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A Brutal Betrayal
Past. Everyone has one. It shapes the person they become. It determines the present. It even contributes to the future. And sometimes, people are thrown together in spite of it. It was no secret that Megan Verona was raped. It crippled her being, turning her from a vibrant young woman to someone who feared intimacy. After years of struggling, she decided to seek help with a therapist, Declan Connors, in hopes of being able to finally have a relationship. Declan wanted to help Megan; he wanted to help everyone who sought his aid, but she was different. She consumed his thoughts until he could no longer deny his feelings. He hadn’t expected to fall for her and fall hard, but he did. It was a wonder when she returned some of his sentiment. But, like everyone, Declan also has a past, one riddled with pain and anguish, one he hadn’t fully dealt with. If helping Megan brought out his own shadows, what did loving her do? How do both their pasts play a role in their future? Most importantly, can they conquer the past that threw them together?
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
16 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
D.C. Renee
33 books1,336 followersDC Renee is a contemporary romance fiction author who tends to write stand alone novels that always shock you with a twist. She's been writing all her life. It started with adorable rhyming poems as a kid for anniversary and birthday presents, moved onto monologues and short stories as a teen, then transitioned to fan fictions before she found the courage to publish a book.
DC lives in sunny and (mostly) warm Los Angeles with her husband and their two toddlers - a girl and boy that want to "work just like mama," often climbing in her lap and "writing" on her computer. She's very close with her entire family - extended included, and her sister is her muse.
When she's not working, writing, and spending time with the family, she loves watching mindless TV, tinkering with diy projects, and of course, reading.
DC lives in sunny and (mostly) warm Los Angeles with her husband and their two toddlers - a girl and boy that want to "work just like mama," often climbing in her lap and "writing" on her computer. She's very close with her entire family - extended included, and her sister is her muse.
When she's not working, writing, and spending time with the family, she loves watching mindless TV, tinkering with diy projects, and of course, reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 22, 2020
Gosh, there is so much I could say about this book, and I don’t even know where to start. I definitely don’t want to give anything away, but there was so much wrong with this book that it made my head spin, yet I absolutely could not put it down. Except at one point, when it was so jarring I actually had to take a little break and steel myself to continue.
The story centers around the relationship between Megan, a sweet, shy, and very broken girl who is seeking therapy seven years after being raped at the age of 16; and Declan, her therapist and former Army Ranger who has his own dark past and heartache to deal with. Declan was medically discharged from the Army after several years of service due to a leg injury by an IED and PTSD. He also has some pretty heavy personal and family issues going on.
The writing is very easy to read and flows well. It’s told in the third person from Declan’s point of view, and consists mostly of dialogue between him and Megan. It doesn’t take long for Declan to SERIOUSLY cross professional boundaries, both in his “therapeutic” approach to Megan, and in his feelings toward her. Yet somehow, I rooted for them as a couple.
As events of the past unfold, my feelings were all over the place, and I’ve spent the better part of the afternoon thinking about this book. I’d be interested to hear others’ opinions about it. The reviews are pretty divided, though it seems this book doesn’t have a lot of attention.
Like I said, I don’t want to reveal anything, but this one will have me thinking for quite some time.
The story centers around the relationship between Megan, a sweet, shy, and very broken girl who is seeking therapy seven years after being raped at the age of 16; and Declan, her therapist and former Army Ranger who has his own dark past and heartache to deal with. Declan was medically discharged from the Army after several years of service due to a leg injury by an IED and PTSD. He also has some pretty heavy personal and family issues going on.
The writing is very easy to read and flows well. It’s told in the third person from Declan’s point of view, and consists mostly of dialogue between him and Megan. It doesn’t take long for Declan to SERIOUSLY cross professional boundaries, both in his “therapeutic” approach to Megan, and in his feelings toward her. Yet somehow, I rooted for them as a couple.
As events of the past unfold, my feelings were all over the place, and I’ve spent the better part of the afternoon thinking about this book. I’d be interested to hear others’ opinions about it. The reviews are pretty divided, though it seems this book doesn’t have a lot of attention.
Like I said, I don’t want to reveal anything, but this one will have me thinking for quite some time.
November 24, 2014
3,5 Stars!
I liked this book right away, the writing was engaging, the characters very likeable, but towards the end, some believability and psychological questions arise. Nevertheless this story is filled with sentimentals and will make you think a lot.
I am not someone who cringes away from dark or twisted stories. Actually i crave them like a true addict, and this book surely had a lot of dark issues to deal with. Both main characters have huge baggages to work on and some awful situations to overcome.
Let's start with Dec, he was the good boy, but he spiraled out of control when he lost his brother Lucas. After that he ended up in the Army, losing his best friend there too. Now after all those tragic events he is a psychologist and he tries to help as many people as he can.
Enter Megan. The beautiful, loveable girl, who was raped at the age of 16, who she still holds too much pain inside her, who has changed many psychologists over the years, with noone really cappable of helping her with her intimacy issues, until Dec.
Together, they will help each other open up, they will fall in love and and maybe, try to forget the past-which might be their salvation-, in a story with much hope and many secrets.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- Declan is very considerate and sweet person. He tried to do the right thing.
- Lucas was an amazing brother.
- Megan opened her heart easier than i thought she would.
- The writing is good.
- I was sure his father knew something.
- There is a big twist.
- And some convenient incidents.
- Almost the whole book was told from Dec's POV.
I liked this book right away, the writing was engaging, the characters very likeable, but towards the end, some believability and psychological questions arise. Nevertheless this story is filled with sentimentals and will make you think a lot.
I am not someone who cringes away from dark or twisted stories. Actually i crave them like a true addict, and this book surely had a lot of dark issues to deal with. Both main characters have huge baggages to work on and some awful situations to overcome.
Let's start with Dec, he was the good boy, but he spiraled out of control when he lost his brother Lucas. After that he ended up in the Army, losing his best friend there too. Now after all those tragic events he is a psychologist and he tries to help as many people as he can.
Enter Megan. The beautiful, loveable girl, who was raped at the age of 16, who she still holds too much pain inside her, who has changed many psychologists over the years, with noone really cappable of helping her with her intimacy issues, until Dec.
Together, they will help each other open up, they will fall in love and and maybe, try to forget the past-which might be their salvation-, in a story with much hope and many secrets.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- Declan is very considerate and sweet person. He tried to do the right thing.
- Lucas was an amazing brother.
- Megan opened her heart easier than i thought she would.
- The writing is good.
- I was sure his father knew something.
- There is a big twist.
- And some convenient incidents.
- Almost the whole book was told from Dec's POV.
December 23, 2015
I received a finished copy in exchange for an honest review from the author. It does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Full Review on Brianna's Bookish Confessions.
This was such an emotional, dark read. It covers a touchy subject that can often be difficult to write about in a book… That topic being rape. Our main character, Megan at 16 years old was brutally raped and left for dead. 7 years later and gone through countless therapists who can’t seem to bring the intimacy she wants, looks one last time. Her new therapist is ex-Marine, Declan. He truly wants to help those that come into his office. He too has struggled through a lot in the past and he wants to bring that help to others. But as truths come out and dark secrets are uncovered, it may not be something that can be fixed for Megan and Declan… But can they make it work?
I did catch on towards the beginning what was going to happen later in the book but didn’t think it was actually going to happen. When it did happen I was still extremely shocked that it was true. This was such a beautiful read despite what all these 2 characters have gone through in their lives. I did feel I couldn’t fully connect with the characters. It is told mostly through Declan’s point of view, but kind of as if a ghost was following him around narrating his thoughts.
I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to more of D.C.’s books! :)
Full Review on Brianna's Bookish Confessions.
This was such an emotional, dark read. It covers a touchy subject that can often be difficult to write about in a book… That topic being rape. Our main character, Megan at 16 years old was brutally raped and left for dead. 7 years later and gone through countless therapists who can’t seem to bring the intimacy she wants, looks one last time. Her new therapist is ex-Marine, Declan. He truly wants to help those that come into his office. He too has struggled through a lot in the past and he wants to bring that help to others. But as truths come out and dark secrets are uncovered, it may not be something that can be fixed for Megan and Declan… But can they make it work?
I did catch on towards the beginning what was going to happen later in the book but didn’t think it was actually going to happen. When it did happen I was still extremely shocked that it was true. This was such a beautiful read despite what all these 2 characters have gone through in their lives. I did feel I couldn’t fully connect with the characters. It is told mostly through Declan’s point of view, but kind of as if a ghost was following him around narrating his thoughts.
I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to more of D.C.’s books! :)
September 16, 2014
ARC
Loved it! Well written. Without sharing spoilers since the book is not out yet I will say that the twist in the story had me freaking out. I had no idea how the author was going to fix what happened and I did not see it coming at all which is why I am giving this book a 5 star rating. The author really surprised me, I thought there was no way the situation could get resolved and things could be ok between the main characters. But of course the author managed to surprise me.
The story had romance, mystery and will give you many emotions. I was happy and sad and angry and shocked (very shocked). The author makes you believe maybe it was this person, then you think no, it was this other person and then BAM, the big shock.
A little bit about the story:
Megan is a young woman that has gone trough a very bad ordeal, she was raped when she was just a teenager and never really recovered. Declan is a therapist. She gets referred to Declan after being with many therapists and never really getting better. Declan helps her get through her fears. They start developing feeling towards each other and many things happen... I won't give any more details but the story is really good.
Characters are likable. HEA ending.
Loved it! Well written. Without sharing spoilers since the book is not out yet I will say that the twist in the story had me freaking out. I had no idea how the author was going to fix what happened and I did not see it coming at all which is why I am giving this book a 5 star rating. The author really surprised me, I thought there was no way the situation could get resolved and things could be ok between the main characters. But of course the author managed to surprise me.
The story had romance, mystery and will give you many emotions. I was happy and sad and angry and shocked (very shocked). The author makes you believe maybe it was this person, then you think no, it was this other person and then BAM, the big shock.
A little bit about the story:
Megan is a young woman that has gone trough a very bad ordeal, she was raped when she was just a teenager and never really recovered. Declan is a therapist. She gets referred to Declan after being with many therapists and never really getting better. Declan helps her get through her fears. They start developing feeling towards each other and many things happen... I won't give any more details but the story is really good.
Characters are likable. HEA ending.
November 28, 2014
4.5 stars
"I can’t live in this stupid bubble; it isn’t doing me any good. I need out. I need air to breathe. I need to be normal.”
Megan Verona is a single twenty-three year old young woman, who has never been in a relationship. At the age of sixteen she was brutally raped in an alleyway and left for dead. Now seven years later and she hasn’t made any headway with getting close to someone, romantically. Emotional scars stain her broken soul, encasing her within a bubble. Playing voyeur as the world passes her by. Aching and yearning, for that which she has never had. Megan wants to experience all the possibilities that a relationship can bring. The simplicity of intimacy and not just sexual intimacy but emotionally.
The perfectly crafted book cover is a beautifully poetic depiction of the raw emotions that Megan exudes. From the glassy eye, to the smudged mascara and the added touch that hints at stress lines as such a youthful age. A combination that portrays Megan’s brokenness and the gut wrenching pain she has been living with all these years.
Declan Connors is a retired military veteran turned therapist. He's Megan’s new therapist and even though she is broken, it didn't mean she couldn't be fixed. This is when things start to become interesting.
As their sessions progress Declan reveal Megan’s true fears. Her inability to be “normal” as overrated as normalcy is, Megan is not able to participate in life in the most fundamental ways. It’s really heart-breaking to feel these emotions while reading, all based on Megan’s fears due to her traumatic past. Megan's character was strong and she was perfectly depicted for a leading role.
Some scars are physical but the greatest scars are those that cannot be seen.
To the outside world and Megan, Declan seems to be a well put together individual, with the answers to help cure her fears. But Declan is a tortured soul. He is hiding some deep seated secrets of his own. Secrets that disrupted his once happy and carefree childhood; a teenager betrayed and hurt, abused his grief and turned into an animal. A man - son, brother and friend- carrying around years of guilt.
As Megan and Declan's story progresses, he uses different techniques to aide Megan. Little by little, Declan breaks through her psychological and emotional barriers and she is slowly reborn.
As Declan breaks through her barriers, he realizes he wants more than to be Megan's therapist. He wants to be her savior. Their coupling reveals devastating secrets that will destroy, betray and are the most brutal of all. Two tortured souls thrown together by faith, will they survive or will their secrets betray them.
"Past. Everyone has one. It shapes the person they become. It determines the present. It even contributes to the future. And sometimes, people are thrown together in spite of it."
*************
I was in awe of the way D.C. Renee portrayed Megan. Believe me when I say, as a reader you feel every single emotion. The devastation, the despair and the confusion of her tragedy. Megan was a strong heroine and she held true to her character's portrayal. Declan was a military hottie, while I felt his pain, I honestly didn't like him as much as I should have. He was sweet and endearing, but for me, I love a angsty, alpha male. He wasn't any of those and there's no angst.However, with that said, he had to be soft and sweet for a fragile Megan. So in hindsight, he was perfect. lolz.
*ARC provided by FMR Book Studio on behalf of the author for an honest review*
"I can’t live in this stupid bubble; it isn’t doing me any good. I need out. I need air to breathe. I need to be normal.”
Megan Verona is a single twenty-three year old young woman, who has never been in a relationship. At the age of sixteen she was brutally raped in an alleyway and left for dead. Now seven years later and she hasn’t made any headway with getting close to someone, romantically. Emotional scars stain her broken soul, encasing her within a bubble. Playing voyeur as the world passes her by. Aching and yearning, for that which she has never had. Megan wants to experience all the possibilities that a relationship can bring. The simplicity of intimacy and not just sexual intimacy but emotionally.
The perfectly crafted book cover is a beautifully poetic depiction of the raw emotions that Megan exudes. From the glassy eye, to the smudged mascara and the added touch that hints at stress lines as such a youthful age. A combination that portrays Megan’s brokenness and the gut wrenching pain she has been living with all these years.
Declan Connors is a retired military veteran turned therapist. He's Megan’s new therapist and even though she is broken, it didn't mean she couldn't be fixed. This is when things start to become interesting.
As their sessions progress Declan reveal Megan’s true fears. Her inability to be “normal” as overrated as normalcy is, Megan is not able to participate in life in the most fundamental ways. It’s really heart-breaking to feel these emotions while reading, all based on Megan’s fears due to her traumatic past. Megan's character was strong and she was perfectly depicted for a leading role.
Some scars are physical but the greatest scars are those that cannot be seen.
To the outside world and Megan, Declan seems to be a well put together individual, with the answers to help cure her fears. But Declan is a tortured soul. He is hiding some deep seated secrets of his own. Secrets that disrupted his once happy and carefree childhood; a teenager betrayed and hurt, abused his grief and turned into an animal. A man - son, brother and friend- carrying around years of guilt.
As Megan and Declan's story progresses, he uses different techniques to aide Megan. Little by little, Declan breaks through her psychological and emotional barriers and she is slowly reborn.
As Declan breaks through her barriers, he realizes he wants more than to be Megan's therapist. He wants to be her savior. Their coupling reveals devastating secrets that will destroy, betray and are the most brutal of all. Two tortured souls thrown together by faith, will they survive or will their secrets betray them.
"Past. Everyone has one. It shapes the person they become. It determines the present. It even contributes to the future. And sometimes, people are thrown together in spite of it."
*************
I was in awe of the way D.C. Renee portrayed Megan. Believe me when I say, as a reader you feel every single emotion. The devastation, the despair and the confusion of her tragedy. Megan was a strong heroine and she held true to her character's portrayal. Declan was a military hottie, while I felt his pain, I honestly didn't like him as much as I should have. He was sweet and endearing, but for me, I love a angsty, alpha male. He wasn't any of those and there's no angst.However, with that said, he had to be soft and sweet for a fragile Megan. So in hindsight, he was perfect. lolz.
*ARC provided by FMR Book Studio on behalf of the author for an honest review*
February 16, 2017
It's been two days since I finished this book and I'm still nowhere near knowing how I really feel about that ending!
The story starts with a horribly, heartbreaking scene. 16 year old Megan is brutally raped and left for dead. Now 7 years later, Megan is still trying to overcome her tragic past. She's been through numerous therapists with no success in getting back the intimacy she craves. In comes Declan...
Declan is an ex Marine turned therapist. He genuinely wants to help everyone who walks through his door. But especially Megan; he feels an instant pull towards her. Declan also has demons from his past that slowing start unraveling while helping Megan through hers.
"Past. Everyone has one. It shapes the person they become. It determines the present. It even contributes to the future. And sometimes, people are thrown together in spite of it."
Together they work through the tragedies of their pasts and form a deep loving relationship. Things are looking great for the duo and then BAM!! Right out of nowhere comes the twist! Megan and Declan are torn apart by this new revelation. Will they be able to overcome this tragedy and make a life together?
I was literally SHOCKED!!! *Jaw dropping on the floor* shocked! I immediately wanted to punch something. I had to set the book down for awhile before continuing. I really didn't know how things could ever be okay again. But then comes the SECOND kicker!
Overall thoughts.... I loved Megan's positive outlook and admired her perseverance in taking the steps she desperately needed. I liked that It was mostly told from Declan's pov. He was a great lead. Sweet, sincere, and never pushed Megan beyond what she could handle. The plot was intriguing and the characters held depth.
This was an emotional story about overcoming demons and finding love after tragedy strikes. You will cheer on Megan through her healing process. You'll be happy, then angry, then probably throw your book at the wall, be angry some more, and then be happy again. Or in my case, somewhat happy because I'm still not sure how I feel about that ending!
The story starts with a horribly, heartbreaking scene. 16 year old Megan is brutally raped and left for dead. Now 7 years later, Megan is still trying to overcome her tragic past. She's been through numerous therapists with no success in getting back the intimacy she craves. In comes Declan...
Declan is an ex Marine turned therapist. He genuinely wants to help everyone who walks through his door. But especially Megan; he feels an instant pull towards her. Declan also has demons from his past that slowing start unraveling while helping Megan through hers.
"Past. Everyone has one. It shapes the person they become. It determines the present. It even contributes to the future. And sometimes, people are thrown together in spite of it."
Together they work through the tragedies of their pasts and form a deep loving relationship. Things are looking great for the duo and then BAM!! Right out of nowhere comes the twist! Megan and Declan are torn apart by this new revelation. Will they be able to overcome this tragedy and make a life together?
I was literally SHOCKED!!! *Jaw dropping on the floor* shocked! I immediately wanted to punch something. I had to set the book down for awhile before continuing. I really didn't know how things could ever be okay again. But then comes the SECOND kicker!
Overall thoughts.... I loved Megan's positive outlook and admired her perseverance in taking the steps she desperately needed. I liked that It was mostly told from Declan's pov. He was a great lead. Sweet, sincere, and never pushed Megan beyond what she could handle. The plot was intriguing and the characters held depth.
This was an emotional story about overcoming demons and finding love after tragedy strikes. You will cheer on Megan through her healing process. You'll be happy, then angry, then probably throw your book at the wall, be angry some more, and then be happy again. Or in my case, somewhat happy because I'm still not sure how I feel about that ending!
December 10, 2014
Wow. This is a brilliantly well written story. It literally grabbed my attention from start to finish.
When Megan was sixteen she was raped. Seven years later her life is still at a standstill as she can't move on. She's referred to a therapist called Declan. However Declan has his own demons he needs to deal with. Can these two help each other move on?
If your looking for a brilliant story with broken characters then I highly recommend this book.
When Megan was sixteen she was raped. Seven years later her life is still at a standstill as she can't move on. She's referred to a therapist called Declan. However Declan has his own demons he needs to deal with. Can these two help each other move on?
If your looking for a brilliant story with broken characters then I highly recommend this book.
January 2, 2015
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Sizling Pages on TSU
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Where is my heart?.Because it's not in my chest right now.
I
find that the books that make me feel the most from every spectrum of the
emotion rainbow are the hardest for me to review. When a book pushes my
boundaries and pulls me out of my comfort zone ..those are the ones that are
even the hardest. I found that Brutal Betrayal is probably going to be the
hardest book I’ve read to date to review. I can tell you that you will feel
strongly and you will feel often. When you do feel it’s going to knock you down
and it’s even going to lift you up.
These are characters that will burrow
themselves into your heart and really touch your soul. You might think about
things in a totally different way then you ever thought you could. After all
..we are human and we fail and we fight and at the end of the day we can give
up or give in. Sometimes giving in is finding the grace to just accept the past
and live in the future with no regrets.
I am in utter shambles but I wouldn’t
have traded this journey for anything. DC
Renee no matter what keep pushing boundaries because ..feeling this strongly
after a book means you did your JOB lady!
.
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Sizling Pages on TSU
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Where is my heart?.Because it's not in my chest right now.
I
find that the books that make me feel the most from every spectrum of the
emotion rainbow are the hardest for me to review. When a book pushes my
boundaries and pulls me out of my comfort zone ..those are the ones that are
even the hardest. I found that Brutal Betrayal is probably going to be the
hardest book I’ve read to date to review. I can tell you that you will feel
strongly and you will feel often. When you do feel it’s going to knock you down
and it’s even going to lift you up.
These are characters that will burrow
themselves into your heart and really touch your soul. You might think about
things in a totally different way then you ever thought you could. After all
..we are human and we fail and we fight and at the end of the day we can give
up or give in. Sometimes giving in is finding the grace to just accept the past
and live in the future with no regrets.
I am in utter shambles but I wouldn’t
have traded this journey for anything. DC
Renee no matter what keep pushing boundaries because ..feeling this strongly
after a book means you did your JOB lady!
.
October 24, 2014
ARC given to me by author for honest review
I loved this book. I'm going to just reflect alittle but no spoilers because you gotta read it for yourself to see why I loved it so much. There are a few scenes that might be upsetting for some but you must read them to follow the story and have the right feelings to really understand.
It starts off right away into a horrible, heartbreaking scene with Megan as a teenager. Then it jumps forward to her having to go through therapy from her ordeal where she meets Declan. Even though Megan has been through so much and trying to over come her past, she's still a vibrant, fun, young woman who is honestly just looking for the right man. I loved her sooo much. She just needs help trusting people again and being able to go out without the fear that something bad will happen again.
Declan wants to help his clients and is so good hearted that Megan can't help but to fall for him. I mean I fell for him because he's so hot, patient and sweet. Plus, he does everything he can to help Megan with her problems that he feels is right while developing feelings for her.
But just as things start to look up for Megan and I'm all comfortable and happy because she's happy, BAM you're hit with shock right outta left field! My jaw hit the floor and I about threw my kindle! I mean I never saw it coming. I was soooo suprised. But that's why I love this author, she has me feeling one way then can totally turn my world upside down. I would recommend this book to anyone. It's a must read!! Oh and go check out her other books because you won't be disappointed.
July 9, 2024
I'm tossing this behind a tag because it's super spoilery and I swear a ridiculous amount.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed Declan and Megan's story. The premise captured my attention but I had some concerns that it might focus too heavily on the angst of whether or not a therapist should become involved with his patient. The author did a great job of avoiding what could have been a cliched and overdone focus and instead built their relationship in a very believable way...patiently showing us their growing bond and trust. Declan is such a sweet and supportive friend to Megan at first so it was easy to understand how she came to trust their feelings for one another despite the trauma she'd suffered and the after effects it had had on her life.
As difficult as Megan's back story was, though, I found Declan's to be even more so. Talk about overcoming adversity! But just as the blurb says...he hasn't overcome it quite as much as he thinks and that comes in to play in a monumental way as the story progresses.
Huge kudos to the writer for giving us a story that is both heartbreaking and heart-lifting at the same time. I highly recommend this book - it's a well written, thought provoking story. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this writer!
As difficult as Megan's back story was, though, I found Declan's to be even more so. Talk about overcoming adversity! But just as the blurb says...he hasn't overcome it quite as much as he thinks and that comes in to play in a monumental way as the story progresses.
Huge kudos to the writer for giving us a story that is both heartbreaking and heart-lifting at the same time. I highly recommend this book - it's a well written, thought provoking story. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this writer!
September 19, 2014
I think I found my new book boyfriend. I love me some Declan. I love that he’s a military boy who’s out to help people and how he can be so sweet and caring with Megan. He just melted my heart. Megan and Declan were just wow!!! Declan was helping Megan and everything was going great and then BAM the twist. Dang it, I was in shock and I couldn’t believe it but I give props to the author for being brave and going there. That was unbelievable and I was actually worried on how I could get my hea after this and then BAM another twist and it all came back full circle. This book had me crying, laughing, screaming and wanting to pull my hair out. This is a must read! I give it 5+ stars!!!! And of course the best part---NO CLIFFHANGER!!! :)
October 12, 2014
Seven years ago, when she was just 16 years old, Megan was brutally raped - during a visit to a bar with a friend.
Today she's still not able to live her life the way she thinks she should. She's afraid of intimacy, of letting men touch her, even to only shake her hands.
Enter Declan Connors - 25 year-old soldier-turned therapist.
He usually only helps veterans with PTSD and a few other problems, he's never had to deal with a rape victim. But his colleague and mentor Chuck asks him to take on Megan - he feels that Dec might be able to relate to her problems better than an old married father.
As soon as Megan walks into his practice, Dec is totally in awe; such a beautiful but still very broken girl.
She was girl next door meets elegant class.
He wants to fix her - fix all her problems and fears ...
But he's her therapist...he shouldn't feel more than professional feelings for his new patient....
But of course that's not how things play out ☺
What will happen to Megan & Declan?
Will there be a HEA?
Will everybody die at the end? o.O
Or will there be a horrible Cliffhanger?
I'm not telling you that of course ...☺
I don't want to spoil anything ☺
_______________________________
I really loved the blurb and I was excited to see how this therapist-patient story plays out.
I liked it!
It was a really moving and sad story.
Two people who have been through a lot in their lives, have to find a way to overcome most of it, and then maybe, they have a chance to find their Happy Ever Afters with each other.
There were cute and funny moments and a few tiny sexy moments and lots of backflashes to the times where bad or good things happened to Megan and Dec.
And that's where the I DON'T LIKES start for me :/
I'm not a fan of going back in time in a book - and that happens here a lot - but that's just my personal problem - other readers won't be bothered too much I think ☺
I also didn't like that Declan is only 25 and until 2 years ago he was still in the Army - so for me he didn't have enough time to become a therapist. For me a therapist has to go to school for at least 4-8 years until I would trust them to properly treat people. In this story though, I had the feeling that Dec kind of interned at Chuck's practice for 6 months and bam he's a therapist too. ☺
Even though I liked the story and the idea of it - I didn't really love reading it. It was too slow - too event-free - too heartless somehow - too insta-love-ish.
I couldn't really connect to Dec and Megan. And for me to love a book, I have to be in love with the characters :/
BUT - it was a really interesting story - and I really liked the last pages - the ''betrayal thingy' and what follows and the epilogue - I really liked that ☺
no idea if I should recommend this book for victims of rape or tell them to not read it.... maybe it could help ... ♥
Don't let me scare you off ☺
December 5, 2014
4 stars
Intense, emotionally charged and enthralling. Those words best describe this book, in my opinion.
It starts out with a prologue that would break anyone's heart. Megan , while having this horrid past, comes off as a fun character with a great personality. Fast forward a few years, and Megan still has trouble healing and her therapists sends her over to Declan, who apparently can help her in ways her therapist can't. The relationship between these two and how it unfolds and grows is beautifully written.
A Brutal Betrayal is gritty and beautiful, with plot twists that left my jaw hanging and wanting for more.
Intense, emotionally charged and enthralling. Those words best describe this book, in my opinion.
It starts out with a prologue that would break anyone's heart. Megan , while having this horrid past, comes off as a fun character with a great personality. Fast forward a few years, and Megan still has trouble healing and her therapists sends her over to Declan, who apparently can help her in ways her therapist can't. The relationship between these two and how it unfolds and grows is beautifully written.
A Brutal Betrayal is gritty and beautiful, with plot twists that left my jaw hanging and wanting for more.
October 13, 2014
** JOSIE'S 4.5 STAR REVIEW **
A Beautiful Betrayal by D.C. Renee was a wonderfully written book, and I loved it. Please note there are some scenes that can be overwhelming and upsetting but they are absolutely needed to completely understand the plot. The prologue starts off when a teenage Megan finds herself in a bad situation. It is so emotional, heartbreaking and intense. When a book starts off that strong you know that it is going to be a roller coaster ride that will take you on an emotional journey. This story will grip you from beginning to end. I could not put this book down. After the prologue, the story jumps a head years later to where Megan is in therapy trying to move one from that horrible night. Megan’s current therapist enlists the help of his friend, Declan to try to reach Megan in a way he is unable to. Megan’s character is strong, vibrant and fun, she doesn’t trust people and she is afraid something bad can happen to her again. She desperately wants to find a man who can love her despite her traumatizing and terrible past. She starts attending therapy with Declan at the advice of her former therapist.
Declan has a way of helping his clients and connecting with them in ways conventional doctors cannot. As soon as he meets Megan he wants to help her. He is sweet, easygoing, caring, hot and good-hearted. Megan immediately finds comfort in him. Declan is willing to do anything and everything to help Megan get past her issues of trust and to move on. The process to making Megan whole again is a slow one. Nothing happens quickly and through baby steps trust is built. As time goes by, Declan starts to develop strong feelings for Megan.
The telling of this story is so raw and emotional and as each layer is unraveled you start to see that it isn’t just Megan who is damaged but Declan is too. Declan’s past was more intense, raw and hard. The author goes from the past and present of Declan’s life and through this we are able to see how much he had to overcome to be the man he was today. The blurb I read really did not touch the surface on the true premise they both suffered when they were younger.
I really enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Declan and Megan. I got so caught up with their story and didn’t think something would and could go wrong. However, just when I thought things were good, the author went and added a twist that I did not see coming. It’s one of those mouth dropping WTFlipping F***, no way, she did not just go there moments. I mean I was crying, p***** and had to step away from my kindle to cool off. Throughout the story the author made me feel secure, safe, only to back slap me into the land of OPEN-MOUTHED WTF’s?!?
I really enjoyed reading the build between Declan and Megan. That when the preverbal shit hit the fan, I thought for sure the author was going to give readers a CH. The author told their story in a way that showed readers that with time, patience and understanding, a person could trust even in the darkest of times. D.C. Renee delivered a novel that tore me up but also slowly put me back together. The novel was brilliantly written despite the dark and intense subject matter. It was very awe inspiring. The author gives readers romance, passion, suspense, mystery, angst and the ultimate betrayal. I enjoyed the way the author tells the story from past to present, in a way that did not bore me, but peaked my interest. I kept saying, there is something here, I just know it. You need to pick this book up. The emotional journey is so worth it, but I warn you – when you get to that moment where you’ll want to throw your reader across the room you will curse the author and everyone around you.
A Beautiful Betrayal by D.C. Renee was a wonderfully written book, and I loved it. Please note there are some scenes that can be overwhelming and upsetting but they are absolutely needed to completely understand the plot. The prologue starts off when a teenage Megan finds herself in a bad situation. It is so emotional, heartbreaking and intense. When a book starts off that strong you know that it is going to be a roller coaster ride that will take you on an emotional journey. This story will grip you from beginning to end. I could not put this book down. After the prologue, the story jumps a head years later to where Megan is in therapy trying to move one from that horrible night. Megan’s current therapist enlists the help of his friend, Declan to try to reach Megan in a way he is unable to. Megan’s character is strong, vibrant and fun, she doesn’t trust people and she is afraid something bad can happen to her again. She desperately wants to find a man who can love her despite her traumatizing and terrible past. She starts attending therapy with Declan at the advice of her former therapist.
Declan has a way of helping his clients and connecting with them in ways conventional doctors cannot. As soon as he meets Megan he wants to help her. He is sweet, easygoing, caring, hot and good-hearted. Megan immediately finds comfort in him. Declan is willing to do anything and everything to help Megan get past her issues of trust and to move on. The process to making Megan whole again is a slow one. Nothing happens quickly and through baby steps trust is built. As time goes by, Declan starts to develop strong feelings for Megan.
The telling of this story is so raw and emotional and as each layer is unraveled you start to see that it isn’t just Megan who is damaged but Declan is too. Declan’s past was more intense, raw and hard. The author goes from the past and present of Declan’s life and through this we are able to see how much he had to overcome to be the man he was today. The blurb I read really did not touch the surface on the true premise they both suffered when they were younger.
I really enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Declan and Megan. I got so caught up with their story and didn’t think something would and could go wrong. However, just when I thought things were good, the author went and added a twist that I did not see coming. It’s one of those mouth dropping WTFlipping F***, no way, she did not just go there moments. I mean I was crying, p***** and had to step away from my kindle to cool off. Throughout the story the author made me feel secure, safe, only to back slap me into the land of OPEN-MOUTHED WTF’s?!?
I really enjoyed reading the build between Declan and Megan. That when the preverbal shit hit the fan, I thought for sure the author was going to give readers a CH. The author told their story in a way that showed readers that with time, patience and understanding, a person could trust even in the darkest of times. D.C. Renee delivered a novel that tore me up but also slowly put me back together. The novel was brilliantly written despite the dark and intense subject matter. It was very awe inspiring. The author gives readers romance, passion, suspense, mystery, angst and the ultimate betrayal. I enjoyed the way the author tells the story from past to present, in a way that did not bore me, but peaked my interest. I kept saying, there is something here, I just know it. You need to pick this book up. The emotional journey is so worth it, but I warn you – when you get to that moment where you’ll want to throw your reader across the room you will curse the author and everyone around you.
October 19, 2014
4 Loved It Stars!
Review by Jen Hagen
Megan was 16 years old trying out her fake ID with her best friend when she stepped outside the club alone for a brief moment to catch some fresh air. In the darkness a demon was watching and waiting, a demon that still holds her down 7 years later. Following her rape, Megan shut herself down and is not easily approachable even as a friend. She keeps herself distant and does not allow anybody into her life. She has seen a barrage of therapists, but nobody seems to be able to make her “normal” – as Megan would like to be. She wants to be able to experience things as everybody else does but she can’t let go of her fears and she has allowed her fears to control her happiness. It is with her current therapist that feels she would be better suited with his new partner, Declan.
Declan is 25 years old and seems to have an old soul. He didn’t always use to be this way. He was once a member of the Army and witnessed his fellow soldier killed by a roadside grenade – the same soldier who saved Declan’s life and in turn died for Declan. The trauma from that event has caused Declan to lose any memories prior to that event that are considered traumatic memories. Being Megan’s therapist is proving to be very difficult for Declan.
Why do I feel a pull toward her like she is the sun?
Declan is doing a fantastic job pulling Megan out of her shell. Declan has become a wonderful friend to Megan. Because of him and his outside the box therapy she is able to have fun again, able to hang out with friends, and able to let a little part of herself wish for something more.
“I feel good around you. You make it easy to forget.”
But being with Megan may not be conducive towards keeping Declan’s demons under control. It seems that hanging around Megan has brought back memories of some of the worst times of his life. Declan was once popping pills and drinking large amounts of alcohol to numb the pain he felt from losing a significant person in his life. He was offered jail or the army for his actions, and it was the choice of the army that changed his life and made him want to help people. Some memories aren’t meant to be hidden forever, and they can pop up at the most inconvenient times hurting even the person you would do anything to protect.
He tasted the salt on his lips before he even realized the tears were trickling down his cheeks. He didn’t bother wiping them away, he wanted to taste the bitterness they carried.
Declan and Megan are both broken, but while Declan is trying to fix Megan – Megan wants nothing to do with Declan’s past. It’s a reminder of what she is hiding from. Declan is willing to do anything to prove to Megan how much he loves her and to earn her trust again.
…His mind was reeling, his fate was destroyed, and his heart was tearing apart. He needed the night to make peace with himself.
When morning comes will forgiveness be his savior or will he continue to be Megan’s destruction?
This is the second book I have read of the author's and I have enjoyed both. In both books she was able to move my emotions from one extreme to the next—in one second I could despise a character while in the next I was feeling remorse for being so hard with my judgements. If you have triggers, there are a few graphic scenes that would not be suitable for you.
Review by Jen Hagen
Megan was 16 years old trying out her fake ID with her best friend when she stepped outside the club alone for a brief moment to catch some fresh air. In the darkness a demon was watching and waiting, a demon that still holds her down 7 years later. Following her rape, Megan shut herself down and is not easily approachable even as a friend. She keeps herself distant and does not allow anybody into her life. She has seen a barrage of therapists, but nobody seems to be able to make her “normal” – as Megan would like to be. She wants to be able to experience things as everybody else does but she can’t let go of her fears and she has allowed her fears to control her happiness. It is with her current therapist that feels she would be better suited with his new partner, Declan.
Declan is 25 years old and seems to have an old soul. He didn’t always use to be this way. He was once a member of the Army and witnessed his fellow soldier killed by a roadside grenade – the same soldier who saved Declan’s life and in turn died for Declan. The trauma from that event has caused Declan to lose any memories prior to that event that are considered traumatic memories. Being Megan’s therapist is proving to be very difficult for Declan.
Why do I feel a pull toward her like she is the sun?
Declan is doing a fantastic job pulling Megan out of her shell. Declan has become a wonderful friend to Megan. Because of him and his outside the box therapy she is able to have fun again, able to hang out with friends, and able to let a little part of herself wish for something more.
“I feel good around you. You make it easy to forget.”
But being with Megan may not be conducive towards keeping Declan’s demons under control. It seems that hanging around Megan has brought back memories of some of the worst times of his life. Declan was once popping pills and drinking large amounts of alcohol to numb the pain he felt from losing a significant person in his life. He was offered jail or the army for his actions, and it was the choice of the army that changed his life and made him want to help people. Some memories aren’t meant to be hidden forever, and they can pop up at the most inconvenient times hurting even the person you would do anything to protect.
He tasted the salt on his lips before he even realized the tears were trickling down his cheeks. He didn’t bother wiping them away, he wanted to taste the bitterness they carried.
Declan and Megan are both broken, but while Declan is trying to fix Megan – Megan wants nothing to do with Declan’s past. It’s a reminder of what she is hiding from. Declan is willing to do anything to prove to Megan how much he loves her and to earn her trust again.
…His mind was reeling, his fate was destroyed, and his heart was tearing apart. He needed the night to make peace with himself.
When morning comes will forgiveness be his savior or will he continue to be Megan’s destruction?
This is the second book I have read of the author's and I have enjoyed both. In both books she was able to move my emotions from one extreme to the next—in one second I could despise a character while in the next I was feeling remorse for being so hard with my judgements. If you have triggers, there are a few graphic scenes that would not be suitable for you.
November 30, 2014
Well DC Renee you certainly wrote a very interesting book indeed. Now I struggled with this a little as my co reviewer knows, but this was purely the writing style. The 3rd person omniscient was a good way to write the characters but I wasn’t hauled into some of the flashbacks because of that style of writing though. But that’s just my preference.
Now I was chatting to Rob (co reviewer) all the way through my experience of this book and he’ll confirm that I had guessed the outcome, the reason behind why there was a need for a reveal was a good twist and for the majority will be mind-blown by it. (I hope that makes sense). I guess I have read enough books to work things out early so it takes a fair bit to surprise me. Now Rob made me smile because when I guessed right he told me no, lol. So he made me doubt myself, well played by him ☺
Very good storyline, it kept me gripped, in my case for me to need to know if I was right and also the need to have closure too.
If you like intense, therapy style books then you will absolutely love this book. It is deep and everything during has a purpose. And the added bonus that a lot of readers are screaming out for standalones and full closure and guess what, that will happen in this book! So that’s a huge bonus. I do have issues with the ending, no matter what a connection I feel the outcome would have been different in real life, but bah who am I to say, its fiction and therefore anything can happen.
Definitely an intense and enjoyable read and certainly a thought provoking read. I agree with Rob, kudos DC, well thought through and I too commend the author on a book different and for most a sock you in the face read for sure.
I received a copy of A Brutal Betrayal in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and are 100% honest.
Now I was chatting to Rob (co reviewer) all the way through my experience of this book and he’ll confirm that I had guessed the outcome, the reason behind why there was a need for a reveal was a good twist and for the majority will be mind-blown by it. (I hope that makes sense). I guess I have read enough books to work things out early so it takes a fair bit to surprise me. Now Rob made me smile because when I guessed right he told me no, lol. So he made me doubt myself, well played by him ☺
Very good storyline, it kept me gripped, in my case for me to need to know if I was right and also the need to have closure too.
If you like intense, therapy style books then you will absolutely love this book. It is deep and everything during has a purpose. And the added bonus that a lot of readers are screaming out for standalones and full closure and guess what, that will happen in this book! So that’s a huge bonus. I do have issues with the ending, no matter what a connection I feel the outcome would have been different in real life, but bah who am I to say, its fiction and therefore anything can happen.
Definitely an intense and enjoyable read and certainly a thought provoking read. I agree with Rob, kudos DC, well thought through and I too commend the author on a book different and for most a sock you in the face read for sure.
I received a copy of A Brutal Betrayal in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and are 100% honest.
October 23, 2014
What happens when you are destroyed in the worst way? Seven years ago, Megan Verona was brutally attacked and left for dead. She doesn’t trust anyone and keeps to herself. When she is transferred to a new therapist, who is closer to her age to help her overcome her past, her world changes dramatically…
Declan is a therapist, former military man, and a man with a dark past. When he is given Megan’s case, he will do everything in his power to help her overcome her past, even digging up his own.
A Brutal Betrayal blew me away. I did not see that coming at all. In the book, you almost instantly fall in love with both Megan and Declan, and root for them to make it. By the near end, I wanted to cut his man bits off and feed them to him bit by bit. And by the actual end….well, you will have to read the book to find out.
Everyone has a past; an event they wish they could take back, a decision they wish they could have made differently. What will you do when your past is shoved in your face, and you have no choice but to face all your mishaps? Will you be strong enough for get past the demons and forgive another?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a dark past, a light middle and a mixed ending. This book will play with your emotions and have you wondering, what would I do? ~ Devlynn, 4 stars
Declan is a therapist, former military man, and a man with a dark past. When he is given Megan’s case, he will do everything in his power to help her overcome her past, even digging up his own.
A Brutal Betrayal blew me away. I did not see that coming at all. In the book, you almost instantly fall in love with both Megan and Declan, and root for them to make it. By the near end, I wanted to cut his man bits off and feed them to him bit by bit. And by the actual end….well, you will have to read the book to find out.
Everyone has a past; an event they wish they could take back, a decision they wish they could have made differently. What will you do when your past is shoved in your face, and you have no choice but to face all your mishaps? Will you be strong enough for get past the demons and forgive another?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a dark past, a light middle and a mixed ending. This book will play with your emotions and have you wondering, what would I do? ~ Devlynn, 4 stars
December 5, 2014
Okay so here is what I think about this story... fate is a cruel, cruel ~ you know what. How is it that she can destroy something and then make it so that you fell normal again only to set you up for another trap. Why because she knows whats best? Well in this story as much as I could never see my self in that situation I truly felt what Megan was feeling. Better yet I felt what Declan had felt. Yeah fate she is a female dog.
This story was so well written that I couldn't see where she was leading me with the twists and turns that she took me through. All I saw was the beauty of the love that was unfurling in front of me. Like the Butterfly that Declan said Megan was becoming I was spreading my wings to fly.
Incredibly intense as the various subject matters are I feel that they way she wrote the characters handling these situations was, well perfectly flawed and incredibly beautiful. I love reading D.C Renee's books and this one did not fail me no only in the romance which I crave when I read but in making me think and having me at the edge of my seat in both shock and laughter. keeping me riveted to the page until the very end was what her writing did for me leaving me emotionally spent. Exactly what I crave in my books!
This story was so well written that I couldn't see where she was leading me with the twists and turns that she took me through. All I saw was the beauty of the love that was unfurling in front of me. Like the Butterfly that Declan said Megan was becoming I was spreading my wings to fly.
Incredibly intense as the various subject matters are I feel that they way she wrote the characters handling these situations was, well perfectly flawed and incredibly beautiful. I love reading D.C Renee's books and this one did not fail me no only in the romance which I crave when I read but in making me think and having me at the edge of my seat in both shock and laughter. keeping me riveted to the page until the very end was what her writing did for me leaving me emotionally spent. Exactly what I crave in my books!
October 2, 2014
I was patiently waiting for another book to come out by this writer.
And my patience paid off. What a wonderful book!!!
I had a feeling the characters would fall in love, but I didn’t see the twist coming at all!
The book is very well written! You get emotionally invested in it and can’t help but feel anger, pain, hurt, happiness as if you’re part of the story. It also describes the best qualities in a person - sensitivity, caring and love.
I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to others.
Kudos to the writer for a job well done! Cannot wait for more work to come out by this author.
And my patience paid off. What a wonderful book!!!
I had a feeling the characters would fall in love, but I didn’t see the twist coming at all!
The book is very well written! You get emotionally invested in it and can’t help but feel anger, pain, hurt, happiness as if you’re part of the story. It also describes the best qualities in a person - sensitivity, caring and love.
I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to others.
Kudos to the writer for a job well done! Cannot wait for more work to come out by this author.
October 29, 2014
I loved the book! it was so well written and intriguing that I couldn't stop reading! The author surprised me because when you are reading it you think that you know the ending but the author just kept throwing new interesting twists into the book! I can't think of a negative about it. I would highly recommend this book to all readers as long as you are ready to read a few sad/heart pulling pages.
November 2, 2015
4.5 (but since I can't do .5s it was still more than a 4)
I don't think I've been this anxious while reading a book in a long time. I wanted to skip through the book to see what would happen, and then I would start thinking about what I thought was going to happen. But nonetheless this was such a good book! Thank you so much DC Renee for sending me this truly heartbreaking, yet amazing book!
I don't think I've been this anxious while reading a book in a long time. I wanted to skip through the book to see what would happen, and then I would start thinking about what I thought was going to happen. But nonetheless this was such a good book! Thank you so much DC Renee for sending me this truly heartbreaking, yet amazing book!
October 2, 2014
This is my 2nd book by this author and I'm in love again! I loved the twist and how it all came together at the end! I'm a sucker for no cliffhanger books and hea which this book delivers on. This is another must read by DC Renee! Loved it!!
October 1, 2014
Am I really going to give myself anything less than 5 stars? ;)
I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I loved writing it!
I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I loved writing it!
October 3, 2014
Wow! What a shocker! I so did not see that coming and I loved it!!! This book is very well written and I truly enjoyed it! Read it all in one sitting. Can't wait for more from this author.
November 2, 2014
Megan was brutally attacked one night and had her innocence stolen from her. Since then she's never been able to forget, move forward or been able to get close to another man, so after many attempts with different therapists she's finally referred to Declan, a younger psychologist who might be able to finally help her. But Declan is battling his own demons. Can these two individuals who are tortured by their own pasts, move beyond them and end up not only helping each other by end up together?
"Past. Everyone has one. It shapes the person they become. It determines the present. It even contributes to the future. And sometimes, people are thrown together in spite of it."
Let me start of by saying that I loved the title of this story and the cover, straight away those two things grabbed me and I was intrigued and eager to get started. The story didn't disappoint at all. It had characters with depth and a different story line that was original.
"I can’t live in this stupid bubble; it isn’t doing me any good. I need out. I need air to breathe. I need to be normal.”
Megan was a beautiful person but so traumatised from what had happened to her. I felt her pain, her loss at what to do next to feel "normal" again. She was strong in admitting that she needed help and wanting to move forward and despite all the bad memories and haunting past she never gave up. I really admired her and hoped she would find her HEA.
"It fucking sucks knowing that no one is coming to save you. I don’t want that false fucking hope again. I can’t take it. My heart, my body, my fragile fucking mind can’t take it!”
Declan was a great male lead. I loved his profession and how he wanted to help others overcome their traumas and pasta despite having his own past filled with anguish and torment. He was understanding, caring and of course sexy and then the twists and secrets are revealed and I had no idea how to feel, it was a roller coaster of emotion.
"She might have been right. She might have been broken, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t fixable."
It was a beautiful and brutal love story for sure. As the title suggests there is brutality, there is betrayal but it as beautiful watching these two very broken people to heal each other. I won't say much as I don't want to give away anything but even though I some saw things coming, there were some things I definitely didn't and I was sat there reading with my mouth wide open wondering what would happen next.
"And then came the big reveal. It had torn her apart, obliterated her world, and ruined her very being more than it had been previously. She was absolutely and utterly lost."
A intriguing plot, characters that you love, then hate, then love again and a very original story that kept me hooked.
Bethany
"Past. Everyone has one. It shapes the person they become. It determines the present. It even contributes to the future. And sometimes, people are thrown together in spite of it."
Let me start of by saying that I loved the title of this story and the cover, straight away those two things grabbed me and I was intrigued and eager to get started. The story didn't disappoint at all. It had characters with depth and a different story line that was original.
"I can’t live in this stupid bubble; it isn’t doing me any good. I need out. I need air to breathe. I need to be normal.”
Megan was a beautiful person but so traumatised from what had happened to her. I felt her pain, her loss at what to do next to feel "normal" again. She was strong in admitting that she needed help and wanting to move forward and despite all the bad memories and haunting past she never gave up. I really admired her and hoped she would find her HEA.
"It fucking sucks knowing that no one is coming to save you. I don’t want that false fucking hope again. I can’t take it. My heart, my body, my fragile fucking mind can’t take it!”
Declan was a great male lead. I loved his profession and how he wanted to help others overcome their traumas and pasta despite having his own past filled with anguish and torment. He was understanding, caring and of course sexy and then the twists and secrets are revealed and I had no idea how to feel, it was a roller coaster of emotion.
"She might have been right. She might have been broken, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t fixable."
It was a beautiful and brutal love story for sure. As the title suggests there is brutality, there is betrayal but it as beautiful watching these two very broken people to heal each other. I won't say much as I don't want to give away anything but even though I some saw things coming, there were some things I definitely didn't and I was sat there reading with my mouth wide open wondering what would happen next.
"And then came the big reveal. It had torn her apart, obliterated her world, and ruined her very being more than it had been previously. She was absolutely and utterly lost."
A intriguing plot, characters that you love, then hate, then love again and a very original story that kept me hooked.
Bethany
December 11, 2014
The beginning of this story started out heart breaking. Then the author took us to the place of recovery. After that she gave us a beautiful love story, although I had an issue with it, which I will explain soon. While comfortable in the love story, feeling the warm fuzzy feeling, she blindsided us with a twist that NO ONE saw coming and I was left enraged.
Megan went out with her friend for drinks and dancing, two teenagers, both under 18, took the chance when a set of parents were gone to hit the bars and pretend to be grown up. Megan found herself raped and left for dead. Years later she is referred to a new therapist after trying so many before. She never felt a connection to those therapists because she is fearful of life and they all had relationships and families, until she met Declan.
He was new to this therapy career, after dealing with family issues that sent him reeling in life, he joined the military only to find more heart break and trauma in war. Suffering from his own PTSD and loss of memory of parts of his past, he is starting over with his career and keeping close with his parents. He takes Megan on as a client and finds that he is helping her make progress.
So this is where I tell you what I had some issues with. His form of therapy left me a bit upset. He became involved personally with her while she was still seeing him for therapy. I know for a fact that in the real world, you aren’t even supposed to strike a friendship up with each other till at least a year after therapy stopped. Now that isn’t a real point since this is fiction, but while reading I continued to wonder if he wasn’t taking advantage of her and her trust.
Next thing that ended up making me so angry was the big plot twist. We have a beautiful romance going, hopes were high for me that Megan would find her dream come true and BAM………there it was. Ok so I appreciated the twist, what made me angry was the ending of the book after that. We spend over 70% of the book building the relationship and after the twist that happens, how do we as reader wrap our brain around the solution in only 10% of the book? I would have been happier if we could have had the twist in the 50% range and give us the last half of the book to see the resolution to the problem instead.
Even with my frustration in the book, I couldn’t give this book any lower than four stars because let’s face it the twist was brilliant and the writing style was excellent. She kept me engaged and following along throughout the whole thing. The development of the characters was so well done; it was very easy to empathize with Megan and Declan as they helped each other get past the ghosts and damage that was caused earlier in their life. I would recommend this book, but with the warning to be prepared for some unethical practices in his therapy and a very rushed ending.
Megan went out with her friend for drinks and dancing, two teenagers, both under 18, took the chance when a set of parents were gone to hit the bars and pretend to be grown up. Megan found herself raped and left for dead. Years later she is referred to a new therapist after trying so many before. She never felt a connection to those therapists because she is fearful of life and they all had relationships and families, until she met Declan.
He was new to this therapy career, after dealing with family issues that sent him reeling in life, he joined the military only to find more heart break and trauma in war. Suffering from his own PTSD and loss of memory of parts of his past, he is starting over with his career and keeping close with his parents. He takes Megan on as a client and finds that he is helping her make progress.
So this is where I tell you what I had some issues with. His form of therapy left me a bit upset. He became involved personally with her while she was still seeing him for therapy. I know for a fact that in the real world, you aren’t even supposed to strike a friendship up with each other till at least a year after therapy stopped. Now that isn’t a real point since this is fiction, but while reading I continued to wonder if he wasn’t taking advantage of her and her trust.
Next thing that ended up making me so angry was the big plot twist. We have a beautiful romance going, hopes were high for me that Megan would find her dream come true and BAM………there it was. Ok so I appreciated the twist, what made me angry was the ending of the book after that. We spend over 70% of the book building the relationship and after the twist that happens, how do we as reader wrap our brain around the solution in only 10% of the book? I would have been happier if we could have had the twist in the 50% range and give us the last half of the book to see the resolution to the problem instead.
Even with my frustration in the book, I couldn’t give this book any lower than four stars because let’s face it the twist was brilliant and the writing style was excellent. She kept me engaged and following along throughout the whole thing. The development of the characters was so well done; it was very easy to empathize with Megan and Declan as they helped each other get past the ghosts and damage that was caused earlier in their life. I would recommend this book, but with the warning to be prepared for some unethical practices in his therapy and a very rushed ending.
December 2, 2014
**** I Love Story Time was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review ****
4Stars!
This was the first book that I have read by D.C. Renee and I really enjoyed it! D.C created a story of two characters over coming their past and learning how to forgive and trust.
Declan and Megan's story is one that will conjure so many different emotions from the reader. I felt every emotion as I was reading about the past that Megan went through while seeking the help from Declan, her therapist. Megan is having a hard time getting close with people even as friends and has a hard time trusting. The night that changed her life caused her to completely shut down. Megan finally wants help and wants to move on and be able to be in a relationship and not be scared anymore.
The minute Declan see's Megan he knows she is different compared to his other clients and he wants her to enjoy the life that she deserves. At first, they start meeting in his office but over time, he starts changing the locations of their appointments to help her get out and open up to the idea of being out in the social atmosphere. Little by little, he can tell that Megan is starting to open up and starts to reach the goals that she is working towards. However, Declan has a past of his own and by helping Megan, it brings back the memories of his past that he couldn't remember.
Declan said some of the sweetest things to Megan...
"Butterflies symbolize change; they symbolize blossoming, opening up, becoming something that is free to fly. That's what you're doing, Meg. You're opening your wings. You just need that confidence to soar."
Megan starts to open up and feels more comfortable with her surroundings when it comes to Declan. She feels emotions that she never thought she would feel again. But with the help from Declan, she has managed to get where she has always wanted to be.
"I've never imagined I could ever be in command, that I could have the power over another human being, have that much power, until you. I never thought I could have a moment like this with out it being tainted by my past. You've given me closure, Declan."
When it comes to Declan, I have mixed feelings about his character. Was he sweet? Yes. Did he say the right things at the right time? Yes. But...I just didn't connect with him as much as I wanted to. Declan was a nice guy, had great friends, and was a great help to Megan to an extent. But, he also had his own secrets that come out through out the story that gave me a different perception of him. Overall, the story was good. I enjoyed seeing the changes that Megan made and was happy with the ending. It was definitely a story that has twist and turns every step of the way.
~Juls
4Stars!
This was the first book that I have read by D.C. Renee and I really enjoyed it! D.C created a story of two characters over coming their past and learning how to forgive and trust.
Declan and Megan's story is one that will conjure so many different emotions from the reader. I felt every emotion as I was reading about the past that Megan went through while seeking the help from Declan, her therapist. Megan is having a hard time getting close with people even as friends and has a hard time trusting. The night that changed her life caused her to completely shut down. Megan finally wants help and wants to move on and be able to be in a relationship and not be scared anymore.
The minute Declan see's Megan he knows she is different compared to his other clients and he wants her to enjoy the life that she deserves. At first, they start meeting in his office but over time, he starts changing the locations of their appointments to help her get out and open up to the idea of being out in the social atmosphere. Little by little, he can tell that Megan is starting to open up and starts to reach the goals that she is working towards. However, Declan has a past of his own and by helping Megan, it brings back the memories of his past that he couldn't remember.
Declan said some of the sweetest things to Megan...
"Butterflies symbolize change; they symbolize blossoming, opening up, becoming something that is free to fly. That's what you're doing, Meg. You're opening your wings. You just need that confidence to soar."
Megan starts to open up and feels more comfortable with her surroundings when it comes to Declan. She feels emotions that she never thought she would feel again. But with the help from Declan, she has managed to get where she has always wanted to be.
"I've never imagined I could ever be in command, that I could have the power over another human being, have that much power, until you. I never thought I could have a moment like this with out it being tainted by my past. You've given me closure, Declan."
When it comes to Declan, I have mixed feelings about his character. Was he sweet? Yes. Did he say the right things at the right time? Yes. But...I just didn't connect with him as much as I wanted to. Declan was a nice guy, had great friends, and was a great help to Megan to an extent. But, he also had his own secrets that come out through out the story that gave me a different perception of him. Overall, the story was good. I enjoyed seeing the changes that Megan made and was happy with the ending. It was definitely a story that has twist and turns every step of the way.
~Juls
December 6, 2014
Seven years ago Megan was raped when out with a friend at a bar trying out their fake ID’s. A devastating event that left her broken in so many ways as it would anyone who experiences something so brutal and wrong. Now today, she is still scared of anyone’s touch and deathly afraid of intimacy of any kind down to even hand shaking has left her living life alone ever since that day. She has managed to keep living her life, but not the way she wants to and knows she should. She wants what everyone else has….A Relationship.
Declan Connors is a 25 year old therapist which an extremely rocky past. He normally keeps his practice limited to Vets and other issues and has never had experience with a rape victim. His friend and former therapist Chuck that helped Declan with PTSD refers Megan to Delcan because she feels as if she can’t connect with her current therapist, but really she hasn’t had success with any of them. He feels like Declan may be able to relate to her more.
Declan is only a few years older than Megan and soon as she walks into his practice he is so taken back by her beauty. She may be broken, but yet very beautiful inside and out. As their therapy sessions take place, Declan immediately feels more than that therapist-patient connection. He tries so hard to be professional and keep it that way. But hey he is a man, what do you expect? The temptation is too big, and when he sees how she responds to his version of personal therapy he can’t turn back. He will do anything and everything to help Megan move on from her past.
Megan of course starts to open up, feelings develop but then memories start returning for both her and Declan. Not everything is the way it always seems. When you have two people that both have experienced trauma in their lives, things tend to be blocked out, forgotten and put so deep in the back of their minds that it’s almost like it never happened. But they did….. When the truth comes out who will end up more broken and hurt?
I really did enjoy this book. I seriously love Declan to pieces. The story was certainly emotional as dealing with two heavy issues such as PTSD of someone previously in the military as well as rape. But it was much more than that, the whole entire story, the connection just all came together for me. Do I think their connection was a little too rushed, maybe just a little but I overlooked it because I just loved both the characters and the way the story flowed. You will be kept wondering what was really behind it all and you definitely have OMG moments in this one! I give this a 4 out of 5 rating and recommend it as a worthy read!
Declan Connors is a 25 year old therapist which an extremely rocky past. He normally keeps his practice limited to Vets and other issues and has never had experience with a rape victim. His friend and former therapist Chuck that helped Declan with PTSD refers Megan to Delcan because she feels as if she can’t connect with her current therapist, but really she hasn’t had success with any of them. He feels like Declan may be able to relate to her more.
Declan is only a few years older than Megan and soon as she walks into his practice he is so taken back by her beauty. She may be broken, but yet very beautiful inside and out. As their therapy sessions take place, Declan immediately feels more than that therapist-patient connection. He tries so hard to be professional and keep it that way. But hey he is a man, what do you expect? The temptation is too big, and when he sees how she responds to his version of personal therapy he can’t turn back. He will do anything and everything to help Megan move on from her past.
Megan of course starts to open up, feelings develop but then memories start returning for both her and Declan. Not everything is the way it always seems. When you have two people that both have experienced trauma in their lives, things tend to be blocked out, forgotten and put so deep in the back of their minds that it’s almost like it never happened. But they did….. When the truth comes out who will end up more broken and hurt?
I really did enjoy this book. I seriously love Declan to pieces. The story was certainly emotional as dealing with two heavy issues such as PTSD of someone previously in the military as well as rape. But it was much more than that, the whole entire story, the connection just all came together for me. Do I think their connection was a little too rushed, maybe just a little but I overlooked it because I just loved both the characters and the way the story flowed. You will be kept wondering what was really behind it all and you definitely have OMG moments in this one! I give this a 4 out of 5 rating and recommend it as a worthy read!
December 4, 2014
Stories, tales, novels, what are they? They are a distraction, escapism, a chance to while away some time from the stresses that we all experience during the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
A chance to indulge ourselves in a world that we can only imagine... or so you would think.
Because Brutal Betrayal will not let you while away your time, it demands your attention and it damn well deserves it.
Please do not skim your way through this story, give it the consideration it deserves and it will repay you with a story that while traumatic in places, is also romantic, constructive and uplifting.
There are aspects of this book that are unpleasant, I mean there is nothing positive about the experience that Megan went through as a teenager, the one that to this day keeps an unhealthy hold on her.
But the story glistens with positivity, the fact that this young woman, is determined to piece her life back together and is prepared to do whatever it takes, screams of her inner strength.
After every set back, she continues to fight for her future and eventually ends up in under the care of Declan Connors, the latest in a long line of therapists, but this endearing man, may just be the one to finally give her the help she is so desperately looking for.
Megan, despite her past is a fabulous character, one that has stayed in the shadow of her ordeal too long and that is determined to be “normal”.
Having never been in a relationship before, she watches as the rest of the world experiences the happiness that she so desperately longs for. She wants nothing more than someone to love and someone to love her back, and with Declan’s help, she might get everything she wishes for.
Declan is much more than he initially appears. He has a history that is just as powerful to him and his present day as Megan’s is to her. But for Declan his past is far from confined because it rears its head again and demands resolution.
His devotion to helping Megan to overcome her issues is admirable, he is so patient and kind, that it is not surprising that Megan develops feelings for him. But can he keep his feelings in check or will Megan be his undoing?
I must tell you that you need to be prepared because when the twist comes and believe me when I say it is a corker, the book, will emotionally hand you your heart on a silver salver and will revel in doing so.
The book is gut wrenching in parts but it is that overwhelming depth of that emotion that makes this book not just good but great.
A chance to indulge ourselves in a world that we can only imagine... or so you would think.
Because Brutal Betrayal will not let you while away your time, it demands your attention and it damn well deserves it.
Please do not skim your way through this story, give it the consideration it deserves and it will repay you with a story that while traumatic in places, is also romantic, constructive and uplifting.
There are aspects of this book that are unpleasant, I mean there is nothing positive about the experience that Megan went through as a teenager, the one that to this day keeps an unhealthy hold on her.
But the story glistens with positivity, the fact that this young woman, is determined to piece her life back together and is prepared to do whatever it takes, screams of her inner strength.
After every set back, she continues to fight for her future and eventually ends up in under the care of Declan Connors, the latest in a long line of therapists, but this endearing man, may just be the one to finally give her the help she is so desperately looking for.
Megan, despite her past is a fabulous character, one that has stayed in the shadow of her ordeal too long and that is determined to be “normal”.
Having never been in a relationship before, she watches as the rest of the world experiences the happiness that she so desperately longs for. She wants nothing more than someone to love and someone to love her back, and with Declan’s help, she might get everything she wishes for.
Declan is much more than he initially appears. He has a history that is just as powerful to him and his present day as Megan’s is to her. But for Declan his past is far from confined because it rears its head again and demands resolution.
His devotion to helping Megan to overcome her issues is admirable, he is so patient and kind, that it is not surprising that Megan develops feelings for him. But can he keep his feelings in check or will Megan be his undoing?
I must tell you that you need to be prepared because when the twist comes and believe me when I say it is a corker, the book, will emotionally hand you your heart on a silver salver and will revel in doing so.
The book is gut wrenching in parts but it is that overwhelming depth of that emotion that makes this book not just good but great.
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