
109 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2024
The Truth Hurts couldn’t be more perfect fit for the title. Previous book ended with a cliffhanger and this books takes off from that final scene where Sera is confronted with a hurtful truth. All in all, the head of La Cosa Nostra is determined to continue with the family business but under a new rule and creating her own dynasty surrounded by the love and comfort of the men that care for her. Loyalties are tested but don’t make Sera choose from one of her guys because she needs them as much as they need her. They form an unconventional power dynamic in the mafia world that is needed to execute la Cosa Nova, as Sera has rechristened the organization. Triggers include but are not limited to: blood, torture, violence, guns, kidnapping, human trafficking, attempt of sexual assault, physical abuse, kink, multiple sexual partners, explicit sex scenes. Enjoy the smutty stuff at your own risk because Sophie Dyer is the queen of dark romance.
Profile Image for Lucrezia Castello.
364 reviews18 followers
June 8, 2024
⁉️ Can a person be trusted after has hidden a vital truth from us?

The new boss of La Cosa Nostra suffered a serious affront in the previous volume, with a shock in its wake: the return of his best friend.
But that is not the only business that has come before her; add to that the various affronts from the other families, returning someone who belongs to her subordinates and discover who lurks in the shadows that desires her departure💀
Thus began a series of back-and-forths between the new mafia leader against those who do not accept her being a woman in power👀

If in the first book we had an initial skim on how affairs unfold, here we are in complete chaos, since the attempts on Serafina Bianchi's life do not stop.
We also notice a strong sense of loyalty to the new Donna, which goes to improve relations with her most trusted subordinates, and to keep on their toes those who have betrayed Sera's trust...

The spicy and emotional component were very much felt: there is a huge improvement in both style and characterisation of the characters. The only flaw that I promptly communicated to the author are some incorrect Italian terms that are not used in our daily lives😅

In conclusion I devoured this second volume, as I had been waiting for it for months😍
The way the dynamics went, the true identity of her persecutor and the presence of angst and mystery: it was really worth the wait🔥
Profile Image for Morgan Spoelhof.
253 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2024
Such an amazing ending!!!! When we found out who the culprit behind everything was, I flipped!!!! Did not expect that at all!!! Loved this so freaking much!!
Profile Image for Leilani Noack.
529 reviews12 followers
June 4, 2024
I actually rate the book 4.5⭐️. The story was really good but there needed to be more grovel for some of the MCs. I’m glad we got the conclusion to Sera’s story and her guys. I really liked the book and it was worth the wait.
Profile Image for Dolores  Evans.
477 reviews11 followers
May 29, 2024
Such a beautifully written ending to this duet. I have NEVER read a Why Choose written in this manner, and to say I am obsessed is an understatement. Every single page kept me needing more. The twists and turns in the plot had me so surprised, no joke, I didn't see that coming at all!!!! The character growth you withness is absolutely phenomenal for all main characters, and for others, we don't like justice is served. The author did an amazing job in how she brought these characters alive, I will be buying the duet as a shelf trophy to read over and over again. Because simply put? It has now become an absolute favorite. I highly recommend this duet so strongly I'd bet money on it.
Profile Image for Lisa.
521 reviews16 followers
May 31, 2024
OMG WOW what an ending this book kept me captivated from start to finish I loved the characters the whole book this is a must read I do love this author style of writing can’t wait to read more from her
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,541 reviews1,600 followers
May 20, 2025
I've rated this the same as book one but this probably had a slight edge for me. Overall though this has been a middle-of-the-road read for me and though there are parts I’ve enjoyed there have also been bits that fell flat as well. Overall I’ve mostly enjoyed this but if I’m being honest I think it was the reverse harem aspect of this that wasn’t quite working for me and I’ll attempt to elaborate why below.

The harem for me just didn’t feel that solid. Sera didn’t feel like the central component that all the other mechanisms around orbited. There was too much spice time and not enough heart. It’s hard to expand on but the nearest I can explain it is the Luca and Levi bond. They were actually my favourite part of this and I thought they were beautiful together but it almost seemed that once they connected it surpassed their connections to Sera.
Things just didn’t seem equal here and it’s a shame as I adored their relationship together. As for Giovanni and Enzo unfortunately they felt like the extras.

Despite all of that I did finish this and this was a decent conclusion to the duet. This managed to resolve everything to my satisfaction and there weren’t any open questions left over.

Profile Image for Joy Avery Lovesbooks.
1,312 reviews108 followers
June 23, 2024
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💔💔💔

Cliffhanger? ❌️

Do I recommend it? Yes

Tropes: dark why choose romance, mafia romance, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, romantic suspense, forced proximity, found family bi-awakening

Time; they say it heals all wounds. But what happens when time isn’t a luxury you can spare?  Haunted by Luciano, Sera attempts to rebuild herself and forget what happened. But moving forward is easier said than done, especially when she's no longer facing just one enemy. Revenge is no longer on her agenda. Now, she has to fight to protect those closest to her. She swore to make things right and she never breaks a promise. But her convictions are tested as she's thrown into more secrets and deceit each day. She has a war on her hands, a war she might not win. But she'll be damned if she loses. Lies broke them, but what if the truth is more dangerous than the secrets?

I'm so glad to have found this author. This was the perfect companion to The Silence Lies, which should be read first. There's addictive qualities in the plot with mind-blowing twists and turns. I spent the book riding the edge of my seat. Sera was a true badass as she became one hell of a leader with powerful backup. The spice will keep you revved for days. I know I'll return to this duet again. If you are as addicted to dark, mafia romance like I am, go read this duet. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
230 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2024
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
5 ⭐️ / 5 🔥
The Truth Hurts by @the_notoriouswriter

Thank you @the_notoriouswriter for my ARC of this sequel!

This is my first review for Sophie Dyer's books but I was introduced to her almost a year ago when one of my favorite Authors started promoting her!!! I instantly was drawn to her darkness and the syndicate that she is...

But enough about that. Let me tell you about THE TRUTH HURTS. Its Book 2 in The Twisted Betrayal Duet.

If you love Mafia stories, if you love Twists and Turns, reverse harem and HOT HOT HOT men... and I mean Multiple HOT SEXY DOMINATE MEN then this book is for you.

This is story about a Mafia Queen -Donna Bianchi who has the love of 4 men who each provide her with something different in and out of the bedroom. The dynamic is like nothing I have read before and I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT!!!!

She's compassionate, brutal and a down right BOSS BABE! The love the betrayal the steamy swoon worthy and panty dropping scenes will leave you coming back over and over again.

Fair warning - there is violence, there is kidnapping, there is torture, there is blood - and more blood - mentions of SA and other abuse. But if you are a Syndicate like Sophie and myself - You'll love every minute of this book as much as I did!!!!

#arc #arcreview #thetruthhurts #thesyndicatest #syndicatearc #mafiaromance #femalemafiaboss #mm #mfm #mf #mmfmm #reverseharem #angrycatreads #angrycatreviews
Profile Image for Katelyn.
236 reviews5 followers
June 21, 2024
This is the second book in the Twisted Betrayal Duet and book two was EVERYTHING I was hoping it would be and then some! I don’t know how Sophie does it but her stories are so incredibly addicting and her character development is next level. This book picks up exactly where the last one leaves off and we dive further into the drama that is unfolding with all of our MC’s. I loved that Sera, our FMC, is an absolute BA who doesn’t take crap from anyone and she steps into a position traditionally held by men and then refuses to back down. I also absolutely loved that this book dove deeper into each characters backstory and the previous relationships/dynamics between them. This book had several twists I did not see coming that kept my heart racing and the spice is also kicked up a notch from book one. I am so glad I read this duet and I know these characters are going to be living in my head rent free for a LONG time! This book also solidified Ms.Dyer as one of my one click authors so I can’t wait to read what she releases next!
Profile Image for Doll.
204 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Check TW

The Silence Lies and The Truth Hurts had me hooked from chapter 1.

I had so many questions after The Silence Lies, especially after that epic cliffhanger and more during Truth Hurts. As the story progressed, more secrets and betrayals were revealed, and I was reeling. I think Sophie did a great job tying everything together and answering all of my questions.

The story was beautifully written. The plot was fast-paced, action-packed, full of drama and steam. The spice was spicing.

The love between Sera and her men was palpable. I loved the development of each relationship. The growth, communication, and struggles were real. The MMC’s struggled but learned to adapt and accepted Sera’s need to bring others into their dynamic. And the tension was high. Honestly, I blushed at times. Why choose books can be difficult to execute with all the characters but each character had their own distinct personalities, they brought something unique to the book and served a purpose which is a must for me in why choose books.

As the book progressed, Sera grew into her role of Donna Bianchi. She was no longer second guessing herself, but she exuded power. Sera was strong, confident, and a survivor after everything she had endured. Everything her enemies threw at her, she took on head first, and Sera had come out on top. The character development for the MMC’s was beautifully done. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I don’t want to give too many details about the MMC’s.

Truth Hurts was the perfect conclusion to this duet.

If you love a Dark Mafia Why Choose Romance, you need to read this duet.

🖤Dark Mafia Romance
🖤Why Choose
🖤Strong FMC
🖤Lots of Spice
🖤OTT Tension & Angst
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Friends to Lovers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Found Family
🖤Edging
🖤Hand Necklaces
🖤Pierced 🍆
Profile Image for Laz the Sailor.
1,815 reviews81 followers
August 8, 2024
This went way over the top, with the guys being much too comfortable with the easy loving of their boss-lady. Good tension in the thrilling bits, but a bit too much angst in the calmer moments. There are some nasty torture scenes, so flag that if needed, but no on-page sexual assaults. It ends with a hail-Mary that explains a lot, perhaps too easily. Oh and a first-rate 4-1 orgy.
Profile Image for Leslie Ballew.
104 reviews
June 20, 2024
Whew! What a ride that was! Sera is such a badass and her men are straight fire! Luca will always and forever by my favorite though.

There was a lot happening in this book, so pay attention! And enjoy the heat, because the spice be spicing! Apart from that, the characters are well developed and the story line is so intriguing! I love seeing woman in typical male roles and kicking ass while doing it!
Profile Image for Melanie.
657 reviews19 followers
June 21, 2024
Wow! What a great conclusion to this duet! This one picks up basically where book one ends. There are twists and turns, spice, individual relationships within the harem, and also some heart-tugging moments. I love Sera's character, and Levi and Luca are adorable. I'm so glad I got to read this! It's fantastic! I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Dusty Shirley.
967 reviews11 followers
August 27, 2024
My Cosa Nuova.

I have been very impatiently waiting for this conclusion, and it was worth the wait. Enzo is back from the dead, and tons of secrets are revealed, and boy are they shocking af. Sera finally gets all her men and a bonus to boot. Not to mention new family as well. Fantastic!!!
Profile Image for Alexis  Reeder-Williamson.
54 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2024
This Duet was way better than I imagined it to be. I got the closer I needed after the first book left off on such a cliffhanger. There was so much character development that just kept me turning pages. The unpredictable twist and turns was an added bonus. This is a Duet that is worth all the rave and recognition. I hope you love it as much as I do!!!
10/10
Profile Image for Simone Kotzee.
14 reviews
June 18, 2024
This was such a great read and a wonderful end to this duet. I fell in love with these characters all over again.
There were twists and turns and it wasn’t an easy journey but Sera and her men made it to the end through it all.
The spicy scenes were spicing in this instalment.

I enjoyed every minute of reading this book
Profile Image for Marie Bonk.
420 reviews
June 6, 2024
Holy crap! This one is SPICY

After reading the silence lies and being left on a cliffhanger for months waiting on this one i jumped right in as soon as it hit my kindle! That being said I devoured it from start to finish and I have a few things to say. This is a mafia why choose as is book one so this book is spicy with a “hint” of murdery revenge. More secrets are revealed in this book than the last and as the story progresses the level of betrayal sky rockets. New characters are introduced and old friends are reunited. The love between the characters is top notch and the spice, holy crap is the slice super spicy! Being a why choose there is always someone who is ready to show Sera just how much they appreciate her! The author has written several mafia romances and each one is dark and spicy and the story lines are so good I couldn’t put them down! There are a few triggers the ones that stick out the most are mentions of human trafficking , kidnapping, murder, and buckets of torture. That being said I will be reading this duet again in the near future because the men in this book are tall dark and handsome with a side of touch her and literally 💀. They know what they want who they want and aren’t afraid to show it to the world. And let’s not forget the bada** woman that Sera is. She take no crap from anyone and those who think they can get the best of her end up bleeding out in a damp basement. I can’t recommend this book enough!
Author 1 book5 followers
June 10, 2024
Part two make sure you read one first it does leave on a cliffhanger but two picks right back up where it left off.
This an emotional roller coaster from betrayal to secrets to lovers to the dead rise again.
Trigger sa, torture, blood, m/m trafficking.
Sera the leader of the mafia but the target on her back is larger then ever. But the men in her life is going to murder and take that bullet for her time and time again.
Four men who would burn the world down for her and gladly watch it burn to keep her safe.
Spice is off the charts and you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Sabrina V.
125 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2024
Currently having an obsession with mafia books and this one just wowed me! The way the relationships are written and everything given such individual identity, the made family the mfc has created for support and just seeing a female be the head person makes me so happy I loved every moment of this book!
Profile Image for Gemma Kitchen.
537 reviews10 followers
June 5, 2024
When you start reading Book 2 in the duet and remember how high your emotions were at the end of Book 1, and you simply devour this book. OMG if you have not read Book 1, then why not and if you have you need to jump into book 2.

Sophie Dyer has done it again in the Truth Hurts, and brings us a tantalising story that will have you on the edge of your seats. This woman knows how to write a gripping story that pulls you in, that has you on the edge, anticipating what the next move will be.

What more can you want a book, mafia, why choose, mm, a kickass fmc, revenge, betrayal, twists and turns and a lot of ohhhs and aaaaas.

This book develops our characters, and we see the growth from an individual point of view and also from the group dynamics aspect. The author will have you on the edge of your seat wondering how everything will turn out and honestly you wont be able to figure out how everything is going to play out, which I absolutely loved.
Profile Image for Allison Comis.
881 reviews11 followers
June 8, 2024
Wow. This was a great series. I’m sad it’s over. I loved everything about it. This started back up with Sera. She was taken by her ex Luciano. She learned a lot in the 4 days he had her. She learned who Gio really was and what happened to bring him into her life. A lot unfolded in this book. I’m not going to ruin it. But damn was it so good!! I loved all the guys in this book. Luca, Levi, Gio, and a few surprises came about. Towards the end of the book when they were attempting to rescue Gabriella she learned who was trying to bring her down and why. It was a total shock to her. I loved Gabriella’s character. She’s a little spitfire for a 8-9 year old.
253 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2024
fantastic second instalment

After the cliffhanger from book one I was gutted to find I’d have to wait for book two… but it was certainly worth it. Spice from the get go and immensely hot throughout. So much more drama, the stakes were raised and so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing throughout. This duet has solidified itself as one of my favourite reads of all time. The men in it are rugged and possessive in their own ways, each bringing something to Sera to help make her the true fierce leader she was destined to be.
113 reviews15 followers
June 6, 2024
This is a much anticipated second book of the Twisted Betrayal duet. If you haven’t read book 1 RUN to kindle unlimited to grab it! This book lives up to its title if that helps you decide to try it out!

I cannot believe how much action was packed into this book. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. There were so many unexpected curves this plot took. Sera is an amazingly strong leader and I loved her growth during this entire book. I loved the main characters but I also enjoyed each of the side characters! I would love to read a story involving some of them in the future if that happens. This book contains multi POV and oh my does that add so many layers to the story.

I definitely recommend this series if you love dark why choose with some super HOT MM involvement as well!
Profile Image for Asuradori.
31 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2024
This book is a great continuation of the series. The characters still through me for a loop and the story is twisting at every turn.

Sera and her men have still got me glued to the pages. It has dark topics without being to dark. With spicy scenes that had me grab my water.

I can highly recommend reading the series.
Profile Image for Nicole A.
487 reviews15 followers
June 3, 2024
The Truth Hurts is the thrilling conclusion to The Twisted Betrayals duet. It’s a dark, why choose, mafia romance.
This book picks up right where The Silence Lies leaves us. There are so many surprises and plot twists, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. There are secrets and betrayals being thrown at Serafina, some from within the family. This storyline keeps you reading on, wanting to see what will happen next.
Serafina is a strong leader, a bada$$ mafia Donna. She commands respect and deals with the Cosa Nostra with poise and strength, compassion and reason. Her men love her fiercely, and even though some relationships are strained, it is easy to see their protectiveness and love.
The smutty times between the group, and between pairs are hot af! The spice is from beginning to end, and enhances this enticing story!
The Truth Hurts is everything you look for in a mafia read - love, betrayal, violence, secrets. This is a must read and I can’t wait for more from Sophie Dyer!
Profile Image for Library.of.linds.
708 reviews32 followers
June 5, 2024
The Truth Hurts

I’ve been waiting on this book forever!!!!! This is the second book in the duet and book one does need to be read first.

This book has so many twists and turns. Did I get the book yesterday? Yes. Did I stay up late to finish it? Also yes. To say I absolutely devoured it would be an understatement. If you’re into the dark, twisty, RH tales theme pick this one up NOW!

Man, poor Sera. Her life is one thing after another so it’s a good thing she has her boys. However, that also comes with its challenges but I love how they work together. The details in this book are phenomenal and I can’t say enough about it. Sophie Dyer is amazing and I would read anything she writes. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

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