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Beyond the Truth: The Lies that Bind Us Series Book 2
The ghosts of the past were only the first lie. The truth might destroy everything left.
Dr. Hanna Nowack built a sanctuary on a foundation of sand. For nine years, she protected her daughter, rebuilt her career, and surrounded herself with people she trusted. But every peace hides a secret.
When the façade fractures, Hanna is left standing in the wreckage of betrayal, forced to confront what she thought was buried forever. The monster she faced in chains was only a doorway—one that has opened to a far more personal kind of danger.
Now, a new, insidious threat closes in: a stalker whose obsession with Hanna is deadly and deeply intimate.
To survive, she must navigate a life torn between two protectors: The one who had the courage to leave, and the one who had the strength to stay.
As love and obsession blur, Hanna must become the ruthless survivor she never wanted to be. Because the ghosts she tried to outrun were never gone—they were just waiting for her to turn around.
The lies tore them apart. The truth might destroy them all.
Book Two in The Lies That Bind Us series. For the best reading experience, start with Book One, The Lies We Whisper.
Note: This novel contains mature themes and psychological intensity consistent with the thriller genre. Support resources provided..
Dr. Hanna Nowack built a sanctuary on a foundation of sand. For nine years, she protected her daughter, rebuilt her career, and surrounded herself with people she trusted. But every peace hides a secret.
When the façade fractures, Hanna is left standing in the wreckage of betrayal, forced to confront what she thought was buried forever. The monster she faced in chains was only a doorway—one that has opened to a far more personal kind of danger.
Now, a new, insidious threat closes in: a stalker whose obsession with Hanna is deadly and deeply intimate.
To survive, she must navigate a life torn between two protectors: The one who had the courage to leave, and the one who had the strength to stay.
As love and obsession blur, Hanna must become the ruthless survivor she never wanted to be. Because the ghosts she tried to outrun were never gone—they were just waiting for her to turn around.
The lies tore them apart. The truth might destroy them all.
Book Two in The Lies That Bind Us series. For the best reading experience, start with Book One, The Lies We Whisper.
Note: This novel contains mature themes and psychological intensity consistent with the thriller genre. Support resources provided..
522 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2025
5 people are currently reading
3122 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Zane
2 books97 followersSophia Zane is a trauma-forward author of psychological suspense, writing for women who carry scars. Her emotionally charged thrillers explore the fragility of memory, the weight of trauma, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit. With layered narratives and morally complex characters, her stories dive deep into the minds of survivors, criminals, and those caught in between—where truth is never simple and secrets rarely stay buried.
A former interviewer and researcher, Sophia blends lived experience with emotional depth to ensure authenticity on every page. She is passionate about telling stories that resonate, especially with readers who have felt voiceless or unseen.
She lives in Virginia with a small army of rescue animals and can usually be found with a strong cup of coffee and her cat, Kevin, who insists on supervising everything. She is also a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.
Her debut, The Lies We Whisper, launched The Lies That Bind Us series. Book Two, Beyond the Truth, releases November 28.
Find her on Instagram and TikTok @sophiazaneauthor or at sophiazane.com.
A former interviewer and researcher, Sophia blends lived experience with emotional depth to ensure authenticity on every page. She is passionate about telling stories that resonate, especially with readers who have felt voiceless or unseen.
She lives in Virginia with a small army of rescue animals and can usually be found with a strong cup of coffee and her cat, Kevin, who insists on supervising everything. She is also a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.
Her debut, The Lies We Whisper, launched The Lies That Bind Us series. Book Two, Beyond the Truth, releases November 28.
Find her on Instagram and TikTok @sophiazaneauthor or at sophiazane.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 15, 2025
Another stunning ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Sophia Zane and her second instalment of The Lies We Whisper, Beyond the Truth.
Thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to arc read this amazing story! 😍
Oh my goodness.. this is dark.. this is twisty.. this is gritty.. it’s raw and packs a punch! This is why the genre of psychological thrillers was invented!!
Sophia has this amazing style of writing that will pull you in from the first page. She turns these characters into people who are real.. the emotions are just so real and raw! Her words are truly magic!
In this sequel we revisit Hanna, and bless her heart, I wish I could say she finds her happily ever after.. but if she does.. it’s not in this book! This book broaches difficult situations, and I strongly advise reading the trigger warnings before delving in.
Sophia has made Hanna so real. Her grief, her trauma! How you can feel the weight of it all physically as if it’s your own emotions you’re reading. I don’t have high enough praise.
I adore how she’s expertly written both sides of the story, with morbid curiosity you dive into the evil that is the mind of a deranged man.. but you’re also seeing the effects of his delusions on Hanna and her family! I love how nothing is truly tied up.. how we are left speculating! Please tell me there’s more, because this story has become a part of me!
Thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to arc read this amazing story! 😍
Oh my goodness.. this is dark.. this is twisty.. this is gritty.. it’s raw and packs a punch! This is why the genre of psychological thrillers was invented!!
Sophia has this amazing style of writing that will pull you in from the first page. She turns these characters into people who are real.. the emotions are just so real and raw! Her words are truly magic!
In this sequel we revisit Hanna, and bless her heart, I wish I could say she finds her happily ever after.. but if she does.. it’s not in this book! This book broaches difficult situations, and I strongly advise reading the trigger warnings before delving in.
Sophia has made Hanna so real. Her grief, her trauma! How you can feel the weight of it all physically as if it’s your own emotions you’re reading. I don’t have high enough praise.
I adore how she’s expertly written both sides of the story, with morbid curiosity you dive into the evil that is the mind of a deranged man.. but you’re also seeing the effects of his delusions on Hanna and her family! I love how nothing is truly tied up.. how we are left speculating! Please tell me there’s more, because this story has become a part of me!
August 19, 2025
Beyond the Truth by Sophia Zane is book two in The Lies That Bind Us series, and it is scheduled to be released on November 28, 2025.
Beyond The Truth furthers Hanna’s story and delves into the perpetrator's thoughts, a fabulous read that makes you stop and think. Zane exceptionally depicts the anger, frustration, grief, and guilt that all of the characters and gooding though so vividly that you can feel it, and at the end, when you think you know the who, what, when, and where, we realize things aren't as they seem. I would strongly encourage every reader to read the content warning and support resources, as this sequel is much darker than The Lies We Whisper. That said, even though I'm typically triggered by one of the topics in the content warning, with how delicately and precisely Zane portrayed it, I was not triggered once.
If you haven't read The Lies We Whisper, please stop immediately and read this series.
Thank you, Sophia Zane, for the opportunity to read your fantastic work. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review; all opinions and thoughts expressed are that of my own.
Beyond The Truth furthers Hanna’s story and delves into the perpetrator's thoughts, a fabulous read that makes you stop and think. Zane exceptionally depicts the anger, frustration, grief, and guilt that all of the characters and gooding though so vividly that you can feel it, and at the end, when you think you know the who, what, when, and where, we realize things aren't as they seem. I would strongly encourage every reader to read the content warning and support resources, as this sequel is much darker than The Lies We Whisper. That said, even though I'm typically triggered by one of the topics in the content warning, with how delicately and precisely Zane portrayed it, I was not triggered once.
If you haven't read The Lies We Whisper, please stop immediately and read this series.
Thank you, Sophia Zane, for the opportunity to read your fantastic work. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review; all opinions and thoughts expressed are that of my own.
August 23, 2025
I had the honor of being a beta reviewer for this masterpiece and just… wow. I won’t give away any spoilers, but buckle up! Book 1 does an incredible job of laying the groundwork and introducing the world and characters, but by Book 2 you are in the trenches with Hanna. It is raw, emotional, and so immersive.
I really appreciate Sophia’s use of trigger warnings, because you will definitely need them. This story is an emotional roller-coaster, and there were so many moments that made me cry for Hanna. The way her journey is written is both heartbreaking and powerful.
And the revelations, there are SO many that come out, you won’t want to miss a single one. This book doesn’t just pull you in, it keeps you there, page after page.
I really appreciate Sophia’s use of trigger warnings, because you will definitely need them. This story is an emotional roller-coaster, and there were so many moments that made me cry for Hanna. The way her journey is written is both heartbreaking and powerful.
And the revelations, there are SO many that come out, you won’t want to miss a single one. This book doesn’t just pull you in, it keeps you there, page after page.
September 9, 2025
::I was selected as an advanced copy reader for this book. My participation in the ARC program does not have an influence on my review.::
Didn’t see this coming!
So many omg moments throughout. And the good kind! The story from The Lies that Bind Us series continues and takes a path I really didn’t expect.
Not predictable!
Trauma scenes are throughout but Sophia Zane communicates this well up front. As a trauma victim and mother of trauma victims, I have to say that what usually triggers me did NOT because of the warnings and subtle way things were described.
I’m so mad for Hanna in this one - can’t my girl catch a break? She was definitely stronger in book one but she’s been through so much more by book two that I cannot blame her for where things lead.
Edgy scenes make their way into the book in tasteful ways.
I cannot wait to see where book three takes us and our characters because this ends with a total surprise that I didn’t see coming.
Congratulations on your upcoming release date!
Didn’t see this coming!
So many omg moments throughout. And the good kind! The story from The Lies that Bind Us series continues and takes a path I really didn’t expect.
Not predictable!
Trauma scenes are throughout but Sophia Zane communicates this well up front. As a trauma victim and mother of trauma victims, I have to say that what usually triggers me did NOT because of the warnings and subtle way things were described.
I’m so mad for Hanna in this one - can’t my girl catch a break? She was definitely stronger in book one but she’s been through so much more by book two that I cannot blame her for where things lead.
Edgy scenes make their way into the book in tasteful ways.
I cannot wait to see where book three takes us and our characters because this ends with a total surprise that I didn’t see coming.
Congratulations on your upcoming release date!
September 2, 2025
Holy hell!! This one is one heck of a book! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Beyond the Truth, and wow… what an emotional rollercoaster it is.
The story picks up immediately after The Lies We Whisper, pulling us right back into the chaos, heartbreak, and danger surrounding Hanna and her world. It digs even deeper into family loyalties, betrayals, and the shadows of organized crime, while also exploring what it means to survive and rebuild after devastating trauma.
The tension never lets up, the emotions are raw, and the writing immerses you completely in the storm of secrets and lies. Just when you think you’ve caught your breath, another twist hits you full force.
This isn’t just a suspenseful thriller; it’s a story layered with heartbreak, resilience, and a love tested in the darkest of ways. I highly recommend this series; it’s totally worth it! Just be aware: this installment is much darker than the first and confronts heavier, more painful themes head-on. Be mindful of the trigger warnings.
I chose to provide this review, and all opinions expressed are my honest and personal views.
The story picks up immediately after The Lies We Whisper, pulling us right back into the chaos, heartbreak, and danger surrounding Hanna and her world. It digs even deeper into family loyalties, betrayals, and the shadows of organized crime, while also exploring what it means to survive and rebuild after devastating trauma.
The tension never lets up, the emotions are raw, and the writing immerses you completely in the storm of secrets and lies. Just when you think you’ve caught your breath, another twist hits you full force.
This isn’t just a suspenseful thriller; it’s a story layered with heartbreak, resilience, and a love tested in the darkest of ways. I highly recommend this series; it’s totally worth it! Just be aware: this installment is much darker than the first and confronts heavier, more painful themes head-on. Be mindful of the trigger warnings.
I chose to provide this review, and all opinions expressed are my honest and personal views.
September 18, 2025
This is book 2 in The Lies That Bind Us Series ~ I read book 1, The Lies We Whisper and for me it was a 5⭐️ masterpiece. This second book is that and even more.
I have never truly ‘felt’ a story like I did this one. I’ve read books that have made me cry, but this one I felt, my heart ached and my stomach was in knots.
I don’t want to give away anything about the plot, no spoilers whatsoever. This book will pull you in and leave you heartbroken, there’s no fluff, no happy endings, just raw, real and gritty, full of pain, fear and torment, an emotional rollercoaster.
What Hanna has to endure for the safety of her daughter, her strength, bravery and survival instincts ripped my heart out.
The tension never stops, the world of organised crime, the danger, the obsession, I was completely pulled in and I’m left utterly devastated.
The book is very heavy with trauma so check the trigger warnings. I highly recommend this series, it will leave you reeling but you won’t forget it.
I can’t praise the Author highly enough ~ this is so much more than a psychological thriller.
I have never truly ‘felt’ a story like I did this one. I’ve read books that have made me cry, but this one I felt, my heart ached and my stomach was in knots.
I don’t want to give away anything about the plot, no spoilers whatsoever. This book will pull you in and leave you heartbroken, there’s no fluff, no happy endings, just raw, real and gritty, full of pain, fear and torment, an emotional rollercoaster.
What Hanna has to endure for the safety of her daughter, her strength, bravery and survival instincts ripped my heart out.
The tension never stops, the world of organised crime, the danger, the obsession, I was completely pulled in and I’m left utterly devastated.
The book is very heavy with trauma so check the trigger warnings. I highly recommend this series, it will leave you reeling but you won’t forget it.
I can’t praise the Author highly enough ~ this is so much more than a psychological thriller.
Read
September 3, 2025I loved the first book, The Lies We Whisper, and absolutely love this one too!
The MFC is strong beyond belief. She goes through so much. The side characters add so much depth and insight to the story. This is the book I wish I could read all over for the first time.
This book has it all love, hate, drama, thrills, suspense, mystery and I believe a little bit of forbidden love. It is full of plot and story that starts from page one and keeps you enthralled til the end.
As always, please check your trigger warnings. This book is heavy with trauma but so so good. Very much worth the read!
The MFC is strong beyond belief. She goes through so much. The side characters add so much depth and insight to the story. This is the book I wish I could read all over for the first time.
This book has it all love, hate, drama, thrills, suspense, mystery and I believe a little bit of forbidden love. It is full of plot and story that starts from page one and keeps you enthralled til the end.
As always, please check your trigger warnings. This book is heavy with trauma but so so good. Very much worth the read!
November 21, 2025
This book is equally if not more so, emotionally traumatic than the first book!
This dark psychological suspense series is so cleverly written the pages don’t stop turning. I read this in 48 hours I just couldn’t get enough.
This book and this series is what a true psychological thriller looks like. The trauma, the obsession, the lies and the sheer need to survive breaks you in so many ways. Sophia has such a great way of bringing the darkness but weaving in heart warming moments of love that is steeped in realism.
We follow on from book 1 (check out my review on my grid) following Hanna Nowack a prison psychologist whose life is shattered by grief, betrayal and the dangerous pull of obsession.
Each book exposes multiple layers of fragility, love, manipulation and warps the boundaries of truth and memory.
So much trauma in one book, but also so much hope and determination. The triggers are triggering in this book so please check them if you need too. It is a heavy read but also a powerful read which has been expertly written and researched by Sophia which is clear to see in her writing and how she crafts the story with the victim at the forefront.
The emotional depth and connection felt not only to the layered stories within the book but to the characters who have been so cleverly written is a credit to Sophia.
I don’t want to give anything away on the storylines weaved through this book, but safe to say I devoured every page and am eager for book 3 already.
Once you start Hanna’s story you won’t be able to stop, this series grips you like no other.
Fans of true psychological suspense thriller will love this series.
This dark psychological suspense series is so cleverly written the pages don’t stop turning. I read this in 48 hours I just couldn’t get enough.
This book and this series is what a true psychological thriller looks like. The trauma, the obsession, the lies and the sheer need to survive breaks you in so many ways. Sophia has such a great way of bringing the darkness but weaving in heart warming moments of love that is steeped in realism.
We follow on from book 1 (check out my review on my grid) following Hanna Nowack a prison psychologist whose life is shattered by grief, betrayal and the dangerous pull of obsession.
Each book exposes multiple layers of fragility, love, manipulation and warps the boundaries of truth and memory.
So much trauma in one book, but also so much hope and determination. The triggers are triggering in this book so please check them if you need too. It is a heavy read but also a powerful read which has been expertly written and researched by Sophia which is clear to see in her writing and how she crafts the story with the victim at the forefront.
The emotional depth and connection felt not only to the layered stories within the book but to the characters who have been so cleverly written is a credit to Sophia.
I don’t want to give anything away on the storylines weaved through this book, but safe to say I devoured every page and am eager for book 3 already.
Once you start Hanna’s story you won’t be able to stop, this series grips you like no other.
Fans of true psychological suspense thriller will love this series.
November 26, 2025
. I loved book 1 - The Lies We Whisper - and was excited to jump into this one.
This book is very heavy going emotionally and that impacted my enjoyment at times. The writing is incredible; Hanna has a lot of trauma and it was like you could truly feel it yourself. There was a particularly scene where I felt like I was physically flinching!
I'm going to keep this one incredibly vague because I don't want to spoil anything from this book or the 1st. I wasn't keen on the "ghost" but this might have more to do with Steve being my favourite character 😅
I didn't like the villain as much in this one (what? I totally don't have a thing for fictional serial Killers 😜) but what I did love is how Sophia wrote his descent into madness. My favourite part of the book was showing the incredible fight a person can still have in them after going through so much.
Hanna wasn't quite the same in this book, which is definitely fair given all she has to endure. I'm hoping in book 3 as she recovers we start to see her becoming more herself again. And I really hope one other thing happens too 😜 no spoilers - S & H ❤️
This book has a fair few trigger warnings and I feel they are definitely needed. I don't usually need them but Sophia did such an amazing job with the writing that it was a hard read sometimes and I had to pause to recover.
You'll love this if you're a fan of:
• dark, psychological thrillers
• organised crime/Stalker
• a mother that will do anything for her kid
• resilence
• heartbreak
• incredible writing
I strongly recommended reading book 1 first to really get this one.
This book is very heavy going emotionally and that impacted my enjoyment at times. The writing is incredible; Hanna has a lot of trauma and it was like you could truly feel it yourself. There was a particularly scene where I felt like I was physically flinching!
I'm going to keep this one incredibly vague because I don't want to spoil anything from this book or the 1st. I wasn't keen on the "ghost" but this might have more to do with Steve being my favourite character 😅
I didn't like the villain as much in this one (what? I totally don't have a thing for fictional serial Killers 😜) but what I did love is how Sophia wrote his descent into madness. My favourite part of the book was showing the incredible fight a person can still have in them after going through so much.
Hanna wasn't quite the same in this book, which is definitely fair given all she has to endure. I'm hoping in book 3 as she recovers we start to see her becoming more herself again. And I really hope one other thing happens too 😜 no spoilers - S & H ❤️
This book has a fair few trigger warnings and I feel they are definitely needed. I don't usually need them but Sophia did such an amazing job with the writing that it was a hard read sometimes and I had to pause to recover.
You'll love this if you're a fan of:
• dark, psychological thrillers
• organised crime/Stalker
• a mother that will do anything for her kid
• resilence
• heartbreak
• incredible writing
I strongly recommended reading book 1 first to really get this one.
December 23, 2025
Beyond the Truth is a heavy, emotionally intense read that doesn’t shy away from trauma, grief, or the long-term impact of silence. This is not a light story, but it’s a deeply intentional one. It’s unique in the way Zane approaches these subjects, with care and raw honesty.
The emotional weight can feel suffocating at times, not because the writing is overwhelming, but because the story stays so close to the characters’ pain. The narrative rarely lets the reader step away, mirroring the lack of escape the characters themselves experience.
What stood out most was the focus on the victim’s voice and the honest portrayal of how betrayal and loss reshape a person over time. The relationships are complicated and often painful, with no easy answers or rushed healing.
If you’re looking for a dark romance, this isn’t it. The romantic elements are minimal and secondary to the psychological and emotional depth of the story. I just want to throw that out there, as my reading buddy was expecting more romance (if you’ve read Book 1, you’ll understand).
This book comes with serious content warnings, but for readers willing to engage with difficult subject matter, Beyond the Truth is powerful and compassionate. I recommend this book, but be prepared—the story and its emotions stay with you long after the last page. This is a dark psychological thriller with very light undertones of romance, and as another reader mentioned, it does get dark.
The emotional weight can feel suffocating at times, not because the writing is overwhelming, but because the story stays so close to the characters’ pain. The narrative rarely lets the reader step away, mirroring the lack of escape the characters themselves experience.
What stood out most was the focus on the victim’s voice and the honest portrayal of how betrayal and loss reshape a person over time. The relationships are complicated and often painful, with no easy answers or rushed healing.
If you’re looking for a dark romance, this isn’t it. The romantic elements are minimal and secondary to the psychological and emotional depth of the story. I just want to throw that out there, as my reading buddy was expecting more romance (if you’ve read Book 1, you’ll understand).
This book comes with serious content warnings, but for readers willing to engage with difficult subject matter, Beyond the Truth is powerful and compassionate. I recommend this book, but be prepared—the story and its emotions stay with you long after the last page. This is a dark psychological thriller with very light undertones of romance, and as another reader mentioned, it does get dark.
December 3, 2025
I honestly thought Book One had me ready, but nothing prepared me for what this one put me through. The author goes so much deeper into the trauma, the aftermath, and the unraveling of the perpetrator that I kept catching myself thinking, wait… what? I did not see some of these turns coming.
I knew going in that certain scenes might be triggering, but the way she wrote them was compassionate and respectful. You can tell she cared about the victim’s voice, and that made the emotional impact hit even harder for me. I connected with the pain in ways I wasn’t expecting.
You could read this without Book One because she gives you enough to follow along, but honestly, start with the first book. Knowing the history makes this one land on a whole different level.
Just be prepared: this book is dark, heavy, and absolutely heartbreaking. And the wild part? I thought Richard was bad… and then THIS book showed up and proved me wrong.
Bravo, Sophia. You outdid yourself with this one. Book One was great, but this took everything to another level! I can't wait for book 3!
I knew going in that certain scenes might be triggering, but the way she wrote them was compassionate and respectful. You can tell she cared about the victim’s voice, and that made the emotional impact hit even harder for me. I connected with the pain in ways I wasn’t expecting.
You could read this without Book One because she gives you enough to follow along, but honestly, start with the first book. Knowing the history makes this one land on a whole different level.
Just be prepared: this book is dark, heavy, and absolutely heartbreaking. And the wild part? I thought Richard was bad… and then THIS book showed up and proved me wrong.
Bravo, Sophia. You outdid yourself with this one. Book One was great, but this took everything to another level! I can't wait for book 3!
December 3, 2025
I highly recommend this series! This book was so much more intense and emotionally heavy than I expected. The author warned this installment would be darker, and she absolutely delivered. The trauma, secrets, sacrifice, and complicated love are written with such raw honesty that I still feel it every time I think about the story. I laughed, I cried, and then I cried even more. The emotional weight of this book hit me harder than anything I’ve read in a long time.
The writing is stronger and more polished than Book 1, and the characters feel painfully real-flawed, human, and impossible not to care about. The story pulls you in from the very first scene and doesn’t let go. A powerful, heartbreaking continuation that’s deeper, bolder, and still lingering with me long after the last page. I can’t wait for Book 3… and I’m Team Steve all the way!
The writing is stronger and more polished than Book 1, and the characters feel painfully real-flawed, human, and impossible not to care about. The story pulls you in from the very first scene and doesn’t let go. A powerful, heartbreaking continuation that’s deeper, bolder, and still lingering with me long after the last page. I can’t wait for Book 3… and I’m Team Steve all the way!
January 4, 2026
Beyond the Truth is a dark, haunting clinical noir that doesn’t let you look away. The story digs into the psychological fallout of Hanna’s life being turned upside down by a past she thought she’d buried, and the tension never really lets up. Sophia Zane handles difficult subjects like assault and kidnapping with care and respect, always keeping the survivor’s voice at the center of the story. The fractured relationships and shared history between the characters ground everything, even as the darkness closes in. By the end, this book isn’t just gripping; it’s a powerful look at what it takes to find strength and hope after your world has been broken. I do want to note, as others have mentioned, that this is an emotionally heavy read, and there were moments where I had to pause before continuing. It’s an intense, absorbing read that’s best taken slowly rather than rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
This sequel follows Hanna, whose journey is raw, dark, and heart-wrenching. Trauma, grief, and survival are portrayed with such intensity that you feel every choice she makes to protect her daughter.
The tension never stops! Organized crime, obsession, and betrayal keep you on edge from start to finish. Dark, gripping, and unforgettable, this series will leave you reeling. Trigger warnings apply, but if you’re ready for a story that tears at your heart while keeping you hooked, don’t miss it.
The tension never stops! Organized crime, obsession, and betrayal keep you on edge from start to finish. Dark, gripping, and unforgettable, this series will leave you reeling. Trigger warnings apply, but if you’re ready for a story that tears at your heart while keeping you hooked, don’t miss it.
November 27, 2025
Well this was not even close to what I was expecting and in such a good way! It was raw and emotional and full of twists. I didn't want to stop reading! There were parts that were hard to read but it just added so many layers to the already complicatedly fascinating story. You get so much emotional depth from all of the characters, each going through a different form of trauma. It was so easy to feel connected to the characters, rooting for them or hating them. I loved this so much and I can't wait for the next one!
January 14, 2026
Beyond the Truth felt deeply personal in a way I didn’t expect. The emotions rang true, the relationships felt layered and real, and the story carried a quiet strength that stayed with me long after I finished reading. It explores pain, resilience, and healing with honesty and respect, never sensationalizing the hard moments. This is the kind of story that makes you pause, reflect, and feel seen. I could easily imagine it as a powerful film—the emotional depth, tension, and heart would translate beautifully to the screen.
January 24, 2026
Oh my goodness! It picked up exactly where the 1st one left off, and there was no slowing down. I knew Nick had issues, but I could have never guessed he was that much of a monster. My heart hurt for Brian in book 1 and most of this one until we got to learn some hidden truths. But Steve, 👏 👏 👏. He is amazing!!
Hanna and her daughter deserve love, peace, and safety. Their strength is unmatched, and I know they will find their way. Even if the story and pain aren't over yet.
Book 3 is due this year, and I can not wait!
Hanna and her daughter deserve love, peace, and safety. Their strength is unmatched, and I know they will find their way. Even if the story and pain aren't over yet.
Book 3 is due this year, and I can not wait!
January 20, 2026
This isn't your typical "happily ever after" thriller. Zane writes with a grit that most authors are too afraid to touch. The story is dark, the stakes are high, and the characters are built with a kind of silent discipline and loyalty you don’t see much anymore. It deals with some heavy themes, but it does so with a level of respect for the characters' trauma that feels authentic. If you want a story about survival and the messy reality of the past coming back to haunt you, this is it.
November 26, 2025
Sophia Zane is amazing and hooked me right from the first page. This picks up right after book 1. Poor Hanna, she has been through the wringer. So many ups and downs and poor Hanna, just when she thinks are going up, everything changes. Hanna is so strong, resilient and it shows. That ending though, I can't wait for the next book to see what happens.
November 26, 2025
As Steve has put it, Hanna has been through more than any person should. The continuation of Hanna’s story including her daughter Caitlyn and many other characters takes a turn at every chance and having to repeatedly handle the abuse she experienced would break most people. The end did have me surprised and intrigued to see what book 3 brings as I know there are only more and more secrets to unfold!
January 2, 2026
Beyond the Truth is so much more than a continuation of the first book. It dives into the psychological shadows the first one only hinted at. The author warned this one was dark, and she really wasn’t kidding. I even saw a post where she almost didn’t publish it, and I’m so glad she did.
Before anything else, there are trigger warnings. This book goes to some very heavy places, and if certain topics are difficult for you, it’s worth pausing. That said, it’s handled carefully and thoughtfully and never feels exploitative. I was hit in ways I didn’t expect and stirred emotionally like I haven’t been in a long time. I’ve read dark books before, like Outlander, Jaime’s story, and Verity, but Zane handles it equally and even differently. She is gentle with her words. It felt thoughtful and fair to every character. The trauma feels realistic and harrowing without ever feeling exploitative.
I was really impressed by how she portrays mental unraveling and repeating trauma patterns. The way the perpetrator loses control feels terrifyingly believable. Nothing is added for shock value. Every moment serves the story and shows exactly who these characters are and where their choices lead. You can tell Zane did her research and thought deeply about every detail.
The tension moves differently than in Book 1. It’s faster, more intense, and there were moments I had to put the book down just to breathe. Other times I couldn’t flip pages fast enough because I needed to know what came next. The story burrows under your skin in a way that’s hard to shake.
This book is darker than the first, yes, but it’s also emotionally richer, more layered, and even more gripping. It hit me deeper than I expected, and I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m so glad Zane told this story. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this before.
If Book 1 hooked you, Book 2 will absolutely undo you. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. When is Book 3 coming?
Before anything else, there are trigger warnings. This book goes to some very heavy places, and if certain topics are difficult for you, it’s worth pausing. That said, it’s handled carefully and thoughtfully and never feels exploitative. I was hit in ways I didn’t expect and stirred emotionally like I haven’t been in a long time. I’ve read dark books before, like Outlander, Jaime’s story, and Verity, but Zane handles it equally and even differently. She is gentle with her words. It felt thoughtful and fair to every character. The trauma feels realistic and harrowing without ever feeling exploitative.
I was really impressed by how she portrays mental unraveling and repeating trauma patterns. The way the perpetrator loses control feels terrifyingly believable. Nothing is added for shock value. Every moment serves the story and shows exactly who these characters are and where their choices lead. You can tell Zane did her research and thought deeply about every detail.
The tension moves differently than in Book 1. It’s faster, more intense, and there were moments I had to put the book down just to breathe. Other times I couldn’t flip pages fast enough because I needed to know what came next. The story burrows under your skin in a way that’s hard to shake.
This book is darker than the first, yes, but it’s also emotionally richer, more layered, and even more gripping. It hit me deeper than I expected, and I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m so glad Zane told this story. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this before.
If Book 1 hooked you, Book 2 will absolutely undo you. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. When is Book 3 coming?
January 2, 2026
A MASTERPIECE OF PAIN AND RESILIENCE: Why Beyond the Truth Demands Your Attention
I was absolutely not prepared for the sheer emotional and psychological intensity I experienced with this book.
Picking up with breathtaking speed right where The Lies We Whisper left off, Beyond the Truth plunges the reader immediately back into the high-stakes aftermath, demonstrating a narrative pace so relentless I don't think I've ever read a book this fast. I was glued to the pages, adrenaline-fueled, completely on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Why This Book is a Masterpiece
To call this novel simply a "thriller" is an understatement. It is a profound exploration of what it means to survive when your life is inextricably tangled up in the brutal world of powerful, established organized crime.
The emotional depth and the visceral reaction it provokes stem directly from the author’s unflinching commitment to telling the victim’s truth. You don't just read about Hanna's journey; you feel it. Her pain, her fractured memories, her fight for survival, and her unwavering resilience are portrayed with a raw honesty that made me laugh at moments of connection and cry a lot. Deeply feeling the burden and the hope right alongside her.
The brilliance lies in the complex web of support and suspicion surrounding Hanna. The tension between her and the few people she still trusts, provides a necessary contrast to the darkness she is fighting to escape. Every dynamic is fraught, every relationship tested, and the author uses these connections to examine how trauma echoes through the lives of everyone involved.
Beyond the Truth is a triumphant and unsettling continuation steeped in clinical noir, dissecting survival, justice, and the lies we tell ourselves with cold precision and moral weight. This five-star, must-read novel cements its status as a true masterpiece of the genre. Highly recommended.
I was absolutely not prepared for the sheer emotional and psychological intensity I experienced with this book.
Picking up with breathtaking speed right where The Lies We Whisper left off, Beyond the Truth plunges the reader immediately back into the high-stakes aftermath, demonstrating a narrative pace so relentless I don't think I've ever read a book this fast. I was glued to the pages, adrenaline-fueled, completely on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Why This Book is a Masterpiece
To call this novel simply a "thriller" is an understatement. It is a profound exploration of what it means to survive when your life is inextricably tangled up in the brutal world of powerful, established organized crime.
The emotional depth and the visceral reaction it provokes stem directly from the author’s unflinching commitment to telling the victim’s truth. You don't just read about Hanna's journey; you feel it. Her pain, her fractured memories, her fight for survival, and her unwavering resilience are portrayed with a raw honesty that made me laugh at moments of connection and cry a lot. Deeply feeling the burden and the hope right alongside her.
The brilliance lies in the complex web of support and suspicion surrounding Hanna. The tension between her and the few people she still trusts, provides a necessary contrast to the darkness she is fighting to escape. Every dynamic is fraught, every relationship tested, and the author uses these connections to examine how trauma echoes through the lives of everyone involved.
Beyond the Truth is a triumphant and unsettling continuation steeped in clinical noir, dissecting survival, justice, and the lies we tell ourselves with cold precision and moral weight. This five-star, must-read novel cements its status as a true masterpiece of the genre. Highly recommended.
October 30, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Beyond the Truth, my very first one and what an experience it was. I loved the first book, but this sequel took everything deeper, darker, and more powerful.
The author is upfront with trigger warnings, and I really appreciate how seriously that was taken. This story does not shy away from trauma, grief, or the painful realities some people face. But the way it’s written feels respectful, honest, and never exploitative. It’s heavy at times, yes, but also filled with moments of strength, survival, and hope that shine even brighter against the darkness.
The middle of the book—Parts 3 through 5, absolutely gutted me. The emotions are raw and unflinching: heartbreak, betrayal, resilience, and the kind of choices that change people forever. I caught myself holding my breath, flipping pages faster, and even having to pause just to take it all in.
What makes this book unforgettable is how alive the characters feel. They are flawed, brave, hurting, and healing all at once. You feel their pain, their love, their strength and it stays with you long after the final page.
If the first book hooked you, this one will leave you reeling. It’s gripping, emotional, and impossible to forget. Beyond the Truth doesn’t just continue the story, it transforms it into something bigger and even more unforgettable.
And now I need Book 3—because I am completely hooked.
The author is upfront with trigger warnings, and I really appreciate how seriously that was taken. This story does not shy away from trauma, grief, or the painful realities some people face. But the way it’s written feels respectful, honest, and never exploitative. It’s heavy at times, yes, but also filled with moments of strength, survival, and hope that shine even brighter against the darkness.
The middle of the book—Parts 3 through 5, absolutely gutted me. The emotions are raw and unflinching: heartbreak, betrayal, resilience, and the kind of choices that change people forever. I caught myself holding my breath, flipping pages faster, and even having to pause just to take it all in.
What makes this book unforgettable is how alive the characters feel. They are flawed, brave, hurting, and healing all at once. You feel their pain, their love, their strength and it stays with you long after the final page.
If the first book hooked you, this one will leave you reeling. It’s gripping, emotional, and impossible to forget. Beyond the Truth doesn’t just continue the story, it transforms it into something bigger and even more unforgettable.
And now I need Book 3—because I am completely hooked.
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