Book Title: Wicked Truths
Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas
Series: Hunt Legacy Duology #2
Publication Date: November 12, 2020
Length: 441 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
***My Review***
The eagerly awaited second book in Jodi Ellen Malpas’ enthralling series, “Wicked Truths,” does not disappoint. For readers who were left on a knife-edge by the cliffhanger at the end of the first book “Artful Lies”, this conclusion is nothing short of perfection.
Malpas’ skillful storytelling weaves a tale of passion, betrayal, and redemption, with an alpha male protagonist who adores his heroine beyond measure. It is a captivating love story that will leave readers swooning.
“Wicked Truths,” wastes no time in diving headlong into the aftermath of the explosive revelation that Eleanor has just endured. The discovery that Becker, the man she loves, has been deceiving her and was responsible for the break-in at her apartment has left her reeling and in need of a respite. Desperate for the comfort of her mother’s embrace and some much-needed time to grieve, she endeavors to leave everything behind and retreat into solitude.
But in true Becker fashion, he refuses to let Eleanor go without a fight. Determined to prove his love and devotion, he refuses to let her slip away so easily. Becker’s unwavering commitment to Eleanor is as unwavering as it is admirable, and he is determined to make amends for his misdeeds and protect her at all costs.
As the two navigate the treacherous waters of betrayal and forgiveness, one question looms large: can Eleanor find it within herself to trust Becker once again?
What makes Malpas’ writing so unique is her ability to evoke emotions that are singularly intense and powerful. Her distinctive style draws readers in from the very first page and holds them spellbound until the very end. Once you start reading one of her books, you simply cannot put it down until you have reached the end.
In “Wicked Truths,” Malpas has crafted an original and compelling storyline, with a cast of unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after the final page. It is undeniable that JEM is a master at creating complex and captivating characters, and Becker and Eleanor from the Hunt Legacy Duet are no exception.
Becker’s multifaceted personality is truly a sight to behold, as he effortlessly balances being a cocky and egotistical antiques master with showing his softer side when it comes to his family and his love for Eleanor. His playfulness and swoon-worthy moments only add to his charm and make him a contender for the title of the ultimate alpha male in romance literature.
Eleanor, on the other hand, is a fierce and loyal character who is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. Her character development throughout the duet is nothing short of impressive, as she blossoms into the confident and independent woman she was always meant to be under the care and love of Becker.
Together, they form an incredible and dynamic duo that will leave readers breathless and wanting more. The chemistry between Becker and Eleanor is undeniable, and their dynamic is electric. Becker’s alpha male persona and Eleanor’s fiery personality create a perfect balance that keeps readers engaged and captivated.
Moreover, Malpas’s talent for crafting secondary characters shines through in this novel, as well. The characters of Gramps, Mrs Potts, Winston, and Lucy all add an extra layer of depth and interest to the story. Each character is unique and memorable in their own right, and it is a testament to Malpas’s skill as a writer that she can create such vivid characters that readers fall in love with.
But what really sets this book apart is the emotional depth that Malpas imbues into the storyline. Becker’s tormented past and Eleanor’s struggle to forgive him make for a powerful and heart-wrenching read. The way Malpas tackles themes of guilt, trust, and forgiveness is masterful, and readers will be left feeling deeply moved by the characters’ journeys.
Set against the backdrop of the world of arts, antiques, and collectors, this novel is a true masterpiece of world-building. Malpas’ attention to detail is unparalleled, and readers will find themselves utterly immersed in the vividly realized world that she has created.
The world of antiques and collectors is intricately described, and readers will be fascinated by the intricate details that Malpas has included in the book.
As I already mentioned, their chemistry is off the charts, and the steamy scenes between them are guaranteed to leave readers breathless. But in addition to the sizzling romance, the book also includes mystery, suspense, and excitement, all of which are expertly woven into the storyline.
However, the story seemed to have a lot of starts and stops, which made it difficult for me to become fully invested in the plot. The sex scenes, which were plentiful throughout the book, at times seemed to be thrown in haphazardly and didn’t add anything substantial to the storyline.
Another issue that I had with the book was that there were a couple of storylines that were introduced but never fully explained or resolved. This left me feeling frustrated and confused, as I had invested time and energy into these storylines, only to have them seemingly forgotten about. Additionally, there were a few elements in the book that I thought would play a significant role in the plot due to the number of times they were mentioned, but in the end, they turned out to be inconsequential.
Moreover, the pacing of the book may be a bit slow at times. While the book is fast-paced overall, there are moments when the long stretches of the storyline feel uneventful.
Overall, Wicked Truths is a perfect addition to Jodi Ellen Malpas’s collection of works and a perfect conclusion to “Artful Lies“. It is a twisted, fun, and naughty romance that will leave readers feeling satisfied with the fabulous happy ever after ending.
Fans of Malpas’s previous works will undoubtedly love this book, and readers who are new to her work will be captivated by her unique writing style, complex characters, and original storylines.