Here we are, book three in the Lexington, Alabama series, Love, Honor, Betray by Mary Monroe and it was something else, ya’ll.
Love, Honor, Betray differs from their predecessor, Empty Vows, because there is more movement between locations, noticeable character development, and a surprising ending that leaves you wondering what’s next in life for the characters. Given the endings of the previous books, once you read this one, you’ll see how they all compare.
Without giving too much away, I will express my likes and dislikes and who I recommend this book to.
Love, Honor, Betray resumes directly after the life-altering event occurring at the end of Empty Vows. The characters involved have differing opinions about whether they were justified in being participants in this activity and throughout the book, the event persists as a subject of conversation and a tool to keep the characters somewhat “in line.”
Likes
The character development is more evident in this book. I especially enjoyed the dialogue once we moved past all the bald-faced lies.
The mystery reveal was surprising. Admittedly, I forgot there was a mystery element (lol). It occupied a more than comfortable backseat to traipsing behind the characters living double lives.
I appreciated the display of characters working past thinking in absolutes by leaning into exploration and experiencing the unknown (nothing harmful, of course).
The payoff of reading Empty Vows was worth it because of the ending of this book. If Love, Honor, Betray ended similarly to Empty Vows, I wouldn’t been highly disappointed (lol).
Dislikes
The constant cheating and lies weaved throughout this story are a source of contention. They imply malice towards other parties involved, and the ending result is usually someone or everyone getting hurt in the process.
Recommendation
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction, small-town settings, are suckers for porch tails, unfailingly nosy, unbothered by cheating, or if romance via forced proximity is your go-to book trope.
Love, Honor, Betray is my second favorite book in the Lexington, Alabama series. I look forward to seeing what Mary Monroe offers us in her next book set in this small town. I already have Double Lives on my Storygraph and Goodreads shelves. It’s set to release on March 26, 2024, and if I get my hands on an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy), then you know I’ll be reading and reviewing it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Monroe, Kensington Books, and Dafina for the opportunity to read Love, Honor, Betray. My review/reaction is voluntary, all thoughts are mine and unbiased, and receiving an ARC does not influence my rating and/or recommendation.
I hope this review of Mary Monroe’s Love, Honor, Betray finds you well.
Until my next post, drink your water, mind the business that’s yours, and continue reading beyond the book’s cover.
😉
