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Tangled Lives

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Alfie doesn't forget... and he certainly doesn't forgive. Can Nathan and Gemma's marriage survive the mob boss's return?

Nathan has tried to be a changed man for Gemma after they escaped gangster Alfie's clutches, but it doesn't take long for him to give into temptation... and now Alfie's back to get what's his.

Alfie doesn't like losing. The gangster has been biding his time ever since Nathan and Gemma escaped his clutches, but he's determined to collect his debt now. It helps that he knows about Gemma's big secret...

Gemma's been hiding something life-changing from her husband while they've been on the run. But now Alfie's back in town, her lies could cost her Nathan... and her son.

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2020

120 people are currently reading
37 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Harte

23 books43 followers
Stephanie Harte was born and raised in North West London.

After leaving school, she trained in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy at London College of Fashion. Stephanie went on to teach beauty workshops at a specialist residential clinic for children with severe eating disorders for ten years. She also previously worked as a Pharmaceutical Buyer for the NHS and an international medical export company.

While taking a break to raise her two children, Stephanie began writing as a hobby. She signed a contract in March 2019 with Head of Zeus. Stephanie wrote seven crime novels for the publisher before signing a contract with Boldwood Books in June 2023. She is currently writing a new series, The Kennedy Twins. The first book, Double Trouble, will be released on 10th April 2024.

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5 stars
234 (45%)
4 stars
137 (26%)
3 stars
82 (16%)
2 stars
28 (5%)
1 star
31 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,690 reviews1,695 followers
August 31, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Gemma and Nathan are living in Spain with baby Luca. They are on the run from Alfie Watson. Nathan has found his dad, Gareth, and wants to go back to London to meet him. Gemma is reluctant to return but reluctantly agrees. Gemma and Luca are taken by Alfie's dad. He tells Gemma he knows her secret and that she needs to come clean. Will Gemma come clean with her secret before someone else tells it.

I didn't know that this was the second book in the series when I requested it. I would have preferred to have read the first book as I like to read a series in the order they are written in. There's a good mix of characters in this twisted read. The bad guys are more likeable than some of the good guys. I wasn't keen on Nathan. The plotline is credible and gripping. The ending was a cliffhanger so you'll have to wait for the next book to find out what happens.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Aria #Aries and the author #SpephanieHarte for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,767 reviews165 followers
August 28, 2020
After escaping Alfie’s clutches Gemma and Nathan are now living in Puerto Banus Spain with their son Luca. Alfie’s is now been arrested with several members of his gang. Life is sweet.
When Nathan decides he want to go back to see is long lost father. At first Gemma is adamant as it is still not safe after herself and Nathan stealing Alfie’s money. But she loves her husband and so she agrees. Not long after returning to Britain the pair are met by Alfie’s Dad. They are bundled into a car and brought to a house deep and secluded in Epping forest. They wonder what is going on until they realise that Alfie’s is not in prison and again, they are in the clutches if the Watson’s again.
This is another gripping tense thriller that I really enjoyed. I could not put this down. This has solid characters and good story line. I just thought Gemma was a bit gullible if she thinks she can get one over Alfie and win. This has a cliff hanger ending to keep you guessing until the next book. I can’t wait.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,023 reviews434 followers
September 10, 2020
After reading book one I was really hoping to read more from this author.

Gemma and Nathan are now living in Spain with their son Luca after escaping from Alfie. Nathan wants to go back to London to meet his long lost father. Although Gemma isn’t too happy she agrees. Once they arrive back we are thrown into the gangland world.

A well written story with plenty of twists and turns. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,734 reviews52 followers
August 25, 2020
Another tense and fantastic book from the author.
the second in the series.
starts in Puerto Banus Spain.
Gemma and Nathan Stone with their baby son Luca are hiding out after Alfie Watson and his men are finely arrested in Boulogne, but will they be safe here?
it is not safe to go back on to british soil after the robbery on the Antwerp Diamond Centre, but Nathan has managed to track down his biological father Gareth and wants to travel back to London, Gemma hopes its not a huge mistake. so does his mother Rosa who sees trouble in the man.
This book has so many twists and turns as you read.
My blood ran cold page after page.
Your emotions run all over the place Right till the end.
it is a fantastic book two that i loved.

Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books115 followers
September 8, 2020
The second book in the Risking it All series concentrates on a gangland family vendetta, Gemma and Nathan have escaped, but he continues to put them in danger. Told from a multiperson viewpoint the reader understands all the main characters actions, emotions and motivations.

Gemma's secret threatens her family and gives Alfie leverage. Nathan remains weak and self-centred and the least likeable of the three main characters. The action is swift and not graphic, and the characters are flawed and relatable.

The plot is well written and the characters vibrant making this an addictive ganglit read.

I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,159 reviews26 followers
August 25, 2020
i am so enjoying this series Gemma and Nathen are still on the run from Alfie they are living in Spain with there young boy Luca but Nathan has found his dad and he wants to go back to London . Nathan still not speaking to his mum Rosa after finding out about his dad but i think Alfie is a loveable rouge .and Alfie has found them will Gemma come clean with Nathan before someone tell s her secret so recommend this series
Profile Image for Marnie.
779 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2025
I am still fairly new to the gangland crime genre, only having been exposed to two other series halfway through, but it is fast becoming one of my favourites to read. Stephanie Harte gave me a great introduction to her take on it with the first book in this series, Risking It All, so I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read and review the latest instalment, Tangled Lives.

Tangled Lives picks up where Risking It All left off, so I would recommend you reading this one first, although it is not essential. Actually, I will back track here and say yes it is essential, as you would be missing out on a great read!

Stephanie Harte has created another gripping read that will have you glued to the pages. It is fast paced, actioned packed and definitely keeps you on your toes. With its strong plot, very well developed characters and just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep you hanging on, it really is a thrilling ride!

It was great to catch up with Nathan and Gemma again and dare I say even Alfie who really does bring the story to life. He really has been created as the perfect villain and is portrayed perfectly and does steal the show. With the way this book ended, it is going to make a very interesting next read for these three, which I am looking forward to seeing how it will unfold.

When I was putting my blog post together for Tangled Lives and familiarised myself again with Stephanie Harte, I actually did forget that this is only her second outing into the gangland crime genre. This is such a testament to her writing and the confidence that shines through her words, making it for me, like she has been writing these books for years!

As it currently stands, there are only going to be three books in this series, with the third to be released next year, but I do hope this will change. Stephanie Harte has created something really great here and I think there is still plenty of life left in these characters for it to continue with just a little bit longer. I have everything crossed!

If you are familiar with and like Heather Burnside’s and Emma Tallon’s gangland crime series and are looking for another to sink your teeth into, then you really should also give this series a read. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed! It was an absolute pleasure to read and review Tangled Lives which I highly recommend.

Thank you to Stephanie Harte, Aria Fiction and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Tangled Lives which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Leona.
1,520 reviews
September 30, 2020
Book 2 in the Risking it all series . We are back again with Nathan and Gemma who are still living in fear of Alfie catching up with them. Nathan persuades Gemma to return to London for a personal matter and she agrees to go with them. Eventually Alfie catches up with them and both Gemma and Nathan are under his thumb again, Gemma is hiding something big and she knows Alfie has a hold over her in regards to this big secret.

Boy oh boy this was another fabulous and fast paced read by this brilliant author. Gangland thriller is one of my favourite genres and this book was no exception. I had read and loved book 1 so straight away I was back into the lives of Gemma and Nathan and the criminal Alfie. Every chapter of this book was told from the view point of one of the main characters. I just loved the say this book was written. It was easy to follow and even if you haven’t read book one you could read this as a stand-alone. Personally though I would recommend reading book 1 Risking it all as it is also an excellent read.
Now I will just have to wait patiently for Book 3 in this brilliant series.
6 reviews
January 7, 2021
I've read both books in this series but I won't be reading the third I'm afraid. It's a very weak storyline padded out with constant repetitions of the same agonised thoughts and waffle "Cobwebs of despair were busy spinning themselves around my heart, ensnaring it" followed swiftly by " I was grieving for something that hadn't happened yet. I couldn't seem to stop myself. The intense feelings of sadness and grief were overwhelming"

I feel that the storyline of both books which for me were definitely not gripping and so ridiculously unbelievable was just a boring tale of two very stupid people who became involved in crime for the weakest of reasons, a very small debt owed to a petty criminal who was apparently a respected and feared gangland boss.

I do wish Stephanie well, I certainly couldn't even begin to write a book although I read so many. If I could offer any advice it would be to start with a believable plot and make the book shorter so that you don't fill the pages with repetitive boring waffle.

Profile Image for Lucy C.
369 reviews54 followers
August 23, 2020
A big thank you to Aria & Aries for this ARC.

I had only just finished and loved risking it all when I was approved for Tangled lives so I eager to pick up where we left off.

Gemma and Nathan are now living in Spain with baby Luca thinking life is going great after escaping Alfie and taking all the money.
Nathan wants to go back to England to meet his long lost father and Gemma reluctantly agrees knowing they will be danger.
It doesn't take long before they are tracked down by Aflie's father.

Can they escape the Watson's again? And what is standing in their way this time?

I loved this much more then the first novel, a good storyline and keeps you on your toes. I love Aflie and so glad it went the way it did.

I cannot wait to read the next installment.

Fantastic work Stephanie.
Profile Image for Kim.
487 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2020
Gemma and Nathan are living in Spain with baby Luca after stealing his money and fleeing from Alfie Watson and his gang. Life is going good until Nathan finds his biological father who is living in London and he wants to go back to meet him. He knows the dangers but is prepared to take the risk to at last meet the father he was led to believe abandoned him when he was a child by his mother Rosa.
Gemma has a secret that Alfie is also in on which gives him one over her. She needs to come clean.......

The book speeds along at a fast pace which leaves the reader catching their breath. An excellent story which I really enjoyed.
112 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2020
Firstly my thanks to the publisher Aria and the author for the ARC of this book. When I started this book I wasn’t aware it’s the second book in the series and I would’ve liked to have read book 1 first. However it didn’t stop me from loving this book. This was a really well written book with good solid characters and I found it difficult to put down. Right from the start I was engrossed in this story. Highly recommend this book. Off now to purchase the first book in the series.
175 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2021
Wow

Another great read by Stephanie Harte this is only the second book I've read by this author and each one had me gripped. Nathan and Gamma with baby Luca thought they had escaped the clutches of gangster Alfie only for him to turn up on their doorstop one day. Alfie insisted Luca was his baby after a one night stand and when a DNA test proved him right Nathan drove off at speed in his car and crashed it. He was left fighting for his life
Profile Image for Vanessa.
3,229 reviews27 followers
February 15, 2022
Tangled Lives by Stephanie Harte was another superb book. This book is the second in the Risking It series.
This was brilliant from start to finish and well written throughout with a fast-paced story that will have the reader on the edge of their seat,

I highly recommend this trilogy Big fat 5 stars from me!

Big thank you to NetGalley, Aria Aries the publishers and the author Stephanie Harte for my ARC Forgive and Forget in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Khurshid Ali.
849 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2021
This was a continuation from risking it all and I loved the way Stephanie had easily and seamlessly continued the love triangle between Gemma, Alfie and Nathan.

I also loved the introduction of the Jethro and Gareth as these characters showed how the revenge element started.
Profile Image for Biff meechan.
362 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2020
Tangled Life's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed this 2nd part of the book even better than the 1st.I can't wait to start the next 1,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
146 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2021
Worth a read

I enjoyed this book although it wasn’t as action packed as the first in the series. Looking forward to the next instalment.
47 reviews
September 12, 2021
Simply gripping

Such a great read, twists and turns on almost every page, can't wait to read the 3rd book in the series
Profile Image for Pol.
451 reviews9 followers
September 25, 2021
Enjoying this series of Gemma and Nathan, looking forward to the 3rd book.
2 reviews
June 26, 2025
Really not a good read

Described as a gangland novel which isn't true. It's a story of relationships and unfortunately very badly written and boring
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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