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The Lies that Bind Us (Woods Grove Series, Book 1)

H.P. Davenport (Goodreads Author)

4.08 · Rating details · 63 ratings · 36 reviews

My life was perfect: the school of my dreams with the boy of my dreams, playing the sport of my dreams.

Until that boy destroyed our future – now I’m numb, each day passing in a colorless void.

When joy comes from the last place I could have imagined, I pick up the pieces and put together a new life.

Now that boy is back, and the man he’s become wants to right the past and di ...more

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Published June 28th 2021

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Jun 29, 2021 Paula rated it did not like it

Shelves: 2nd-chance-sucks-lemons, cheater-hero-or-heroine

(view spoiler) ...more

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Jul 01, 2021 Jenifer Briggs rated it it was ok

I've been struggling with how I want to write this review, because on one hand, it was truly an emotional story and I loved our heroine so much. She's the reason why I wanted to rate it higher, but ultimately I just couldn't.. because then there was the supposed "hero" of the story. *eternal face palm.* Look, I love angsty love stories as much as the rest of the romance community, but there's angst.. and then there's this.

So a little backstory: Nolan (H) and Raya (h) are head over heels in love I've been struggling with how I want to write this review, because on one hand, it was truly an emotional story and I loved our heroine so much. She's the reason why I wanted to rate it higher, but ultimately I just couldn't.. because then there was the supposed "hero" of the story. *eternal face palm.* Look, I love angsty love stories as much as the rest of the romance community, but there's angst.. and then there's this.

So a little backstory: Nolan (H) and Raya (h) are head over heels in love with each other and despite how young they are, they are determined to spend the rest of their lives together. Until Nolan suddenly has a personality switch and makes out with another woman right in front of Raya at a party, and then acts like he slept with her too. Raya is obviously devastated and has no idea way the supposed love of her life would cheat on her, much less humiliate her in such a public way, that she goes back the next morning only to see the same OW Nolan kissed walking out of his house. She puts two and two together and realizes that Nolan isn't the man she thought she was, and she was in love with a pretty lie this entire time. The only good thing about all of this is that she has all of Nolan's brothers on her side (they all grew up together and are extremely close) and they don't hesitate to turn their backs on Nolan to take care of their friend/surrogate little sister. (Which honestly, was one of my favorite parts of the book. We don't support cheaters here, no matter if we're related to them or not.) So time passes and Raya goes onto college, thinking that Nolan will be enrolling with her and on campus since that's what they planned. More time passes and she still hasn't seen him, but she just thinks that since the campus is so big she keeps missing him. She throws herself into her soccer, her new friends, her roommate, and the swoony Keegan who has made it known how into her she is. Until once again poor Raya's life is turned on it's head when she finds out she's pregnant.

So why all the drama you ask? Why all the heartbreak? Well, it seems Nolan here decided at the last minute to enlist, and he just couldn't bring himself to tell his sweet Raya, so he stages their last night together to make it look like he cheated -- even though he didn't. Good god, I want to high five this dude in the face with a chair. So instead of just being HONEST with the girl you are supposedly so in love with, you just turn into a coward and publically humiliate her in the worst way possible? But it's ok because you're going to get her back once your time in the military is up? HA. HA. HA. This fucking man. AND when he comes back five years later --not once visiting his parents/family since he left, AND turning down any contact Raya tried to make with him telling about her life changes (and ya know.. his.) he comes back with an attitude the size of Texas and acts like HE'S the one who has been wronged. I just can't. He gets in a physical altercation with his brothers, he fights with his mom & dad, he accuses Raya of being a slut and sleeping with his brother the first chance she got, (which we know she obviously didn't) and then got mad when he found out that she kept such a huge secret (spoiler, she didn't. It was his own stupidity that kept him from knowing) There was just so much stupid going on with Nolan, and I just couldn't fathom why Raya still loved him so much. If my ex came back and basically slut shamed me in front of everyone that I was close to, as well as acting like I kept something from HIM I would be saying Thank you, Next faster than you could blink. And I would be OWNING falling in love with someone ten times better than him. But I digress. So after Nolan finally figures how wrong he's being (lets give that boy a golden star for coming to terms with that, hm?) he does a whole other personality switch and decides he's going to be with Raya because he knows she secretly still loves him. So he'll just force his way back into her life, back into her bed, and make her feel all those swoony feelings she once felt for him, despite her saying that she doesn't want him anymore and at best they can be friends. But here I am swooning so freaking much because the man who broke her knows her better than she knows herself and proceeds to ignore her wishes and wants. Good lord, sign me up for a relationship like this! (Obvious sarcasm, btw)

It ends in a HEA, but honestly, I would have loved to have seen Nolan run back off to wherever again and have Raya end up with either Keegan or Nolan's oldest brother who truly actually seemed to love her. But nooooo, the douchebag wins in this case because he's finally learned his lesson about and lying and keeping secrets, and since he's over it, everyone should be too. True romance!!! Oh, and although it's never really touched on, Nolan was with multiple other women during their separation, whereas Raya could only stomach to sleep with someone else one time, and she felt so guilty afterwards. *SWOOOONNNNN****

Based on the reviews, I'm obviously in the minority here but I just couldn't stand Nolan. I truly tried to connect with him and feel something beyond disdain but I couldn't. I don't think I've disliked a hero this much in so long.

That's not to say though that this author isn't talented, because she truly is. I absolutely adore her, and I'm in no way trying to be mean with my review. This book just wasn't for me. But if the rest of the series follows Nolan's brothers I will definitely be reading them because they were absolutely amazing. Every single one of them are spectacular men, and I just know would treat their women the way they are supposed to be treated.

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.** ...more

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Jul 14, 2021 Dana Mason rated it it was amazing

Great read! This was my first H.P. Davenport novel, but I don’t think it’ll be my last.
Childhood sweethearts turned broken-hearted strangers in this angsty story of hurt, healing, and forgiveness. It was an incredible journey, and I dare you not to fall in love with Raya and her band of faithful friends. She’s strong, resilient, and ready to move forward in life without Nolan, but… is she really?
When Nolan breaks Raya’s heart for seemingly no reason at all, she walks away from a relationship s ...more

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Jun 25, 2021 The Smutbrarians rated it it was amazing

Feels 5
Steam 3
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Stephanie

This second chance love story was one hell of an emotionally intense roller coaster. It had so many ups and downs, twists and turns that my head felt like it would never stop spinning. It’s a story that held the promise of that sweet and special forever kind of love. The kind some people wait their whole life for and still may never find. But for Raya and Nolan, it always lived next door. That is until Feels 5
Steam 3
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Stephanie

This second chance love story was one hell of an emotionally intense roller coaster. It had so many ups and downs, twists and turns that my head felt like it would never stop spinning. It’s a story that held the promise of that sweet and special forever kind of love. The kind some people wait their whole life for and still may never find. But for Raya and Nolan, it always lived next door. That is until a lie took the lives they knew and their plans and destroyed it all.

“My future was all planned out, one I thought I wanted. One I know I will regret walking away from in years to come.”

Raya and Nolan grew up next door to each other. Their families shared an amazing bond. Once the two became more than friends, it was clear to them and everyone around them that they were forever. They planned to go to college together with this bright and beautiful future but Nolan made a choice. He kept a secret from Raya and right before they were to go away to school, he took her heart, held it in his hands and shattered it. His lie and betrayal irrevocably destroyed all they were.

“What I’m about to do will alter my life forever. I will hurt the one person I promised I never would. I’m a fucking coward. If I’d only been honest with her, things would be different.”

I loved Raya. She was fierce, determined and didn’t let what happened harden her. Yes, it may have broken and changed her. But in time she rebuilt herself into a stronger more confident Raya and discovered she had so many other beautiful things to live for and love. I struggled big time with Nolan. I didn’t understand the need for his secret. Or why he chose to do what he did to Raya. Why do things that way? Why be a coward? I will be honest...I despised him most of the book.

“Our futures were meant to be together. But his love is now my enemy.”

I really enjoyed this story. I was a mess for a while with a pile of tear soaked tissues and a half drunk bottle of wine by my side to keep me company as the author broke our hearts over and over again. But then she slowly and carefully put the pieces back together. This is not an easy story and as much as I loved Raya, I hated Nolan. Most of the book but Nolan did grow on me. There were parts of the story where I was rooting for a few other key players to make their moves. I found myself thinking they would have been better choices...easier choices but love isn’t always easy. I think the only reasons this wasn’t a five star read for me is because at first I struggled with how part of the story started out...when Raya was at college and went back home but it all came together as it should have. The other reason was Nolan and his choice...his secret. I had a hard time getting past that. But overall, I really did love this book and the author is such a fantastic storyteller. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for the Callahan family and friends.

“Let me love you. Let me fix what I broke.” ...more

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Jun 13, 2021 Carrie rated it really liked it

Nolan & Raya's story is a beautifully told angst-fest.

I admit - I did not connect with Nolan for most of the story. I WANTED to. I wanted to sympathize or empathize with him, but ... I really just think he was an idiot. He had reasons for the decisions he made and actions he took, but I didn't connect with those reasons. I think he needed his butt kicked. Several times.

Eventually, he gets his head outta his butt & screwed on straight, thankfully. Meanwhile, I liked Raya for most of the story. ...more

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Jun 28, 2021 Kelly Fountain rated it it was amazing

Life done together, a childhood spent playing until the sparks of something more. High school sweethearts, the best of friends and secure in their blossoming love. A future planned together and dreams coming true...until he shatters them. Now she’s broken and her world will never be the same. He doesn’t know it yet, but he is too. Now he wants what he never should have let go. Lies, betrayal and secrets have warped the innocence of their past.

Their new lives are entwined with the old. Their tie ...more

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Jun 28, 2021 Read.Review.Repeat Blog rated it it was amazing

"I know when I am reading a great book because I cannot stop thinking about it and anticipating how the story will play out. Sometimes I am spot on, but most of the time I am way off base.
The start of Nolan and Raya’s book was both heartbreaking and shocking but it set up the rest of the story in that I could somewhat guess how it would end but I certainly couldn’t ever fathom all the in between bits that made this story so incredible.
It is honestly one of the best books that I have read this y ...more

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Jun 24, 2021 Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) rated it it was amazing

It was all planned out... the future they both wanted... then it was destroyed one night when Nolan does the unthinkable. Raya and Nolan were that couple in their high school that everyone thought would make it, the ones that would eventually end up saying "I do"... but they didn't make it that far. Nolan broke her heart right before she was ready to head off to college, and suddenly that plan they had no longer existed. Now she is beside herself, and left wondering how is she supposed to live h ...more

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Jun 27, 2021 Jennifer Pierson rated it it was amazing

H.P. Davenport has a seriously addictive writing style that never fails to draw me in from the jump, and I've learned that I cannot start a book by her with limited time since I won't be moving until every last page is devoured. I've gone back & forth about this review because of Nolan, as he made a decision for Raya without asking her so I was already up in arms about it all. It only got worse over all the years he was an idiot so he messed up in more unforgivable ways, and I didn't warm up to ...more

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Jun 25, 2021 World Of Books 65 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: highly-recommend, new-series, must-read, fav-fav, read-again, slow-burn, tear-jerker, swoon-worthy

The meaning of the word epic is, ' heroic or grand in scale or character' . The Lies That Bind Us fits that description perfectly. I was taken on a journey of first loves, last loves, and only loves, and I came out believing that soul mates exist even when one road leads our couple, Nolan and Raya, in different directions for 5 years. At 18 Nolan believes he is doing the right thing when he breaks Raya's heart, he believes that one day he may have the chance to redeem himself, but what this yo ...more

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Jun 23, 2021 Pam rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars
H.P Davenport has given us a start to a new series and with it comes many new characters to fall in love with. Raya and Nolan's story is a true second change that carries with it a lot of secrets and lack of communication, young hearts and minds that could have done things differently, a love that has grown from friendship and is stronger than anyone imagined. Can they find a way past the heartache and back to the beautiful love they once shared?

Raya and Nolan were that high school coup ...more

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Jul 04, 2021 Amazeballs Book Addicts added it

The Lies That Bind is a good read. Raya has everything planned out. She and her boyfriend, Nolan are going to college together. Nolan has other plans and pretty much pulls the rug out underneath her. She's a strong girl and tries hard to move on. I felt for her. She's a likable character. Nolan has brothers who stand by Raya. I liked how they had her back. Nolan was an okay character. He does things that had me scratching my head wondering why. He's gone for five years before he comes back and ...more

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Jun 27, 2021 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs, friends-to-lovers, oops-baby, single-parent, small-town-romance, second-chance, southern-chics-lit

Raya is one of the best characters I've read in a really long time. She's so strong. When the worst possible thing happens between her and Nolan, she recognized immediately that she deserves better than his garbage and walked. This is something that so often doesn't happen in books. Raya is goals.

Jamie from Unspoken Words is one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. Like one of the epic ones that raise the bar. I couldn't help but compare Nolan to him which I know isn't fair but Nolan didn ...more

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Jun 26, 2021 Sharon Jones rated it it was amazing

I know when I am reading a great book because I cannot stop thinking about it and anticipating how the story will play out. Sometimes I am spot on, but most of the time I am way off base.
The start of Nolan and Raya’s book was both heartbreaking and shocking but it set up the rest of the story in that I could somewhat guess how it would end but I certainly couldn’t ever fathom all the in between bits that made this story so incredible.
It is honestly one of the best books that I have read this ye ...more

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Jun 28, 2021 Pamela rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary-romance, ebooks, second-chance, arcs, friends-to-lovers, na-college

Nolan and Raya grew up as friends then turned into sweethearts in high school. They were the couple most thought would get married but Nolan keeps a secret from Raya that ends all of it. Raya is on her way to college with a broken heart and trying to deal with life. Nolan was just stupid with his choices and so young. The two end up meeting back up around five years later and Nolan wants another chance. Can Raya ever trust Nolan not to break her heart again? A good second chance read.

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Jun 11, 2021 Lofty rated it really liked it

4*
Nolan does the unforgivable to his girlfriend Raya and hurts her terribly.
He's trying to do the right thing and let her experience college properly.
Raya is broken when Nolan deceived her but not everything is as it seems.
Her future isn't going as planned but adjustments are needed and support comes from those she didn't expect it from.
A lovely second chance story. ...more

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Jun 27, 2021 Corrinne rated it it was amazing

A love so deep what happens when someone ruins it ?? Can you forget and forgive ? Loved there story it’s such depth their love is but so easily shattered ! Raya is strong and frail at the same time . I have to say I really liked Nolan, for some reason and was waiting with baited breath what was gonna happen... i can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out some answers that have left me hanging... their better be a next book ! Great read.

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Jun 29, 2021 Louise rated it really liked it

Angst heaven

Absolutely worth a read if you love angst. Heroine doesn’t just roll over, the hero has to GROVEL! So rare these days, looking forward to the next book, bring on Weston.

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Jun 29, 2021 Jennifer Millaway rated it really liked it

Great story

Great story here. It has all the meat and potatoes. I love the concept, character development was great, and it flowed. I feel last few chapters was missing something and epilogue wasn't even about this story. Looking forward to the next book. ...more

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Jun 28, 2021 Sarah Dale rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021-reads, second-chance-romance, contemporary-romance, june-2021

Nolan and Raya have grown up together and their friendship developed into much more. Their connection was everything, they planned their futures together until Nolan destroys their dreams and breaks her heart. Years later he's back and determined to get her back but it will be a lot harder then he thought.

HP Davenport did a great job with this one. She delivered a good story of second chances, love, betrayal, healing, family and friendship, add in the heart, emotion and witty banter and this is ...more

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May 12, 2021 HEA PR marked it as to-read

✍ BLOGGERS! ✍

═ TOUR DATES ═
Cover Reveal - May 17
Teaser Tuesday - June 22
Release Day Tour with Reviews - June 28

Join the tours here ➳ https://bit.ly/TheLiesThatBindUsTOURS

...more

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Jul 04, 2021 Jamie rated it really liked it

When you have a love like the love Raya and Nolan had can it survive the betrayal that Nolan did to Raya. Years later after he is back home, can he gain the forgiveness and trust back from his family and the one woman that held his heart in her hands. Will he get his second chance at the life the both of them dreamed of.

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Jun 20, 2021 Laurel Nilsen rated it it was amazing

The Lies that Bind Us is book 1 in the Woods Grove series. Nolan and Raya have a love like no other and then Nolan does the unthinkable and breaks Raya in two. This is a second chance romance that you will need a tissue or two as you are taking on an emotional upheaval. A story of secrets, sacrifice and a love that would stand the test of time. Nolan and Raya will grip hold of your heart and bury themselves deep into your soul. A storyline that holds you captive to the words, feelings and the ch ...more

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Jun 28, 2021 Renee Entress rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2021, arc, series

4 star

The story has laughs, betrayal, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

This is Raya and Nolan’s story. Raya and Nolan were in love but he made some decisions and decided that breaking her heart was what was needed. Those reasons are reveled in the story. Raya is shattered and has a really hard time putting back the broken pieces. Even 5 years later she is still trying to put her heart back together. Nolan comes back wanting Raya back. He knows it will not be easy and is willing to put in the work, ...more

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Jun 30, 2021 Linda rated it really liked it

Sometimes, when you break someone, there's no putting them back together! Nolan broke Raya! Can he put her back together? I was fighting it, then wanting it!

Raya, I absolutely loved her throughout the ENTIRE story! She dazzled me!

This was a fantastic second chance romance! However, will Ms. Davenport give these two their second chance, or not!?!

Excellent entertainment!
...more

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Jul 06, 2021 Alicia Harrietha rated it it was amazing

I truly enjoy this author and really enjoyed the first book of the Woods Grove Series. I completely fell in love with Raya and Nolan and found this story unbelievably relatable. To have the life you always dreamed of having fall apart so terribly is heartbreaking and so hard to bounch back from. This second chance romance really filled my heart with love and hope for anyone who have loved and lost the one they really fell hard for but was willing to find a way to forgive and go forward. Raya is ...more

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Jul 09, 2021 E&A Book rated it it was amazing

This is a angst filled, emotional, heartbreaking, second chance romance that will give you all the feels. Nolan is not a character that you will like, he makes decisions that made me shake my head, curse, and want to throw my Kindle. Raya is strong, sweet, and I loved how she handled the curveballs that life seemed to always throw at her. When these two come back together after being apart, secrets are revealed, truths are told, and the aftermath is one hell of a ride. A definite must read.

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Jul 07, 2021 Karie Gibson rated it it was amazing

Heart wrenching and oh so good

This book felt likens journey. My heart absolutely broke for Raya. I was outraged on her behalf. But on the other side I wanted to hug and smack Nolan at the same time. I love these brothers and I can't wait to read all their stories.
Raya is a strong beautiful heroine who I was so proud of. I don't want to give away the good parts but believe me you need this book in your life. ...more

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Jun 29, 2021 Marni Ortiz rated it it was amazing

The Lies That Bind Us is the first book ( in the Wood Groves Series , as well as my first time reading H.P Davenport . After reading this amazing story H.P will absolutely be added to my list of one -click authors. This was such a great story with awesome character develop, I was hooked from the very beginning, until End . I could not help but fall in love with Raya after all the heartbreak she had been through , she still held her head up and found the strength within herself to move forward .N ...more

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Jul 08, 2021 Vicki Perry rated it it was amazing

What made this book so exceptional was the storyline based on a stupid lie. How that one lie meant, supposedly, to protect someone, instead devastated them and affected their life horribly.

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About H.P. Davenport

H.P. Davenport

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Paralegal by day, romance genius by night! When she's not tending to her furry children, HP DAVENPORT is seamlessly carving beautiful stories from her mind in her comfy PJs in New Jersey.
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