I was taken. Kidnapped by a boy I thought I could love. Then he sold me as if I were property. For three years I endured. Beatings. Torture. Pain. I never broke. I was strong, determined, resilient. But then one day it happened…I broke. Setting me free. I should have run away, found a new life, and started over. Instead, I returned. To find the man who sold me. This collection includes: Taken by … collection includes: Taken by Lies, Betrayed by Truths, & Trapped by Lies.
Ends on a cliffhanger.
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This is the first 3 books in this series. I have never read anything from Ella Miles before I received my arc copy of this beginning series. These books have so many twists and turns that you don’t see coming I can’t wait to read more in the series. Enzo and Kai do have perfect chemistry in the beginning. If you can’t handle rape or anything along those lines, I suggest you don’t read this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This collection contains books 1-3 of the Truth or Lies series:
1. TAKEN BY LIES
To be honest, I normally give a brief synopsis of the book, at least of the main characters, before giving a personal review of the author’s work. With this one, “Taken By Lies” I don’t even feel comfortable doing that without somehow slipping up and giving a spoiler. Each part of this book packs such an emotional punch there’s no way for me to do anything but tell you THIS, THIS RIGHT HERE is so powerful. So raw. So emotionally charged it is impossible not to have a reaction to this story, the characters, the whys, or the full blown cliffhanger at the end. This literally took my breath away.
2. BETRAYED BY TRUTHS
Give me a moment and let my hands stop shaking and my heart to slow down. What a read! Ella Miles has outdone herself this time. The ultimate game for the Black Organization is set in motion. What happens to the loser? Emotions are running high right now and I know I’m probably jumping around. I’ve tried to give a review without giving any spoilers and I keep deleting my sentences. The most honest thing I can tell you is this is a dark, gritty, powerful story that will not leave you untouched. Ella Miles’ characters will suck you in and you will feel each and every emotion as they are being displayed before your eyes. I can’t recommend this book enough.
3. TRAPPED BY LIES
Good grief!! Once again my hands are shaking and my heart is racing. Ella Miles has continued the story of Enzo and Kai along with the Black name in this third book of “Truth or Lie.” I don’t want to give any spoilers and yet I want to be able to convey to you the full on emotional roller-coaster this story will put you on. It’s dark, gritty, powerful. The characters are so beautifully damaged you’ll either love them or love to hate them. And the buildup and explosions of sexual chemistry that is filled with all the unspoken emotion neither can acknowledge or confess. I’ll be honest and tell you I needed a tissue here and there, so be prepared for that and a HUGE cliffhanger.
I received a copy of this ARC and am voluntarily giving my honest review. Wait til you read it and you’ll agree.
I read these books when they were released individually but it was great to read them again in a continued story. This series is absolutely amazing and takes you in the story right from the first page and is so addictive that you have to keep reading to see what happens next. There are twists and turns that you don’t see coming and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. This box set is a must read and definitely worth more than five stars. Ella Miles is an incredible author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this box set.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this box set.
This is the box set which means you can read them one after the other without losing where you are if you have to stopped.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Who will get the Black Dynasty?
Enzo & Kai are the best enemies & the best lovers. As a team, can they conquer the enemies that are lining up, waiting for their biggest chance of a lifetime to kill both Enzo & Kai for the crowning of king of the Black Dynasty? Who will be the winner?
This box set (books 1-3) are definitely page-turners, excitement & full of energy throughout. Book 3 has more twists & turns with these 2 developing deeper feelings for each other & leaves with a cliffhanger!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Truth or Lies Series: Books 1-3 by
Ella Miles.
This was a great read. Great story. I loved the cover. Some good characters hope to read more from this author. 4*.
Enzo And Kai’s Story Is A Dark And Twisted Slow Burn That Will Have You On The Edge Of Your Seat. Amazing Twists And Turns!
This is books one thru three of six books in the Truth or Lies series. Each book reads like a roller coaster, with unexpected gut-clenching twists and turns. Enzo and Kai both grew up in a brutal world, but one was raised in luxury and the other in extreme poverty. They have an undeniable connection, but every time they cross paths or begin to drop their defenses, something seems to pull them apart. There are many questions and many lies, but answers do come with patience. The books are best read back to back since the plot is very complex. This review attempts to summarize earlier books as a reminder for readers that didn’t just finish the prior book in the series.
From book one:
The myth that surrounds the Black name in Miami and beyond is legendary, demanding both fear and respect. Danger defines Mr. Black; ruthless describes him. He rules Miami, where he runs Surrender, an invitation only club where deals are made by the high-powered members of the underground that frequent it. Mr. Black also runs many other clubs in Miami, has a fleet of yachts that he deals with, and runs a security firm. The fleet gives him access to the lawless waters of the ocean as well as the world beyond Miami.
Enzo Black, seventeen, drinks to numb the memories that haunt him. He grew up in comfort and has more money than he will ever need, but his life has not been easy. As the son of Mr. Black, he knows he has an image to maintain. There is no room for feelings for someone like him. He has blood on his hands. His father has trained him in the family business for years, expecting that Enzo might one day take over. His second hands happen to be his two best friends, Langston and Zeke. They all grew up together, so having his trusted friends at his side in a dark world dominated by older and experienced criminals provides a welcome level of comfort. Langston is more brain, while Zeke is more brawn. But both are loyal. They are family.
Katherine Miller, sixteen, hasn’t’ been to school in weeks. She is old enough to opt not to go, so she has been going less and less, choosing to work and steal instead. Food on the table and rent for the trailer she shares with her father rank higher on her list of priorities than her education. First on the list, however, is paying off her father’s debt. She loves her father despite the lack of warmth in their relationship. She remains loyal, even though they’ve had growing pains. Kai’s mother died from cancer when she was small, but she had fought it with everything she had before succumbing to the disease. Her death left Kai’s father with a debt in the millions. The debt collectors have to be paid, and some are shady. Kai knows one day she will have to pay with her body, but she will continue to delay that inevitability as long as possible by stealing.
When Enzo and Kai meet by chance, they both feel electrified. Enzo’s feelings come to life despite himself, and Kai has never been so attracted to a boy before. But when they meet again, the circumstances are not by chance. Enzo has a job to do, and Kai is his job. Kai has questions, but he doesn’t seem to have answers. He promises to let her leave town, but in a cruel twist of fate Kai is taken and sold to a cruel man named Jarod. Years later Kai is back and she wants answers. Enzo has answers now, but doesn’t want KaI to know them. They play a game but Kai loses. Instead of getting her answers, Enzo now owns her. He keeps her and sees to her health, but his trickery isn’t over. The two play a series of games of Truth or Lies as a means to get answers that neither willingly wants to share.
Just when Kai begins to recover her strength and the pair begins to bond, her whole world is turned upside down. She learns what Enzo meant when he said becoming the next Mr. Black is earned, and he confesses he didn’t actually earn it because he let her live six year ago. The next Mr. Black will earn his or her place according to the rules set forth by the last two to compete for the title: their fathers. The Rinaldi and Miller families have competed for the title for generations. As only children, Enzo and Kai must compete, since it is now known that she is not dead. There will be five competitions, each with a clear winner. Three out of five wins the title. Outside of the rules, there are no rules. It is a dangerous game, meant to flush out the weakest and leave the strongest to run the empire until the next generation of Rinaldis and Millers comes along.
In book two
Enzo and Kai must run Mr. Black’s empire together until a winner is determined. Enzo has run it as Mr. Black for three years already, and though Kai has great street smarts and is quite capable of standing up for herself, she lacks experience as a leader. When things get personal, the two clash professionally. Kai uses her equal footing with Enzo to hurt him, but it comes with a price. When the first round of the game begins, they had reached a tentative peace, but winning comes at a price as well.
Heartbroken by Kai’s betrayal, as evidenced by the rumors that damage his reputation in the underworld, and not denied by Kai herself later, Enzo loses his careful composure and does the unthinkable. Another round of Truths, though, has him and Kai both spiraling out of control and the entire team scrambling. The book ends in a shattering cliffhanger with yet another wicked turn at the end.
In book three:
A tentative peace is reached, but a war is simmering. The entire crew heads aboard the Savage and out to sea to keep their whereabouts unknown and to buy time. Milo Wallace must be taken out, and an alliance is formed with Rowan Evan. Liesel Dunn, Enzo’s friend from his teen years, is forced to join leave on the Savage as well due to her role in the first game.
Liesel doesn’t play nice and makes no secret of her feelings for Enzo. But Enzo, of course doesn’t do quite enough put her in her place. The fact that Liesel is still his “everything” has something to do with that. Her history with Enzo presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Kai.
Tensions play out during the time out at sea. Some relationships blossom in such close quarters, but people also begin to grow antsy. The truths unveiled before the departure leave Kai and Enzo damaged. Kai deals with the fact that both her father and Enzo sold her as well as the many lies she grew up with. Enzo struggles with his guilt and his determination to make things right. He grows emotionally during this time, but still doesn’t quite know how to deal with it best. He wavers between needing Kai forever and sending her away from Black for her own good at the first opportunity.
A second game takes place aboard ship. This game is different, though, because it isn’t only Enzo and Kai whose safety and well-being are involved. It is an emotionally brutal game. Nevertheless, the war must take place before they can all return home, and nobody fights fair. Blood spills in this heartbreaking battle. The story ends in a cliffhanger. Their story continues in Stolen by Truths, book four of the series.
There are a few issues that merit mention. First, Kai’s attempt to be serious about winning round two of the Black games isn’t serious at all, hence she would have been better off not even attempting her chosen method. Perhaps more persuasion might have gotten her closer to a win. Second, Enzo’s indecision becomes tiresome, though Kai makes some progress in that department. Finally, Enzo and Kai both make utterly foolish, dead-end choices that seem out of character, but conveniently lead to another cliffhanger as readers wait to see who gets their way and what new damage has taken place.
Enzo and Kai’s story is a slow burn. They have fantastic chemistry, but their relationship is complicated. It shifts. Kai and Enzo finally come to terms with their feelings in this book. They have an undefined relationship, though neither is capable of expressing their feelings for the other. Both are determined to do what is best for the other, even if it means an end for them. Sometimes they are enemies – of necessity, for self preservation. Enzo’s priorities shift. Becoming the next Black falls second to protecting Kai, but how best to protect her doesn’t have a clear and easy answer. Kai doesn’t want to become the next Black. Either way, the games continue even if she chooses not to participate. Here she has made great progress in healing, but the extent of Enzo’s suffering and his own need for healing come to light.
Enzo and Kai’s story continues the angsty twists and turns in book three of the series. Their chemistry heats up the pages as they become consumed with one another. The story is nicely written. It is plot-driven, with heartbreaking curveballs that sock you in the gut. The characters are well-developed. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates mostly between Enzo and Kai, with one chapter in Liesel’s POV and two in Milo’s. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a collection of the first three books in this dark romance series. The stories are very well written but not necessarily easy to read. There is a lot going on here and some of it is rather brutal making it occasionally challenging to read. The payoff is watching the really great characters develop and come to life in the stories. The characters are well developed and fit the story very nicely. The plot has a lot of twists and turns to it which also help to keep you reading to find out what comes next. Having these three books together provides a nice experience without the wait between volumes.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
Oh wow! This was an amazing read, the characters! I Loved the characters and the storyline was just incredible, so many twists and turns, so many moments your heart is in your mouth! I honestly just can’t wait to read the rest! Wish I had more stars to leave
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am a new reader to this author but I think I picked a good one, this is an terrific book, it’s captivating and compelling – I couldn’t put it down and it ended in a cliffhanger so now I have to read the next set of 3. This story is spread over 6 book. This boxset has the first 3 books. The story follows Kai and Enzo. The story is brutal, dark, and difficult to read at times. He’s 17, she’s 16. His father gives him a job to do. But, he cheats. She ends up in a devastatingly horrific situation. Each book is captivatingly dark with some horrific events and ends on a cliff that you are compelled to read on. Many twists and turns and u expected events. I loved it. Definitely worth the readers time and money.
I
This is a amazing box set which consists of the following:-
#1 Taken by Lies
This is the first book in a new series from this exceedingly talented author, and there is a prequel which I recommend reading first. Enzo and Kai’s tale continues and is an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Both characters are strong, and with undeniable chemistry between them, yet they are both broken by the most unimaginable acts. This is a well written story which is dark, twisted, and with revenge, which had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner.
#2 Betrayed by Truths
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series, and this is an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. This is a well written tale which is dark, and with danger, twists, and truths which all lead to an intriguing and thrilling story which had me hooked throughout this addictive page turner.
#3 Trapped by Lies
This is the third book in this awesome series, and this needs to be read in order. This is a continuation of Enzo and Kai’s story. This is a well written story which is filled with betrayal, secrets, lies, mistrust, twists, which all lead to a thrilling and intense read. I look forward to reading more from this gifted author, whose work I recommend.
Kai and Enzo story just keeps getting better in intensity and depth of feeling. They are enduring many lies, secrets, distrust. They are a couple that are entitled to a forevermore, but will they get it surrounded by captivating suspense and mystery. This is one of those stories you will find alluringly compelling and poignant. You will want to stop reading but you can’t. It will capture your mind and soul, but you will never regret the time invested.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first three books in a six book series. They must be read in order as each book ends in a cliffhanger. It is the story of Enzo and Kia.
Kia overcomes a near death experience.
Both characters a pawns in an evil game.
Enzo was even aware that he was supposed to kill Kia years ago at the order of his father.
There is darkness, suspense, love despite the odds and major mountains for them to overcome.
Ms. Miles makes the cliffhangers worth it and you can read the first three of the series. I have read them all separately and this is one of her best series which is saying a lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Taken By Lies:
This is a dark, gritty, twisted romance and a great start to the Truth or Lies series. I’ve read a couple of this author’s series and I have loved them so I was excited to see how this one would be and I have to say so far I am loving it! This book has it all drama, danger, violence, mystery, secrets, lies, and a dark romance.
Betrayed By Truth
Enzo and Kai’s dark and twisted journey continues and talk about off the charts hot! Truths are revealed, betrayals, unexpected twists, a rivalry between families and a cliffhanger that left me speechless.
Trapped By Lies:
Trapped By Lies is book three in the Truth or Lies series and continues with Kai and Enzo’s twisted journey of love. In this book we get more betrayals, twists, secrets, revenge, unexpected twists and a cliffhanger that left me wanting more.
I am totally obsessed with this series. Some of the things that Kai goes through make me feel so sorry for her but she is strong. She goes through them all and remains determined to get her life back. I was hooked on this book from the very first chapter. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read so many of Ella Miles Series but this is one I decided I need another one though and I am glad I did. There are things I didn’t remember that happened in the first couple of books that I read and it was kinda of rough getting through the hard parts. With her being sold or kidnapped by Jarrod in the first book and beaten within an inch of her life. She was so broken literally with her bones being broken everywhere and she was stabbed and thrown around until she was just barely hanging on to life when they released her at the end of book one and book two begins.
This is the first 3 books of Enzo & Kai’s tale. I have read the first two books separately, and now half are together in this collection. I absolutely Love Enzo and Kai. They have both suffered much and risk it all for love, family, and friendship. The choices that they each have to make is beyond imaginable, but they each do what must be done to survive. Their non-stop action and choices will keep you guessing what will happen next Just when you think you know what will happen, things change. Enzo is a heartless man determined to keep his position as Mr. Black and main controller of Miami and beyond. He realizes he can’t keep that position until he wins the games set up by his father. He has to compete against Kia, the other family set to take over the empire. He becomes angry when he realizes this is the woman his father told him to kill several years prior to his death. The games are brutal and come close to death several times. But what Enzo and Kia realize is that they are falling love with one another. I did decide that I wanted this series as an ARC but I had already bought Taken by Lies and Betrayed by Lies but I had not read the third book and this was well worth me buying and getting the ARC from Booksprout. I have also pre-ordered books 4-6 also that I never got a chance to read, so I am excited about what is to come.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Raw, dark, twisted, betrayal, emotional, gritty, powerful those are just some of the words to explain these books. I can’t wait to read books 4-6 cuz cliffhangers are just torture. I absolutely loved Kai’s fighting and strong spirit. The things that her and Enzo put each other through and go through themselves is insurmountable. Great Read and highly recommend !! Be careful as this could trigger things for some so proceed with caution.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This set contains the first three books of Kai and Enzo’s story. I love reading this author’s stories even though they are broken down into multiple books. The adventure that you sign up for is never disappointing. Be prepared for everything as this author will pull every punch possible and even a few you had never expected. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an incredibly dark series of books that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat! Full of action, passion, hate (until it’s not) and angst, your emotions will be on a rollercoaster!
This set has three stories. All in all, they’re all great! The main characters are Enzo and Kai. Enzo and Kai compete to be the sole person of the empire. As they compete against each other, they realize they need each other. Down that road, they also catch feelings. Everything in the book is so raw, The emotion in the book is positively charged. Its all so great. I dont want to go into detail to spoil anything, you’re just going to have to read it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.