The Lies that Bind: American Yakuza II

By: Isabella

Narrated by: Victoria Mei

Luce Potter runs her life and her business with an iron fist and complete control until lies and deception unravel her world. The shadow of betrayal consumes Luce, threatening to destroy the most precious thing in her life, Brooke Erickson.

Brooke Erickson finds herself on the outside of Luce’s life looking in. As events spiral out of control Brooke can only watch as the woman she loves pushes her further away. Suddenly, devastated and alone, Brooke refuses to let go without an explanation.

Colby Water, a federal agent investigating the ever-elusive Luce Potter, discovers someone from her past is front and center in her investigation of the Yakuza crime leader. Before she can put the crime boss in prison, she must confront the ultimate deception in her professional life.

When worlds collide, betrayal, dishonor, and death are inevitable. Can Luce and Brooke survive the explosion?

©2013 Christine Svendsen (P)2019 Sapphire Books Publishing

I want more!

This series is amazing!! The author had me cursing out Luce for treating her gf so badly. The narrator is one of my favorites. Absolutely outstanding. Steamy sex scenes. I wish the 3 book was out!!!

couldn't stop listening

captivating at every turn. love it!!! I had to keep listening even while I was exhausted.

love this series

I love this sequel as much as the first book. Great narrator too. I didn't read the first book for a long time because I didn't understand the title, but picked it up when it came out in audio. so glad I did.

Gut wrenching

Isabella did a wonderful job writing this book. I was totally caught up in it. Luce had me so angry at one point I had to stop listening to it. That’s how real it felt to me. Victoria as always did an amazing job telling the story I eagerly await book 3.

Dark continuation of the American Yakuza series

Lies that Bind, book 2 in the American Yakuza series, focuses on the aftermath of Luce losing her beloved grandfather, and the bite of strong betrayal she feels as secrets are revealed. Lies is quite dark - so much so that I am furious at Luce - the charismatic head of the Japanese crime family. Interestingly, I don't have that big of an issue with her violent nature in general (the people who get her wrath usually deserve it - though not always) but she stepped over a line in this one for me and since I haven't read book 3, I'm not sure if she'll be able to redeem herself. Though I suspect she will, she'll have to work for it. Hard. The fact that I care is a positive and says that writer Isabella and narrator Victoria Mei must be doing something right. Luce is a complex, flawed, interesting character. Her love interest, Brooke, took more of a back seat this time though she played a pivotal role. I haven't read this series of books so am experiencing them for the first time via audio. In general, I like the series. We get very few female mafia heads in lesfic - ones that engage in light BDSM at that. Look forward to finishing up the series with book 3.

I was provided a free audio code in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

A perfect example

To swoon at V. Mei voice with the great writtings of Isabella. The adventure of finding the traitor. In loving a partner so much in order to save her life that you hurt het heart. In a foolish notions about how to do the wrong things in love. Betrayal and seduction are the hero in this story.

I need Book 3!

Victoria Mei is an excellent narrator. I enjoy listening to her.

I was so angry with Luce, I wanted to jump into the book and shake her! Brooke is an amazing girlfriend and doesn't deserve all the grief she is being put through.

This book has a lot of conflict. I can't wait for the resolution in Book 3.

A continuation that's definitely kept my interest!

Once again I enjoyed the narration immensely, it made a book that I’d otherwise have passed on into something that I will definitely be listening to again. As with the first book, this style of book really isn’t to my tastes while reading. Maybe I can’t summon up the appropriate suspense in my mind that action scenes require. Having it read by such a talented narrator supplies all of the necessary suspense that allowed me to get into the story.

I definitely recommend this one for a couple of reasons, but mostly because if a narration can change my initial opinion of a series, I simply have to recommend others try it whether they're already fans or not.

really enjoying the series

yay a les fic with an actual storyline to follow! Really enjoying this series.

Book 2 better than 1

I haven't listen to many Crime/Drama/Thrillers, but this one is amazing. Book 1 was great, book 2 is even better. Can't wait for book #3!!
I am behind main characters 100%. I love their interactions and issues. Very moving book!