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Clipping Thorns
BOOK TWO
in the Withered Rose Trilogy
A Christian Romantic Suspense Series
Rosa’s prayers have been answered. She has finally found a way out of the mafia and back to a normal life. But it’s a little too late. She is head over heels in love with Amory Jager and she has no idea what to do about it. It also doesn’t help that he’s moved on to another woman.
With a gang war brewing, Rosa has no choice but to take shelter with her family and pray for the best. She must watch from a distance as her husband seemingly falls for another woman, but her determination isn’t broken so easily. Rosa still remembers God’s plans for the city and His plans for Amory. It involves them being married, which means Rosa must do whatever she can to save her relationship with Amory.
Is she strong enough to stand up to the woman who is trying to take her place? Is Amory’s love for her strong enough to resist this woman’s charm? As Rosa and Amory both grow closer to God and each other, they learn what their marriage is truly built on. Only when they dedicate themselves to God, can they truly be dedicated to each other. Hopefully, they learn this lesson quickly. Clipping thorns can be painful, but it hurts less than being stabbed by one.
***WARNING***
This book contains material that may be triggering/sensitive to some readers. Clipping Thorns is intended for mature Christian audiences ages 17+ Please read at your own discretion.
Series Order
Withered Rose
Clipping Thorns
Starting Over (October 5, 2022)
Other Books by Valicity Elaine
Cross Academy series
I AM MAN series
A Christian Romantic Suspense Series
Rosa’s prayers have been answered. She has finally found a way out of the mafia and back to a normal life. But it’s a little too late. She is head over heels in love with Amory Jager and she has no idea what to do about it. It also doesn’t help that he’s moved on to another woman.
With a gang war brewing, Rosa has no choice but to take shelter with her family and pray for the best. She must watch from a distance as her husband seemingly falls for another woman, but her determination isn’t broken so easily. Rosa still remembers God’s plans for the city and His plans for Amory. It involves them being married, which means Rosa must do whatever she can to save her relationship with Amory.
Is she strong enough to stand up to the woman who is trying to take her place? Is Amory’s love for her strong enough to resist this woman’s charm? As Rosa and Amory both grow closer to God and each other, they learn what their marriage is truly built on. Only when they dedicate themselves to God, can they truly be dedicated to each other. Hopefully, they learn this lesson quickly. Clipping thorns can be painful, but it hurts less than being stabbed by one.
***WARNING***
This book contains material that may be triggering/sensitive to some readers. Clipping Thorns is intended for mature Christian audiences ages 17+ Please read at your own discretion.
Series Order
Withered Rose
Clipping Thorns
Starting Over (October 5, 2022)
Other Books by Valicity Elaine
Cross Academy series
I AM MAN series
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2022
135 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Valicity Elaine
36 books631 followersI love fantasy and magic and quirky high school stories. Writing is my passion, Jesus is my life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 23, 2024
3 Things right up front:
#1 I regret reading this book.
#2 This book is NOT CHRISTIAN.
#3 This review is going to be ALL over the place 🤣
So, I just wanted to see where Rosa’s and Amory’s love story would go, after being left on that horribly written cliffhanger in book 1… But goodness, this was not worth it. I really had a hard time getting through this story. :(
I thought it was neat, how Rosa misspelled her name on the divorce papers so that Amory would have to talk to her again to get things resigned, but everything about all that was weird, annoying, and unrealistic. Amory is just plain DUMB for trying to get with a different lady and divorce Rosa (especially since Rosa literally stripped naked in front of him as he presented her with the papers and said she was ready to consummate the marriage to form the mafia alliance, which is all he wanted/needed to begin with), and Rosa is dumb for signing the papers at all.
When Amory notices, he’s really excited about getting to see Rosa again, but it’s like, BRO, you did this to yourself. SMH.
Oh gosh, okay so about 39% into the book, Amory comes home from a club and is talking to Rosa about how he kissed a stripper and is apologizing for it (what the hell is up with this book?) and she blows up about how she was forced by him to be seen by an obstetrician and she wanted him to have been there to comfort her.
Then Amory replies, “You’re kidding, right? I came home to lay out a plan to protect you and the other high-ranking women of the Hunting Grounds, and you say I don’t know what it means to be a husband? I could pack you up and send you off without a word or explanation. But here I am, trying to be a good husband and talk to you about it first.”
So, I’m thinking: “Well, Rosa’s kind of right, but so is Amory…”
And THEN just three pages later, they’re sleeping together and Amory’s says,
“I feel insane as I kiss her. I feel like a pervert, getting off on this show of dominance. But as Rosa moans into my mouth, I realize she’s just as demented as I am."
WELL THEN WHAT WAS ALL OF THAT COMPLAINING ON BOTH SIDES FOR???
Terrible writing and so annoying to read about. No good. They have several verbal fights and then just end up in bed and Amory says mean, nasty things about her. I don’t get this book at all. 🤷🏻♂️
Okay, so I said right up front that this book is just not christian.
Here are just two examples of this:
1. “Baby, you bled like a virgin, but you didn’t moan like one.” WHAT THE FLIPPING CRAP IS THIS GARBAGE??????🤮
2. “I take her slowly at first, so she’ll know what it means to be loved. Then I take her again, so she’ll know what it means to be mine.” WHAT THE HELL?????? THIS BOOK IS HORRIBLE! No one wants to read crap like this. ⚠️AMORY IS DERANGED⚠️
Random [useless to the story] thoughts from Amory:
1. “I’m in good shape. Three-mile runs every morning, weightlifting, boxing. The whole shebang. So when the man starts sprinting away, I don’t panic. I don’t even take off after him right away. I let him run a few blocks, scrambling and looking left and right like a scared victim in a movie. Then I roll my shoulders back and take off running.”
What a “pick me” bastard. No one cares.
2. “There are dead men and women all over the place. No one in their right mind would believe I wasn’t here to hurt these women. I just blew a hundred of them to smithereens. The realization of what I’ve done hits me hard. I drop the jacket and then double over to vomit on it.”
This book should really be called, “AMORY IS AN IDIOT”……
3. “Amana eagerly digs into the envelope, fingers brushing over the bills. Then she looks up at me in wonder. “This is at least ten thousand dollars.” I’ve always paid my girls [hired prostitutes] well.” Give me a break. I’m so done with hearing how ✨BaaDAsS✨ Amory is. 🤦🏻♂️ HE’S NOT!
4. “Whenever Rosa speaks these days, I have a hard time keeping my clothes on.” Oh my gosh, why did I finish reading this book?
➡️Imma break down this book for you:
40% = Amory verbally abusing Rosa
30% = Rosa talking about how she’s now the ✨ToP MaFiA WiFe✨ and thinking, “OMG what will I do now, ahhh?”
15% = Rosa and Amory yelling at each other like children
15% = Amory and Rosa having sex all the time even though NOT ONE THING HAS BEEN SOLVED BETWEEN THEM
Rosa:
“I married Amory. This is my cup, and it’s filled with so many things—anger, bitterness, vengeance, blood. I plan to drink every drop. Because if I don’t, Amory will. And he won’t survive that. The man I first married, the man who showed me what it means to be loved, will never return if he drinks from those bitter waters. It has to be me.”
SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME what this chick is trying to say!! Why is she trying to be so perfect and loyal to the mafia lifestyle and Amory, etc? I’m so confused. Rosa is So annoying this whole book.
Rosa randomly at 59% through the book: “Why would my husband—my Amy —keep the truth from me?”
And I’m just sitting here like, “Here we go again, Rosa. SMH. When will you learn that Amory won’t change?” 🤣
I hated this book SO MUCH. The writing was terrible, nothing ever went anywhere, reading about Amory in the mafia action was nasty and annoying (again: NOT written well), and reading about Rosa sitting around in the safe houses with all the other women and children was just boring and stupid because she was trying to be all perfect and a support to all the others. It was too much.
This whole thing could’ve been one book, honestly.
Also, there’s absolutely no way I’m reading book 3. I went and read some reviews for book three, and BOY OH BOY, I found out that there’s a cheating trope!!! Amory apparently cheats on Rosa in book 3. Am I surprised ?? NOPE! Gosh that’s so annoying, though.
TLDR: This book is boring, terribly written, and way too long. That’s being nice. 🤣
#1 I regret reading this book.
#2 This book is NOT CHRISTIAN.
#3 This review is going to be ALL over the place 🤣
So, I just wanted to see where Rosa’s and Amory’s love story would go, after being left on that horribly written cliffhanger in book 1… But goodness, this was not worth it. I really had a hard time getting through this story. :(
I thought it was neat, how Rosa misspelled her name on the divorce papers so that Amory would have to talk to her again to get things resigned, but everything about all that was weird, annoying, and unrealistic. Amory is just plain DUMB for trying to get with a different lady and divorce Rosa (especially since Rosa literally stripped naked in front of him as he presented her with the papers and said she was ready to consummate the marriage to form the mafia alliance, which is all he wanted/needed to begin with), and Rosa is dumb for signing the papers at all.
When Amory notices, he’s really excited about getting to see Rosa again, but it’s like, BRO, you did this to yourself. SMH.
Oh gosh, okay so about 39% into the book, Amory comes home from a club and is talking to Rosa about how he kissed a stripper and is apologizing for it (what the hell is up with this book?) and she blows up about how she was forced by him to be seen by an obstetrician and she wanted him to have been there to comfort her.
Then Amory replies, “You’re kidding, right? I came home to lay out a plan to protect you and the other high-ranking women of the Hunting Grounds, and you say I don’t know what it means to be a husband? I could pack you up and send you off without a word or explanation. But here I am, trying to be a good husband and talk to you about it first.”
So, I’m thinking: “Well, Rosa’s kind of right, but so is Amory…”
And THEN just three pages later, they’re sleeping together and Amory’s says,
“I feel insane as I kiss her. I feel like a pervert, getting off on this show of dominance. But as Rosa moans into my mouth, I realize she’s just as demented as I am."
WELL THEN WHAT WAS ALL OF THAT COMPLAINING ON BOTH SIDES FOR???
Terrible writing and so annoying to read about. No good. They have several verbal fights and then just end up in bed and Amory says mean, nasty things about her. I don’t get this book at all. 🤷🏻♂️
Okay, so I said right up front that this book is just not christian.
Here are just two examples of this:
1. “Baby, you bled like a virgin, but you didn’t moan like one.” WHAT THE FLIPPING CRAP IS THIS GARBAGE??????🤮
2. “I take her slowly at first, so she’ll know what it means to be loved. Then I take her again, so she’ll know what it means to be mine.” WHAT THE HELL?????? THIS BOOK IS HORRIBLE! No one wants to read crap like this. ⚠️AMORY IS DERANGED⚠️
Random [useless to the story] thoughts from Amory:
1. “I’m in good shape. Three-mile runs every morning, weightlifting, boxing. The whole shebang. So when the man starts sprinting away, I don’t panic. I don’t even take off after him right away. I let him run a few blocks, scrambling and looking left and right like a scared victim in a movie. Then I roll my shoulders back and take off running.”
What a “pick me” bastard. No one cares.
2. “There are dead men and women all over the place. No one in their right mind would believe I wasn’t here to hurt these women. I just blew a hundred of them to smithereens. The realization of what I’ve done hits me hard. I drop the jacket and then double over to vomit on it.”
This book should really be called, “AMORY IS AN IDIOT”……
3. “Amana eagerly digs into the envelope, fingers brushing over the bills. Then she looks up at me in wonder. “This is at least ten thousand dollars.” I’ve always paid my girls [hired prostitutes] well.” Give me a break. I’m so done with hearing how ✨BaaDAsS✨ Amory is. 🤦🏻♂️ HE’S NOT!
4. “Whenever Rosa speaks these days, I have a hard time keeping my clothes on.” Oh my gosh, why did I finish reading this book?
➡️Imma break down this book for you:
40% = Amory verbally abusing Rosa
30% = Rosa talking about how she’s now the ✨ToP MaFiA WiFe✨ and thinking, “OMG what will I do now, ahhh?”
15% = Rosa and Amory yelling at each other like children
15% = Amory and Rosa having sex all the time even though NOT ONE THING HAS BEEN SOLVED BETWEEN THEM
Rosa:
“I married Amory. This is my cup, and it’s filled with so many things—anger, bitterness, vengeance, blood. I plan to drink every drop. Because if I don’t, Amory will. And he won’t survive that. The man I first married, the man who showed me what it means to be loved, will never return if he drinks from those bitter waters. It has to be me.”
SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME what this chick is trying to say!! Why is she trying to be so perfect and loyal to the mafia lifestyle and Amory, etc? I’m so confused. Rosa is So annoying this whole book.
Rosa randomly at 59% through the book: “Why would my husband—my Amy —keep the truth from me?”
And I’m just sitting here like, “Here we go again, Rosa. SMH. When will you learn that Amory won’t change?” 🤣
I hated this book SO MUCH. The writing was terrible, nothing ever went anywhere, reading about Amory in the mafia action was nasty and annoying (again: NOT written well), and reading about Rosa sitting around in the safe houses with all the other women and children was just boring and stupid because she was trying to be all perfect and a support to all the others. It was too much.
This whole thing could’ve been one book, honestly.
Also, there’s absolutely no way I’m reading book 3. I went and read some reviews for book three, and BOY OH BOY, I found out that there’s a cheating trope!!! Amory apparently cheats on Rosa in book 3. Am I surprised ?? NOPE! Gosh that’s so annoying, though.
TLDR: This book is boring, terribly written, and way too long. That’s being nice. 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2024
the 2 main characters have absolutely no character development and are frustratingly childish & petty. the romance does kind of sucks. they are toxic. regardless though…. i am oddly entertained???
June 24, 2023
Heart-Wrenching
Where do I begin? I am so invested in this story. There are so many things about this book that I can't seem to just focus on one. I love how they learned to love, I'm amazed by the trouble waters they are going through. I can feel Rosa's desperation to keep herself and her marriage afloat in a sinful life. But I can also feel Amory's pain in all of this. I can relate with him, having my soul screaming and kicking and just not being able to fully accept what was planned for us. I think everyone with faith can relate to both of this characters. I love how much there is about marriage, I've been able to experience a different perspective in certain topics mentioned in this book. Now, about the book in itself, it's well written, I really like how easy it is to read. Even though there isn't any smut, I loved that their first time wasn't all fade to black. The way the author described such an important moment was beautiful. And now, I can't wait to start the next book. I'm hoping for Amy to let go, for him to let himself be guided and properly loved. And for Rosa to find guidance and be able to be the wife she needs him to be. So, if you're looking for a Christian/non believer romance, clean romance, with a mafia trope (there's enough action to keep you on the loop with the mafia aspect of the stroy) then I would definitely recommend this serie. Enjoy!
Where do I begin? I am so invested in this story. There are so many things about this book that I can't seem to just focus on one. I love how they learned to love, I'm amazed by the trouble waters they are going through. I can feel Rosa's desperation to keep herself and her marriage afloat in a sinful life. But I can also feel Amory's pain in all of this. I can relate with him, having my soul screaming and kicking and just not being able to fully accept what was planned for us. I think everyone with faith can relate to both of this characters. I love how much there is about marriage, I've been able to experience a different perspective in certain topics mentioned in this book. Now, about the book in itself, it's well written, I really like how easy it is to read. Even though there isn't any smut, I loved that their first time wasn't all fade to black. The way the author described such an important moment was beautiful. And now, I can't wait to start the next book. I'm hoping for Amy to let go, for him to let himself be guided and properly loved. And for Rosa to find guidance and be able to be the wife she needs him to be. So, if you're looking for a Christian/non believer romance, clean romance, with a mafia trope (there's enough action to keep you on the loop with the mafia aspect of the stroy) then I would definitely recommend this serie. Enjoy!
June 9, 2024
5/5 ⭐️ - Withered Rose Trilogy 🥀
TROPES:
🥀 Arranged Marriage
🥀 Age Gap
🥀 Mafia Romance
🥀 Morally Gray MMC
🥀 Dual POV
I absolutely loved all three books of this trilogy!! I have never read a Christian dark/mafia romance before this series, and it exceeded my expectations. Not only does it have an action-filled plot, sweet relationships, and a great writing style, but it does not contain any curse words/graphic scenes, plus most importantly has a Godly message. If you are a Christian and a dark romance lover, please consider reading this trilogy!
TROPES:
🥀 Arranged Marriage
🥀 Age Gap
🥀 Mafia Romance
🥀 Morally Gray MMC
🥀 Dual POV
I absolutely loved all three books of this trilogy!! I have never read a Christian dark/mafia romance before this series, and it exceeded my expectations. Not only does it have an action-filled plot, sweet relationships, and a great writing style, but it does not contain any curse words/graphic scenes, plus most importantly has a Godly message. If you are a Christian and a dark romance lover, please consider reading this trilogy!
June 28, 2025
I'm not really happy with Amory and Rose, but giving this book anything less than 5 stars will be me lying.
This series from the first book until the second book has gotten me in deep thoughts that have led to prayers. When a book has me praying, I know that book is more than just a book.
I actually thought this book was going to be about Rose and Amy trying to come back together, but it wasn't entirely so. I ended up liking the direction the author took the book. One minute, I think I know what Amy and Rose should do. The next minute, I see what actually happens, and I'm like, ohhhh!!! that also makes so much sense.
I like that I'm shown a different view of marriage that people don't talk about and is hardly portrayed in books. It's things like this that make me know this is more than a book. That's why I know that as Christians, every gift, talent, and skill we have is given to us by God to edify and bless the lives of men. I'm happy to report that I've been blessed.
I love the process of what Amy is going through, and I'm excited for more. My girl Rosa, I think I have greater expectations for her because she's already a Christian, but then again, marriage is a big deal, and then marriage with an unbeliever in the mafia is another big deal. All this to say I should extend more grace to my sister in Christ.
Those of you who had to wait for books 2 and 3 really tried because as soon as I finish each book, I need the next book ASAP.
Special thanks to Valicity Elaine for these books. I am grateful and blessed to have encountered these books, may God bless the works of your hands, and may we get many more books from you❤️❤️
This series from the first book until the second book has gotten me in deep thoughts that have led to prayers. When a book has me praying, I know that book is more than just a book.
I actually thought this book was going to be about Rose and Amy trying to come back together, but it wasn't entirely so. I ended up liking the direction the author took the book. One minute, I think I know what Amy and Rose should do. The next minute, I see what actually happens, and I'm like, ohhhh!!! that also makes so much sense.
I like that I'm shown a different view of marriage that people don't talk about and is hardly portrayed in books. It's things like this that make me know this is more than a book. That's why I know that as Christians, every gift, talent, and skill we have is given to us by God to edify and bless the lives of men. I'm happy to report that I've been blessed.
I love the process of what Amy is going through, and I'm excited for more. My girl Rosa, I think I have greater expectations for her because she's already a Christian, but then again, marriage is a big deal, and then marriage with an unbeliever in the mafia is another big deal. All this to say I should extend more grace to my sister in Christ.
Those of you who had to wait for books 2 and 3 really tried because as soon as I finish each book, I need the next book ASAP.
Special thanks to Valicity Elaine for these books. I am grateful and blessed to have encountered these books, may God bless the works of your hands, and may we get many more books from you❤️❤️
October 16, 2025
Ok, I liked this one better than the first, the characters grew while still struggling with some important issues, I found tears in my eyes in some parts and I was kind of rolling my eyes at others, but because the story or book are silly but because I found the actions of some characters annoying, as in, they are annoying as well lol
Again, better than book one. I didn't like at all some of the things Amory did here while marry but then again, he's not Christian right now, but still. I found some things out of place compared to his loyalty in book one.
As a Christian book is has some sexual content that while it is not graphic it still touches on some topics so for someone who wants to read complete clean, close door romances, this is not for you.
Off to the third book!
Again, better than book one. I didn't like at all some of the things Amory did here while marry but then again, he's not Christian right now, but still. I found some things out of place compared to his loyalty in book one.
As a Christian book is has some sexual content that while it is not graphic it still touches on some topics so for someone who wants to read complete clean, close door romances, this is not for you.
Off to the third book!
January 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Honestly when I finished this book I didn’t know how I felt. There were parts I liked and parts I really disliked. I enjoyed the first book, but I couldn’t fully buy into Rosa and Amy’s relationship. I was hoping we would dive further into it and get some character development but that was none existent. A good chunk of the book the characters weren’t even together.
Pros:
- it was interesting reading about that gang war
- the twist was fun, didn’t see that coming
- King Jameson is amazing like the first book !
- the faith elements and actual scripture
Cons:
- No character development
- The beginning was so repetitive !! Kept going over stuff that happened in the first book !! I went straight from the first book to this one so it was so annoying and even on page 98 we were brining stuff up from book 1.
- Communication is non-existent !!! Rosa and Amy have a fight and end up in bed !?!?? What 🤔🤔 Rosa even addresses this but still nothing is done about it.
- the spice is going to the point where it’s almost to much, it’s referenced almost every other chapter. This relationship feels more lust driven than anything else.
- the author mentions in this book wanting to build up Rosa more and make her tougher but tbh she was tougher in the first book. She lets Amy push her around and push boundires. I mean the man technically cheats on her !! He kisses a stripper and a page later she’s in bed with him 😵💫🥴 (what’s happening !!!) That’s not strength that’s being walked over.
This didn’t comeplelty turn me away from reading book 3, but I’m not as excited going to book 3 as I was book 2. Hopefully there’s character development and Rosa puts Amy in his place and he begins to respect her like he did in book 1. I feel as though the characters regressed in this book, which is odd.
Honestly when I finished this book I didn’t know how I felt. There were parts I liked and parts I really disliked. I enjoyed the first book, but I couldn’t fully buy into Rosa and Amy’s relationship. I was hoping we would dive further into it and get some character development but that was none existent. A good chunk of the book the characters weren’t even together.
Pros:
- it was interesting reading about that gang war
- the twist was fun, didn’t see that coming
- King Jameson is amazing like the first book !
- the faith elements and actual scripture
Cons:
- No character development
- The beginning was so repetitive !! Kept going over stuff that happened in the first book !! I went straight from the first book to this one so it was so annoying and even on page 98 we were brining stuff up from book 1.
- Communication is non-existent !!! Rosa and Amy have a fight and end up in bed !?!?? What 🤔🤔 Rosa even addresses this but still nothing is done about it.
- the spice is going to the point where it’s almost to much, it’s referenced almost every other chapter. This relationship feels more lust driven than anything else.
- the author mentions in this book wanting to build up Rosa more and make her tougher but tbh she was tougher in the first book. She lets Amy push her around and push boundires. I mean the man technically cheats on her !! He kisses a stripper and a page later she’s in bed with him 😵💫🥴 (what’s happening !!!) That’s not strength that’s being walked over.
This didn’t comeplelty turn me away from reading book 3, but I’m not as excited going to book 3 as I was book 2. Hopefully there’s character development and Rosa puts Amy in his place and he begins to respect her like he did in book 1. I feel as though the characters regressed in this book, which is odd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2024
Hay algo que no entiendo y es que manía de dejar el libro en pleno CLIMAX DE LA HISTORIA. Realmente lo hace para que a fuerzas leas el otro. Por ejemplo, en un momento te hablaban de un mole, entonces desde que me enteré estaba buscando si es que más adelante del libro hablaban sobre eso, PERO NO. Me spoilee otras cosas, menos lo del mole. Ahora, mi pregunta es CÓMO QUE START OVER. BRO, lit les costo dms llegar en donde están para que de la nada, le digan no, bro, pues comienza todo otra vez...
Igual no quiero dejar de decir que está vez Rose me cayo mejor que en el primer libro y Amory, bueno, es Amory, me gusta mucho ese personaje, aunque a veces me saca de casillas, también.
De ahí, creo que si alguien me habla de Christina, lo único que pienso es la amo, es una capa. She deserved better pero bueno, lo bueno es que ahora va a ser libre.
Sobre mis sospechas del mole, primero pensé en Aldo, de ahí creí que pudiera ser Wolfsgang porque yk para spare his life, pero luego lo descarté. Ahora estoy entre Douglas, Aldo y Max (?). Douglas, por lo que le dijo a Rosa en el hospital, Aldo porque no le paso nada extraordinario y de la nada, me dicen bueno, se fue y está hospitalizado. Por último, Max porque lo mismo con Aldo, medio sus. Idk, me voy más por Aldo y Max, cualquiera de los dos. Si es otra persona, lo averiguaremos.
Creo que lo más gracioso de todo esto es que estoy en finales y estoy aquí a las 11:40 escribiendo mi reseña como si no tuviera que estudiar lol.
Igual no quiero dejar de decir que está vez Rose me cayo mejor que en el primer libro y Amory, bueno, es Amory, me gusta mucho ese personaje, aunque a veces me saca de casillas, también.
De ahí, creo que si alguien me habla de Christina, lo único que pienso es la amo, es una capa. She deserved better pero bueno, lo bueno es que ahora va a ser libre.
Sobre mis sospechas del mole, primero pensé en Aldo, de ahí creí que pudiera ser Wolfsgang porque yk para spare his life, pero luego lo descarté. Ahora estoy entre Douglas, Aldo y Max (?). Douglas, por lo que le dijo a Rosa en el hospital, Aldo porque no le paso nada extraordinario y de la nada, me dicen bueno, se fue y está hospitalizado. Por último, Max porque lo mismo con Aldo, medio sus. Idk, me voy más por Aldo y Max, cualquiera de los dos. Si es otra persona, lo averiguaremos.
Creo que lo más gracioso de todo esto es que estoy en finales y estoy aquí a las 11:40 escribiendo mi reseña como si no tuviera que estudiar lol.
September 15, 2025
I absolutely love this series and the MC's.
There is so much emotion that drives the characters, and moves the story forward.
There were several times my heart aches for Rosa because of the struggles she was facing in her marriage and life.
And there were a couple of times my heart broke for Amory, because of how he rejected change and made choices that ended badly because he was set in his ways.
There was some good character growth, in a 2 steps forward and 1 step back kind of way. Which is frustrating, because I just wanted the characters to resolve issues and be happy. But, that type of change is very realistic and true to life, and I absolutely love that! People rarely change for good in an instant. We try to do better, but slip into old habits. The characters in this book are very realistic in that way.
This book is a lot more violent than Withered Rose, which is to be expected when there's a mafia gang war happening. But it's just something for any future readers to be aware of. There's also a handful of other dark, mature topics, such as abuse and prostitution, as well as a few open door scenes. Nothing is graphicly described, but it is still on the page.
I had such a hard time putting this book down, and you can bet that I am going to read Starting Over immediately!
There is so much emotion that drives the characters, and moves the story forward.
There were several times my heart aches for Rosa because of the struggles she was facing in her marriage and life.
And there were a couple of times my heart broke for Amory, because of how he rejected change and made choices that ended badly because he was set in his ways.
There was some good character growth, in a 2 steps forward and 1 step back kind of way. Which is frustrating, because I just wanted the characters to resolve issues and be happy. But, that type of change is very realistic and true to life, and I absolutely love that! People rarely change for good in an instant. We try to do better, but slip into old habits. The characters in this book are very realistic in that way.
This book is a lot more violent than Withered Rose, which is to be expected when there's a mafia gang war happening. But it's just something for any future readers to be aware of. There's also a handful of other dark, mature topics, such as abuse and prostitution, as well as a few open door scenes. Nothing is graphicly described, but it is still on the page.
I had such a hard time putting this book down, and you can bet that I am going to read Starting Over immediately!
January 4, 2025
I only read this book because Book 1 ended on a cliffhanger. There is no character development when it comes to Amory or Rosa, especially Amory because he keeps making mistakes and snaps for pointing them out. He keeps hurting Rosa, and none of the problems or issues between them are ever solved. They're always swept under the bed. I literally read until that scene where Amory LITERALLY declares that he wants to forget that he's married for a night, lets a stripper give him a lap dance, kisses her, deepens the kiss and then comes to his senses, goes back to his wife (while she's been crying that she had to be home alone, especially when the gynaecologist showed up at the house) and only mentions that he kissed a stripper at first, they both get into a heated argument, then make love, and in the morning he reveals that he also had a lap dance. I don't understand their relationship at all. To be honest, it doesn't make any sense. Amory says that he's so in love with Rosa, and then does this. I literally skimmed the book and skipped many scenes to just get to the end. This book is the worth your time. I'm sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
I liked this about as much as the first book. I'm a sucker for mafia books and feel that part of the story was interesting and exciting. It was pretty much a continuous of the mafia war from book one. As for the MCs, still like Amory. I feel his character was written well. He's an underboss with the weight of the world on his shoulders but unfortunately has Rosa for a wife. Sorry, I still just don't like her. I was hoping her character would grow and change from the first book but she pretty much stayed the same. She created issues and problems out of nothing. From reading her POV, you would think she knew nothing of the mafia life. I would even sometimes forget that she was actually the daughter of a mob boss until something was brought up. I felt like Amory was trying so much to do everything right by her and she just made things difficult or would come off bratty and immature. She liked to play victim in some areas. I will read the next book only because I do like Amory and some of the other characters and want to see how it all wraps up.
December 19, 2025
This continues to be a good story, addressing a lot of unique Christian ethics within a forced marriage and violence in the mafia. This is not a prescriptive story or an excuse for staying in a abusive marriage, (which in my opinion doesn't happen but some could argue otherwise), you can't apply the messages in this book directly to your own life unless you find yourself in the exact same situation. This is also not a story to dictate what the one right response is if you were to be in this situation. It is a story about one woman who follows what God leads her to do in a difficult circumstance. You have to understand the specific perspective to truly appreciate and glean truth from this book, without swinging from one extreme or another. Wouldn't suggest this book if you are sensitive to violent themes, are unmarried and/or are strongly opposed to kinks, or could be triggered by sex trafficking (This is a short side plot, the main character is not being trafficked). Follow your own convictions and listen to the Holy Spirit as this might not be right for you.
September 17, 2024
the trilogy could’ve been a single book but it’s okay.
this is my review from book 1, which i feel the same about book 2:
I do not write this to be mean or malicious, but this book was simply not good, which is extremely disappointing because it had such high potential.
when TikTok said clean Christian dark Romance, I admit I was confused and unfortunately, I was more confused reading this. It was clean, and i loved the biblical references but the characters just did not make any sense, a lot of the things that occurred literally left me saying “what the heck is going on” out loud, and overall just not having a good time!
this was a nice attempt but it was not executed properly and felt juvenile and not flushed out in all aspects.
this is my review from book 1, which i feel the same about book 2:
I do not write this to be mean or malicious, but this book was simply not good, which is extremely disappointing because it had such high potential.
when TikTok said clean Christian dark Romance, I admit I was confused and unfortunately, I was more confused reading this. It was clean, and i loved the biblical references but the characters just did not make any sense, a lot of the things that occurred literally left me saying “what the heck is going on” out loud, and overall just not having a good time!
this was a nice attempt but it was not executed properly and felt juvenile and not flushed out in all aspects.
September 26, 2024
This is the second book in the Christian Mafia Romance series.
Amory and Rosa are working on their marriage and coming together. But war comes to the Mafia families. Alliances switch back and forth. Deceit and treachery play large parts in the war. But through it all Rose is steadfast in her love of Jesus, willing to pray and lead Amory and other people to the Lord.
There is an event where God speaks to Amory and Amory chooses to go another way. A tragedy occurs that leaves Amory lost which also affects his marriage to Rosa.
This leads us into the final book of the series. Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
Amory and Rosa are working on their marriage and coming together. But war comes to the Mafia families. Alliances switch back and forth. Deceit and treachery play large parts in the war. But through it all Rose is steadfast in her love of Jesus, willing to pray and lead Amory and other people to the Lord.
There is an event where God speaks to Amory and Amory chooses to go another way. A tragedy occurs that leaves Amory lost which also affects his marriage to Rosa.
This leads us into the final book of the series. Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
January 7, 2025
I don't know what this was
The whole story with the spanish mafia made no sense to me, and when he gets a LAP DANCE and then goes home to fight with rosa?????
Also, rosa doesn't feel very Christian to me, i feel like it's only talked about her faith to move the plot, and i didn't like it.
The sex talk and "plot" felt weird because in the first book we read how rosa thinks its something sacred and a show of love, but then they have sex when they are angry to avoid talking about their problems
The first book was not bad, but this one felt like they were children fighting all the time. Maybe it gets better, but i stopped reading at 49%
The whole story with the spanish mafia made no sense to me, and when he gets a LAP DANCE and then goes home to fight with rosa?????
Also, rosa doesn't feel very Christian to me, i feel like it's only talked about her faith to move the plot, and i didn't like it.
The sex talk and "plot" felt weird because in the first book we read how rosa thinks its something sacred and a show of love, but then they have sex when they are angry to avoid talking about their problems
The first book was not bad, but this one felt like they were children fighting all the time. Maybe it gets better, but i stopped reading at 49%
October 21, 2025
The chokehold this series has on me cannot even be explained. I devoured this book. As emotionally exhausting it is to see Rosa and Amory's relationship take steps backward, it is understandable with the amount of stress they are under. Newly married couple now leading a war. Armory had to make some awful decisions, while Rosa is fighting a different type of battle. Amory's flashbacks were devastating. The word of God pulling at all of these character's during this difficult war is beyond amazing to read. While I enjoyed this book, it was tough to see these characters struggle, immediately beginning Starting Over and can't wait to see what happens.
December 17, 2025
This book is all over the place. Their emotions and her whining. And don’t even get me started on the cheating?? Like wtf that was just thrown in so causally and Rosa basically not even caring and hardly even mentioned just an I forgive you and move on?? He was supposed to be so in love with her then had a bachelor party after they’ve been married randomly and he’s spanking a stripper, having a lap dance, and making out with her. Saying he def would’ve had sex with her if his body didn’t try to deter him and gag when kissing her?? What the actual f*ck. It was awful I had to DNF halfway through I got the ick so bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2024
I’m sorry but this was worse than the 1st one, there was absolutely no development and this isn’t a romance novel, this is straight up mafia. I could count the scenes where Rosa and Am were actually together and the characters feel really childish.
The author wrote said that she was looking forward to end the trilogy and you can tell :(
I’ll give the 3rd book a try to see if we can get some actual character development and see how faith can get into anyone’s lives. If I get that from it, then it might be able to save this series.
The author wrote said that she was looking forward to end the trilogy and you can tell :(
I’ll give the 3rd book a try to see if we can get some actual character development and see how faith can get into anyone’s lives. If I get that from it, then it might be able to save this series.
November 10, 2024
Thank You!!
In my walk with God one of the things I struggled to give to God is my love for reading, being more considerate of what I read, dark romance has never been my forte but this completely changed EVERYTHING. I felt like I had to give up my love for reading outside of the bible, I felt like it was hard to find genuine good fictional books and Christian fiction that wasn’t corny but THIS SERIES has me hooked, I was in such a reading slump because I felt like I just couldn’t expand my library this way buy you Valicity proved me wrong. Please continue to write!!!
In my walk with God one of the things I struggled to give to God is my love for reading, being more considerate of what I read, dark romance has never been my forte but this completely changed EVERYTHING. I felt like I had to give up my love for reading outside of the bible, I felt like it was hard to find genuine good fictional books and Christian fiction that wasn’t corny but THIS SERIES has me hooked, I was in such a reading slump because I felt like I just couldn’t expand my library this way buy you Valicity proved me wrong. Please continue to write!!!
January 18, 2025
“Because loving her from afar distance is better than losing her altogether.”
Let me just say 😩 I loved this! My heart is still catching up with all that’s happened but I LOVE the reality of how difficult life can get (mafia life or otherwise) and how it explains God’s divinity through it all. That no matter what we are going through, God is always right there, we just need to call on him and be still. Listen for the still, small Voice.
Book 3 I’m coming for you!
Let me just say 😩 I loved this! My heart is still catching up with all that’s happened but I LOVE the reality of how difficult life can get (mafia life or otherwise) and how it explains God’s divinity through it all. That no matter what we are going through, God is always right there, we just need to call on him and be still. Listen for the still, small Voice.
Book 3 I’m coming for you!
July 27, 2025
I have to admit that Christina’s advice to Rosa was needed�� she needed to grow up! Looking forward to concluding this series. I’m new to ‘dark romance’ not sure it’s really my thing but I’m enjoying the story development.
I didn’t like the repetitive recaps of book 1 considering it’s part of a series, anyone reading book 2 should have been up to speed. It felt like a wasted opportunity for other dialogue and to move the story along
I didn’t like the repetitive recaps of book 1 considering it’s part of a series, anyone reading book 2 should have been up to speed. It felt like a wasted opportunity for other dialogue and to move the story along
September 14, 2025
I usually take breaks between books in a series, but I dove straight into the next one immediately after finishing this. I love how it delivers all the intense dark mafia drama while staying rooted in strong christian themes. The inclusion of Scripture, the exploration of the inner spiritual battle between God and evil, and the emphasis on becoming a biblical wife all make this series a powerful and compelling read so far.
July 5, 2023
soooo much drama and misunderstanding that it actually made me MAD mad. like, please, just talk and trust each other. didn’t y’all you wanted to give this marriage a shot?? THEN GIVE IT A SHOT! this book was the absolutely proof that love isn’t enough in a relationship. and also, i love how the portrayed how rosa is trying to teach amory about her faith, it’s sooooo cute!!!
October 7, 2024
I love the concept and the plot of the series. I feel like the writing could’ve been better and I see how she broke it up into three books. I love how she took us through the war and Rose’s role. I believe there should’ve been more detail and not as much fluff, over all it was a fun and different read
December 2, 2024
gritty
Started it this morning and didn’t put it down. This book just sucks you in. I enjoy seeing the character growth for both of the MCs. Spiritually and emotionally. The bedrooms scenes are closed door physically but more open door emotionally. But it shows the joy of being intimate with your spouse, how it was originally intended before sin messed everything up.
Started it this morning and didn’t put it down. This book just sucks you in. I enjoy seeing the character growth for both of the MCs. Spiritually and emotionally. The bedrooms scenes are closed door physically but more open door emotionally. But it shows the joy of being intimate with your spouse, how it was originally intended before sin messed everything up.
July 13, 2025
I give it 4.5 stars only because the FMC got me upset a couple times obviously she’s young and still a bit immature in some areas so a lot of her pushback did give me a bit upset but overall, I love the book the fighting scenes were so good and my heart dropped a couple times. Can’t wait to read book 3.
July 25, 2025
It was ok I decided to read her books after I read , beautiful lies, and while that one was amazing I didn’t like clipping thorns or any of the books in the trilogy it didn’t feel God centered and was diving way too much into the dark without a pull back into what the book was supposed to be about : God. While I do recommend her book Beautiful Lies I would not recommend this trilogy .
September 18, 2025
It was a good book but I do have some critiques. I understand that Amory should be shown grace cause he’s not saved but he’s toxic and petty. This marriage clearly needs God. If there’s anything this series has taught me is in order to make a marriage work with God at the center. Both partners need to be practicing believers and share the same beliefs to make a marriage work.
December 11, 2025
Clipping Thorns
This book is dramatic, emotional with a little and twist of Christianity and Mafia. Rose is a Christian married to Mafia Armony . They have all types of Mafia fighting against each other but Rose believe in her heart she can get her husband to be a Christian . She is praying . Lovely read . Now into book 3
This book is dramatic, emotional with a little and twist of Christianity and Mafia. Rose is a Christian married to Mafia Armony . They have all types of Mafia fighting against each other but Rose believe in her heart she can get her husband to be a Christian . She is praying . Lovely read . Now into book 3
November 25, 2023
Rosa!!!
Okay, she was a little better in this book, but I’m still rolling my eyes. I love how she keeps her faith despite where she is or who she’s around. One thing that throws me off is the Olive/Olivia naming.
Okay, she was a little better in this book, but I’m still rolling my eyes. I love how she keeps her faith despite where she is or who she’s around. One thing that throws me off is the Olive/Olivia naming.
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