Spin-off Saturdays: On Saturdays, I will review a series that is a spin-off series. It is recommended that you read the original series first in order to get the most out of the spin-off series. Here is this week’s offering:
Sinful Truths Series is a spin-off of the Truth or Lies Series
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Author
Series: Sinful Truths
This is a spinoff of the Truth or Lies Series.
There are other novels set in the same universe: Retribution Games, Retribution Kings
Author: Ella Miles
# of Books: 6 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Ongoing
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Dark, Romance
Heat Rating: Hot
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: November 2019 – ongoing
Source & Format: Author–eARC | Thank you Ella Miles!
WARNING: If you have not finished the original series, this review may have spoilers!
My Expectations?
Without a doubt, Truth or Lies is my favourite Ella Miles series. So I was ECSTATIC that she was planning two spin-off series focusing on characters that I would love to spend more time with. Sinful Truths is the first series to come about and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
How Does It Compare To The Original?
Compared to its predecessor, I thought this book started a little slower. There were quite a few unanswered questions at the beginning that had me a little hung-up but as things fall into place, the picture becomes clearer and it captivates your attention. The stakes are just as high here and that adds some depth to the plot that I love in Ella Miles’ novels.
Anything I Didn’t Like?
Some of those unanswered questions bothered me because it made things seem a little sloppy in terms of the plot. But I should always know that Ella has something mind-blowing in store…
It also took me a lot longer to warm up to the romance. These two have great physical chemistry and they have this whole forbidden love attraction happening, but I didn’t find it as alluring as the original series. I’m hoping the depth I’m looking for comes out in the future novels as we get to uncover more about these characters.
My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:
I have no idea where this series is going or how it will relate further to the original series. But this is a trip I cannot wait to take!
–February 19, 2020– Book #3: Reckless Fall
This installment was a little on the slower side for me. Our leads are at a defining moment and that means we get quite a bit of self reflection. I wanted a little more drama and excitement.
With the original series, Truth or Lies, our leads have the on-going competition lingering in the background. I find this series so far lacks that overarching subplot. Yes, there are inklings that something larger is afoot but I find each novel is a more episodic, ending on a cliffhanger to keep you invested for the next installment. And that’s definitely not a bad thing, I just miss that white-knuckle tension Ella Miles can add to her novels.
–February 27, 2020– Book #4: Tangled Promise
I think this was a pretty crucial book in the series. Our leads have to start making big decisions for themselves and each other and I like how that test their relationship. I haven’t been entirely sold on their bond but this book helped me to see why they are such a great pair together.
My other complaint with the series so far is that there hadn’t seemed to be an overarching plotline but I think that it is starting to take shape here. I’m really excited for the trajectory of the last two books!
–April 9, 2020– Book #5: Fallen Love
Compared to others in the series so far, this was all about the relationships and testing loyalty. And that puts are characters in quite the bind. Overall though, I thought it was dry until the massive twist at the end!
–April 18, 2020– Book #6: Broken Anchor
This was super action packed. Never a dull moment in terms of the plot. It was perhaps a touch over the top but this whole series has been so I expect nothing less. Lots of twists and turns so I liked that I didn’t know how it would end.
Overall: I’m still not the biggest fan of Zeke and Siren’s romance but I can appreciate their loyalty to each other and how far they are willing to go to save the other. Plus, it was great to see returning characters from the original series and have the build up for the next spin-off!
My Rating: 3/5
Sinful Truths 4/5 | Twisted Vow 3/5 | Reckless Fall 3/5 | Tangled Promise 4/5 | Fallen Love 3/5 | Broken Anchor 3.5/5
A promising start to a great spin-off series that will captivate new fans as well as satisfy the returning.
Read if You Like: dark romances,
Avoid if You: dislike mentions of sex crimes and the like
- Wanted by Amanda Lance (Wanted Series #1)
- Seven Gypsy Brothers by Lili St Germain (Gypsy Brothers Series #1)
Synopsis for Sinful Truths (from Goodreads):
She saved me.
Pulled me from the depths of the ocean.
Siren—her name fits. She is beauty; her voice heavenly.
But unlike the mythical version, Siren didn’t lure me to my death.
She saved me.
And now, seeing her about to be sold to the highest bidder, I know it’s my turn to save her.——
I was raised to always tell the truth, no matter what.
And it’s served me well.
Until today.
Today, I wish I could lie.
Because my truth put me here—about to be sold.
A lie could set me free.
But I always tell the truth, even when I lie.
