The Thorns Remain

Vengeance.

Hiding deep within the shadows of human nature, it smolders…

Simmers…

Waits.

Only, for me, it was no longer a hibernating beast.

The day I discovered the wrongs committed against me, vengeance clawed its way right through me. The beast had emerged from its lair with a burning need to destroy the man who tore my marriage apart.

And now?

Now, it was my lifeline.

My dark lover.

My. Whole. Purpose.

Revenge.

They say it’s sweet in the end, and I believed them. I could almost taste that honey on my tongue, like a balm I needed to quell the bitterness.

But it was all a lie.

I was blindsided.

And not once did I think about who I might hurt along the way. I never considered the casualties that may fall across my path of destruction.

No…

Revenge is not sweet. Retaliation does not end in reward.

Vengeance is not justice.

The promises whispered by that beast within?

They’re all hollow.

All it ever wanted was to be set free.

In the end, I never expected things to be worse than when it all began.

I never expected the wreckage left in my wake.

I never expected her.

©2021 Jennifer Hartmann and Chelley St. Clair (P)2022 Jennifer Hartmann and Chelley St. Clair

Beautifully tragic

5⭐️ 2🌶️ 4🎧

I’ve been meaning to read Evan’s book since I finished Lotus but life just got in the way and I’m so mad at myself for not making it a priority.

I loved this book so much! I felt so many emotions while reading it and even broke down crying at my kitchen table at one point. But it was all worth it in the end.

Evan was my kind of spiteful and petty. I loved him so much, even if his need for vengeance clouded his judgement so he didn’t see the full impact of his actions until it was too late.

Poor Josie just couldn’t seem to catch a break. I really admired her resilience.

Evan and Jodie’s story is not for the faint of heart but it was ultimately such a beautifully healing journey for both of them.

I really enjoyed the audiobook. Neille Thorne (lol I just noticed his last name) was wonderful as Evan and I enjoyed his Josie voice as well. Kelley Huston also did a wonderful job as Josie. The two of them really brought this book to life.

Didn't know I needed this?

I also have been a victim of this kind of betrayal and have thought about revenge. The same overwhelming emotion comes to me, that it will not heal my heartbreak. In the beginning of this book, I didnt think I could finish it. Then I felt his heart in some ways turning around and it made it easier to continue. Thank you again JH for ripping my heart out and then tying it up with a bow.

Best book

It’s been a long time since I enjoyed an audiobook this much without having to skip to the end. I absolutely loved the most the perspective from the MC. More books should be like this one. 100% recommend. Absolutely worth the credit.

Entertaining and emotional

I automatically buy any Jennifer Hartmann book, and I give this one two thumbs up. I like the narrator, but I felt like he was a little too intense at times. But I’ve heard Neill narrate other books and he does a great job.

Love!

Jennifer Heartmann will forever be my favorite. This book was amazing. However, if you're coming here from the Aria and Coda duet expecting it to be about Sam and Summer as it was said to be, it's not. But still a great listen!