His eyes have the power to undo all the hurt caused by my family.“Don’t let them see you cry.”After months of refusing, I finally agree to move to America, where my fiancé’s waiting for me.Just like my mother, an arranged marriage lies in my near future.Just like my mother, I’m probably going to be shoved aside in a couple of years after providing the Cutler family with an heir.Being a Korean … family with an heir.
Being a Korean girl from a culture that’s very different from the west, it makes me stand out like a sore thumb. There’s nothing I can do but to accept the fate arranged by my father and his mistress. My marriage to Lake Cutler will be a business deal and nothing else.
My plan is simple. Make him hate me enough to break off the engagement so I can return to Korea.
But I didn’t account for those caring brown eyes.
What started as a mission to save myself from an unhappy arranged marriage soon turns into a battle to not lose my heart.
I dare him to walk away, but instead, he shows me any bridge can be crossed.
#ArrangedMarriage #NewAdult #CollegeRomance
Please note:
This is Book 3 in The Trinity Academy Series.
All 3 books are interconnected, and some plots are carried over from the previous 2 books in this series.
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Lake is lovable and loyal! 4 stars
You must read Falcon & Mason before reading this book! Lake is so lovable and loyal! He seems like the glue that holds the 3 of them together. As much as I enjoyed the love story between Lake and Lee-ann (aka Lee) in this book, it is the brotherly bond between Mason, Falcon and Lake that shined through in these books. They were there for each other past, present and will be in the future. They laughed together, but what moved me most was that they openly cried together. It is rare to show men being comfortable with their emotions in front of each other, so thank you Michelle Heard for writing that. I did enjoy the sweet love story between Lake and Lee. My heart broke for Lee several times, and I was so glad Lake was so patient and loving with her. I highly recommend this Trinity Academy series.
This is the final book in the Trinity Academy trilogy and one I was looking forward to, Lake.
In the first two books, he was the joker, the dependable friend and I was so ready for this book. I was expecting so much for Lake and his arranged marriage story, but it fell a little flat for me and I hate to say that especially after loving the first two books. This was mainly due to not being able to connect the two characters together and although I don’t mind insta-love, it felt to forced and not believable.
Lee Park, his intended, is a Korean girl who is taken from her mum to fulfil a business deal her Dad wants. She’s thrust into Lake’s world all alone, knowing no one and although scared and apprehensive, she’s a force and certainly knows how to look after herself and others around her who she cares about. She goes through a pretty emotional time and I did cry for her and I rarely cry at books!
Lake, I love his character. Who knew he was such a softy. The way he handled Lee with care and respect was heart-warming. He was the heart of the group.
Like the other books, the relationship between Lake and his ‘Brothers’ is what friendship goals are made of, they are supportive, have each others back and you definitely get the feel of solidarity between them.
This series was an enjoyable easy read, low angst/drama and although not my favourite of the trilogy, the series as a whole had a good storyline and interesting characters – I’d love to see Preston’s book!
*An ARC received for an honest review*
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 89%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
3.5 stars
“You’re like a lotus flower. Pure and patient. You have love and compassion for all things.”
First of all you need to know I LOVE the Trinity Academy Series. And I totally adore Falcon, Mason and Lake as individuals as well as their friendship.
But,… yeah sometimes there’s a but…, Lake’s book was by far the weakest one to me. The story didn’t get to me like I thought it would. It was not as interesting or thrilling as the other ones. And it was the first time in this series that I wished this book was longer, that there was a deep dive on certain parts I personally think would have improved the story.
”I’ve only really known him a week, and in the dark night of my soul, he’s become my lighthouse.”
It was great to see finally more of Lake, his caring character and his big heart. Lake is a fascinating character and perfect for Lee. I think none of the other boys could have fallen for Lee like Lake did.
Lee is such a lovely heroine who dealt very well with the fate life handed her. She was created true to the Korean nature (at least as far as I can assess).
I can totally see why Lake and Lee fell for each other and that they were made for each other. However, I personally think Lee’s Korean upbringing would have been a bigger obstacle in this lovestory. She adapted to the western lifestyle way too quickly for my liking
“I’ll love you so much in this life, the deities will have no choice but to give you back to me in the next life.”
Lake, the third book in the Trinity Academy series is a sweet addition in the trilogy and completes it perfectly.
4*
I have waited for Lakes story and it did not disappoint.
Lake Cutler is part of the trio Falcon & Mason he’s been the responsible one and stepped up to agree to the arranged marriage to Lee-Ann Park for the company.
Lee-Ann Park isn’t happy about the arrangement her so called father arranged with the American Lake Cutler but she has no choice.
Lee-Ann Park character was so right for Lake especially when Lake was able to show the true man he is.
All the feels with this story I laughed and cried with the antics of them all.
I personally cannot wait for Julian’s story and I’m keeping my fingers crossed Preston has a story please.
Having never read anything by Michelle Heard before this trilogy, I must say it is a great way o get introduced to her books. Just like the first two, Lake was just as hard to put down. I love reading Lake and Lee’s story, and look forward to more books from this author.
I have been patiently waiting for book 3 in the Trinity Academy series, and Lake’s story did not disappoint. Lake might be the quiet one out of the trio of besties, but he protects those he loves fiercely. Never underestimate him. He is patient, he is kind, and he is super sensitive, all that in a ultra hot body. Lucky Lee is the yin to his yang, because these two are just perfect for each other. A young couple, each with totally different families and cultures, who learn to love and trust together. A wonderful romance with a few little twists and turns from the past and the present. Emotional in places, but ultimately, there’s lots of fun times. How can there not be when Falcon, Mason and Lake get together. A truly wonderful end to a truly wonderful series
Lake and Lee’s story will pull at your heart have you in tears and make you laugh and fall fro these two over and over again. Amazing read that ties it all together from Falcon’s and Mason book. Will they be able to get what they need done and face the challenges that have been set before them. Can’t wait to read more from this author
Finally Lake’s story.
I loved him from book one,Falcon.
Lake is funny and compassionate.
He’s sensitive and takes everyone under his wing.
Lake is the one that comforts all his friends when he feels they are hurting.
I loved how he refers to them as his children.
There were some laugh out loud scenes with that referral of them.
Lee-Ann is a hard working young woman.
She lives in a small village in Korea and works her tail off to help her mother.
Her very rich very powerful father takes her away from everything she knows for his own greed.
Lee-Ann has to make some very hard choices.
I thought Lee was an absolutely phenomenal character.
She deals with the harsh reality of her life with grace and dignity.
Without being a doormat to others.
I loved how Lake tried to learn everything he could about her culture as to not insult her.
And to make her feel at ease in her new environment.
Their story is touching and heartwarming.
Trinity Academy was outstanding series Ms. Heard gifted her readers.
The love and bond of three incredible young men was inspiring to read.
They are tough bada$$ men and have others quaking in their boots.
But with each other we see their unwavering commitment and loyalty.
They are harsh and aggressive but their tenderness for one another just warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
I loved reading every book and loved each of these amazing young men and the women who they fell hard for.
Lake finally gets his book and also gets his HEA. I’m so happy for him. It seems it took forever, but it didn’t. Thanks to Michelle Heard for releasing all three of these books back to back within seven days of each other. I’ve been waiting for Lake’s story since Falcon’s book because he’s been my favorite. He’s been the quietest of the three, but he has a fight to him. He’s like the father of them all because he watches out for everyone else. He even watches out for his soon bride-to-be who he has been arranged to marry. He’s about to meet her in this book for the first time. Michelle though wants to make sure readers are introduced to Lee.
Lee is a sweet Korean girl who loves her mother and will do anything for her. One day Lee comes home and finally meets her father, who has never been there for her. He shows up unexpectedly and tells her that she will be married to an American in two years because he is looking for a deal with CRC Holdings. She’s being forced to be married to Lake and Lake has no idea.
The minute Lee and Lake meet though, and Lee realizes that Lake is not one of those men that expect anything from her. He wants to see her happy and wants to protect her. He brings her into his world, but he also learns her culture too. He cares for her, even though he hardly knows her. I love Lake so much more after reading his book. Seriously, he is the perfect guy in eyes.
Michelle Heard ended the Trinity Academy Trilogy perfectly with Lake’s book. This book will have you go through so many emotions at once. You’ll laugh, cry, and get angry. Although, it ripped me to shreds a couple of times. Lake and Lee are perfect together. I loved how everything came together for all three couples in these stories, and I’m sad it’s over with now. I loved Falcon, Mason, and Lake, and I also adored their girlfriends. Each guy met their match in their books.
If you are looking for a New Adult College Romance Trilogy with three best friends who end up getting their HEA unexpectedly, then these books are for you. They were not looking for HEA, but they got it.
Story Rating: 5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 2 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of series and highly recommend reading in order.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Arranged Marriage Romance; Millionaire/Billionaire Romance
Hero: Wealthy; Kind; Sexy; Protective; Shareholder of CRC Holdings
Heroine: Virgin; Korean; Vulnerable; Innocent
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Blog Tour Host in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is book 3 – This is Lake and Lee’s story.
Lake is just a pure delicious treat!! Lake and Lee’s story wasn’t co1 and his equal horrible mistress.
Their journey into a relationship is filled with an epic climax that’s filled with love and hope for the lucky couple. I was in awe at the emotions that are uncovered and that bubble up between the main characters. Lake and Lee deliver some serious chemistry in this exciting 3rd book follow up that will have the readers hooked and enthralled.
What a phenomenal ride this story is. It definitely has the feels, drama, angst, twists, turns, and romantic moments.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
Lake finally got his well deserved HEA and Lee was perfect for him. Lake is so kindhearted which was seen in the other two books and it just continued in this one. Lee comes across as a quiet mouse but she’s no one’s doormat!! She was taken to America for an arranged marriage with Lake but when they met each other it was the total opposite. They actually got to know each other and Lake helped her out a lot and his friends welcomed her with open arms. Lee I was sad for her because she was far from her mother but she was very likable and got to know the real Lake and his friends. Everything was beautiful.
Hes the quiet one often overlooked and underestimated, but now is his time to be seen, and heard.
The arranged marriage is upon him. Shes finally here, but shes different to what he expected.
She wants him to hate her, send her back home, he means nothing to her.
But hes everything she didnt think he would he be.
Can she stick to her original plan?
Oh how I signed and swooned over this book.
I’ve loved each of the guys in this series Trinity Academy. They are all so different yet together they are everything you could ever want and more too.
Lake is the third member of the group and oh my, hes so loveable! He has a serene aura that floats around him. Hes completely divine!
His bride to be Lee is adorable too from her cute faces, to her pleasing personality. Shes very likeable.
Together they are the sweetest couple I’ve ever come across. So innocent is their love its beautiful.
This is a series that has something for everyone and I dont think there’s a person out there that wont fall in love with Falcon, Mason and Lake.
I’m completely and utterly smitten and cant wait to read the next generation books that are to follow.
Michelle Heard is definetly a one click worthy author!
One of my favourite series so far this year. It’s was so good!
Love all these characters. Lake is such a sweetheart!
It was one of those books you don’t want to end. So I dragged my heels reading. I laughed, cried and had so many emotions.
If I could give more stars I would. Highly recommend this series to everyone. I had huge smile on my face throughout every book. I’m hoping we get more books about these characters in the future.
This just went too quickly for me… I dont know if I can choose a favourite.
I thought that Falcon, would be it and then Mason came and now it’s Lake. Out of all three these guys, Lake is the one that holds everyone togother.
Michelle Heard definitely had me guessing from the first book till the last one. I didn’t know what was going to happen. You think you knew, but then something else happens. Lake and Lee was just too sweet and they were definitely a awesome match. Lake you would think is a soft hearted person (which you got in the first two books) but in this book his protective instincts came out and he definitely stood up to Lee’s dad and made himself heard.
Lee was just to much. She was sweet, beautiful, hard working and so down to earth. Lake didn’t have a choice but to fall in love with her. Strong spirited but also loyal and she definitely deserved someone like Lake to look after her.
From the beginning of this series, you had so many emotions going through. You heart was broken and you were sad and then you were happy as each one of these characters found themselves and who they were and what they stood for. Love and Loyalty and Family.
I need more… I can’t wait for Julian’s story its going to Awesome…
Lake was a fitting and epic conclusion to the Trinity Academy series by Michelle Heard. This story brought together all the floating puzzle pieces and gave us a solid ending. The friendship between Mason, Falcon and Lake is one of the most emotional ones I have ever read. It gave me tears and goosebumps straightaway.
Though this story is about Lake and her Asian fiance Lee, a lot of the story was about how these guys have each other’s back and how they consolidated their future as partners. I won’t lie – I am really sad to let them go. They have come so far as friends and human beings. Along with the love of their lives. Lake is the sweetest and kindest guy among them and I absolutely loved how he protected and cherished Lee. She belongs to a different culture and her neglecting father has turned her life into hell. But Lee filled Lake’s heart. The swoony emotions were almost too much. While the other couples are sexy, fiery and explosive, Lake and Lee will give you that sweet, dreamy, warm and fuzzy vibes. They are perfect for each other. And when the rough and confident part of Lake came out when he was trying to protect his friends and love, that was awesome!
Michelle Heard’s writing was amazing as always. She put great twists and turns in Lake so that you cannot stop reading! Lake was a swoonworthy and emotional story of deep love and precious friendship.
Received ARC for Honest review
Lake’s story was MUCH different from what I was expecting. It was sweeter and not as angsty as Falcon and Mason’s. Where as Falcon and Mason’s stories had tons of heat and angst between the H and h’s, this one was really sweet and it was very tame by comparison. Lake and Lee weren’t explosive, but they were perfect for each other. Told in dual POV their story made me cry, it made me smile and it made me laugh. I loved their love!
“I’ll love you so much in this life, the deities will have no choice but to give you back to me in the next life.”
Throughout Falcon and Mason’s books we had been hearing of this arranged marriage of Lake’s that was on the horizon. Lake was excited and couldn’t wait to get his fiancée here from Korea. However, we couldn’t have anticipated those feelings of excitement and anticipation for the two years leading up would not be reciprocated by Park-Lee-ann “Lee”.
Lee was the sweetest. Beautiful, hard working and happy with her life, and with her mom. They worked super hard and just managed to scrape, but they were happy with their life in Korea. When she was sixteen her rich father shows up and announced that it had been arranged that she was to be married to an American man named Lake Cutler when she turned eighteen. She was devastated and terrified. The two years in between were filled with threats, fear and abuse. She found herself with only thoughts about how she could make her new American Fiancée hate her and call everything off? What will she do when Lake turns out to be the exact opposite of everything she was expecting? She had been repeatedly broken throughout the two years leading up to the arrangement can Lake put the pieces of this beautiful broken girl back together?
“During the dark night of my soul, you were my lighthouse. Your light shone through the storm so I wouldn’t lose my way.
Lake’s character is so different from Falcon and Mason. He’s quiet, and a little serious. He’s sensitive, but he’s also hot headed. He will do anything to protect those he loves. He’s very intuitive. He noticed even before Lee’s arrival that something wasn’t quite right. I loved the way he treated her with such respect and equality, while at the same time paying attention not to dishonor her culture in any way. He knew he needed to go slow with Lee. So much was a cultural shock to her. I loved how everyone in his “little family” accepted her and she quickly grew comfortable. He fell pretty hard and fast for this sweet girl. He wanted to make her smile and fix every hurt.
“Maybe Lake is the solution and not the obstacle?”
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– I was so glad to get Lake’s story. That last fluffy like to killed me. Lol Their story was super sweet. It was slow burn, and I loved how all the characters from the other books play such a big part.
– This story isn’t exactly what I would call hot. It was however, sensually sweet! In staying true to the cultural integrity of the story this author had to limit this to very little physical contact between our main characters especially when in public. There are some scenes of what are small physical acts to some, but it’s a really big deal for these characters and is pretty large chunks of chapters of the book.
Cliffhanger Warning-NO CLIFFHANGER! I look forward to more from this Author and from this series.
What a perfect and addictive series. I loved the friendship dynamic between these three guys and as the books interlinked also the relationships between the girls.
When I started reading Trinity academy I was given the impression, these were three guys who ruled the school, guys who weren’t to be messed with, guys with power and knew they were untouchable and I was all kinds of excited for this kind of angsty college series with obviously romance along the way.
Trinity Academy wasn’t at all what I thought, I got to see the guys behind the persona people had built up of them and when it moved into mason’s story it became so much more and I was taken by surprise in this turn. Then we get to Lakes story was all kinds of swoon.
Lake has been expecting an arranged marriage for a few years, on behalf of a merger with his company, which is all part of a huge business deal. Lake is the easy-going one of the three guys, he’s the one the girls mess around with and chat with, he’s either one of the guys or one of the girls, he’s such an easy-going laid back guy, so it’s no surprise he’s the one that sacrificed himself out of the three of them to take one for the team and also sacrifice himself.
Lee is a Korean girl who has been told by her father whom she has never met because he lives with his mistress that she must marry lake or he will make her mother suffer financially, basically ruin her and Lee loves her mother dearly. The two of them have shared a tiny room, they are so poor but are so close that you are given the impression only love some days kept their hearts warm, happy and content. For Lee and her mother, it has always been a struggle but Lee is willing to do anything even sacrifice herself for her mother.
I loved Lee, the blurb gives the wrong impression of her, she is sweet from day one when she first meets lake? Lee is the kind of girl who you just want to find happiness and her prince charming, she deserved a better father, a better upbringing, a better life and she so deserved to find a guy like Lake.
I was really looking forward to this story and it did not disappoint. It’s always bittersweet reading the last book in a series and I still want more and didn’t want to let go of these characters including side characters who had piqued my interest.
Recommended College romance series. Told in first person dual pov and each book leads to a hea.
This is an interconnected series so I would recommend starting with the first book Falcon.
I have absolutely loved this series from Michelle, I think its my favourite from her to date. She has delivered a fantastic story within Trinity Academy. The three main characters Falcon, Mason and Lake were diverse, addictive and engaging. Each of these boys brought us something different and managed to embed themselves in our hearts.
Lake was seriously competing with Mason for the title of my favourite. I was completely intrigued as to who he had to marry. He has take one for the team so to speak and has accepted an arranged marriage. Lake is such a loving and caring guy, the father of the group I really wanted him to have a girl that deserved someone as wonderful as him and he did.
Lee, this girl was so sweet. She had more strength then she thought considering her life. She has loved a completely different life to Lake. She is being forced by a father she didn’t know to marry a man she doesn’t know but once she actually meets Lake she can finally see her life may become something different and better.
As with the rest of the books in the series Michelle has given us laughter and emotion. One minute she has us laughing the next in tears. It was lovely seeing these trust-fund guys change their outlook and fall in love. Such a beautiful ending to this series but I am happy to see that Michelle has left it open for Julian’s story.
This is the last one in this series and I have to say this one was the feeling one. This one brings out your emotions, your feelings more than the other two. I have absolutely loved Lake since the first one. There was just something about his character. This book brings that character out even more especially when you bring Lee Parker his fiancée who he really doesn’t know into the picture. This is an arranged marriage between these two for a business deal. But once these two get together you easily see that there is so much more there than just an arrangement. Lake is the caring, tender soft hearted one out of the three boys and it shines through when it comes to Lee. She is a feisty shy girl at first but once she gets around the girls and Lake she changes and the real Lee comes out. There are some very emotional parts in this one. I will say I did tear up a few times. Michelle wrote this one amazingly and ended this series so darn well. I loved it from beginning to end.
“I’ll love you so much in this life, the deities will have no choice but to give you back to me in the next life”
If that quote alone isn’t enough to want a reader to pick up Lake’s story then nothing will.
Guys my heart!
I can’t tell you how much love I have for Lake and Lee’s story. Obviously I had an idea what Lake and Lee’s story was going to be about as it touched based on it in the first two books in this series
(which I must say they need to be read first), but I never expected this.
I never expected such a heart-felt story full of overwhelming emotion that at times it was hard to catch my breath.
I never expected it to be so sad and hurtful.
But it was and I just adored every word, every paragraph and every page that I turned.
Lake and Lee’s story is one of heartache but yet also entwined with trust, hope and an abundance of love.
It’s a powerful story about two people merged together for a business deal, both sacrificing their lives for that of others.
It’s a tormenting story giving readers an insight of what it’s like to feel unwanted and rejected and the scars it leaves behind.
It’s a painful read looking at life through the eyes of a young girl sacrificed for her own father’s gain.
Sounds grim right?
As much as it sounds it believe me isn’t because within the darkness and despair there is light that bleeds through that just consumes your heart and soul.
It’s a story about hope and faith in humanity.
It’s a story about friendships with an unbreakable bond.
It’s a story about human kindness.
Lake and Lee will stay with me always.
An exceptional read so pure and an absolute delight to read.
5 stars.