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A stripper. A handyman. An impossible secret.
Is it love or lust? And what happens when a mill girl breaks the cardinal rule?


Men beg to touch her body. Yet, I’m the one grasping onto Cece time and time again.

I tried to keep them away for her safety and to help her reach the goal of a better life. We were careful to make sure what happened between us remained unnoticed. But when our impossible secret gets out, I’m the one labeled an opportunistic creep.

I’m a simple man. All I want is a chance. Though, it’s uncertain Cece’s ready to defend the love we share. It’s obvious now our silence was golden... And there’s more than a sliver of truth that I’ll never be the one for her.

—Dusty

Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2020

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About the author

Jody Kaye

29 books411 followers
Jody Kaye writes interconnected steamy contemporary romance, including the unbridled Kingsbrier Quintuplets and the emotionally charged, multi-generational southern Shattered Hearts of Carolina series.

“Jody is a masterful storyteller, with beautifully developed characters, incredible landscapes and every now then and plot twists that will leave you reeling.” —Goodreads review

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5 stars
41 (63%)
4 stars
18 (27%)
3 stars
6 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 15, 2020
A Full of Feels Beautiful Story which makes us pause and Think what we'd do in similar Situations.
I loved Dusty, Celine and Other(+Some New) Characters!
DEVOURED this in 8hrs.
ARC Received for a Honest Review.

Dusty & Celine ‘Cece’ are characters we know from Her brother-Morgan's Book [Shred of Decency], Both have been fuck-buddies for a year, both Want more..But: He wants her to achieve her dream 1st AND She's uncertain about her place in his life (Insecurity issues too!).
The two have their Problems to work through here, Pasts to Overcome.


Dusty, Caring+Strong (Like a Teddy Bear!), have speech impediment (I.e. He stutters) due to an accident. His Not-by-blood-but-by-choice daughter-Sylvie is sweet [Backstory Alert]! Jody shows with his character that ‘we shouldn't judge a book by it's Cover’ & ‘Disability Bias’, At 1st Glance, He doesn't seem smart..And That'd be Soo wrong. He's very smart, like engineer level! I loved that he'd accepted who he was & who he is Now.
Cece, Beautiful+Kind+Sassy, works in Sweet Caroline and lives in the mills (Both places Dusty's the handyman).
She worked there for money for School, & NOW soon, She'll graduate (& Got Job as a pediatric Physician's assistant)!

It's her last night in Sweet Caroline, & Dusty knows its now or never. They can be out, not a Secret, like their Friends who're couples (lovely to See'em all!). So he asks her on a date. But..She's apprehensive AND Her Jealousy+Their Mis-Communication Comes b/w them..
When They meet again, weeks+Festivities later.. It's time they finally talk. He wants a Chance with her, Will she give it?
She's IN.

The 1st date is awesome but ends on a heavy note..Their Romantic Weekend Getaway was Beautiful(+Snowy)! They get to know eachother deeply..Sexy times, Talks, Fun, Talking about Future..

But when their Secret comes out in the worst way, whose fault is it?

Their Friends' protectiveness? Him taking it fast? The Secrecy? OR Her Bias? (i.e. Will she be able to defend him?).

He doesn't want to be her dirty little secret, but it seems like it's all he'll ever be..It's time to move On.
She knows she Fucked up big time, She may have lost the Nicest man she'll ever meet. He won't ever trust her again, will he?
Is it the end of them?
(Nope!)

Miserable times, Fun kids, Starting Anew, Sylvie's Sick (Oh poor baby..), Cece's Friendship with Sylvie+Renata(S's Grandma), Her Move-in, A Funeral, Take a chance for Love..
Maybe Dusty had reacted a little too Severely
..Will Cece Talk to him again?
When they Surprise-Meet, it's so sweet! He knows its their Last 2nd chance, So They'll Take it Slow, Savor it All.
The next days are Fun with Friends! The two's love is adorable❤. Cue HEA!
And, The Epilogue was Amazing! #FriendsANDFun #Married #MoreKids #BeautifulFamily #ILoveTheirHEA

P.s. So Excited For more in this series!
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Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,921 reviews407 followers
October 22, 2020
Sliver of Truth is book three in the Shattered Hearts of Carolina series.

We now get Dusty and Celines story. These two have had a friends with benefits relationship and now they want more. They both have personal obstacles they need to overcome before they can open their hearts to each other.

I thought this was a brilliant read. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
2,513 reviews47 followers
October 20, 2020
Jody Kaye has produced quite an extraordinary book. Sliver of Truth is not a standard read by any stretch of the imagination. Don't get me wrong it is smoking hot and the chemistry between Dusty and Celine is of the charts from the beginning but if you take the time to really read the book there is so much depth to this story.

SLIVER Means - Fragment - Shard - Splinter

Sliver of Truth lives up to it's name -
Dusty and Celine are FRAGMENTED from the start; after Dusty suffered an injury in a car crush years ago (before he knew Celine) his speech is now slow and deep down both of them I think struggle with this. It is harder for Dusty because in his head he knows what he is saying but when it talks it comes out slower!

SHARD meaning broken Dusty because of his accident he is a father to a beautiful little girl but her mom died in the car crush that Dusty was hurt in and Celine because of her childhood, never trusting anyone except her brother she has worked in a strip club which is where she meets Dusty as he works their and where all the girls live as a handyman and friend to the owner. Celine only took the job to pay her way through college she is now being able to move on in the medical profession and stop working at the club.

SPLINTER Because the two having been enjoying it others bodies for over a year without anyone knowing and now that Celine is leaving the club their time together is about to crumb away as fear takes over.

Dusty wants a relationship with Celine but does not know how to tell her; Celine is struggle with mixed emotions why would Dusty want someone who used to strip for a living and is there a Sliver of Truth that she might not be ready to full in love.

I loved this story and the complexity of emotions - a truly well written and well worth the read story well done Jody Kaye


Of course when you visible seen Dusty he is a mountain of man handsome and strong so when he speaks some people find it difficult to understand him;
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
17.1k reviews205 followers
October 21, 2020
This is the 3rd book in this amazing series and is Dusty and Cece’s story. The chemistry between these two is off the charts, and they have had a friends-with-benefits relationship going on for a year, and both want more. Dusty is a smart and caring guy, while Cece has insecurity issues due to her tough upbringing, which had left her scared to love. When it comes to the point in their relationship where Dusty is adamant that he does not want to be her dirty little secret anymore will Cece finally trust their love and overcome the challenges in her path, or will he walk away? No spoilers: this is an amazing story which is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed.
This author has done an outstanding job in penning this tale which has sensitive topics, and is a fun, entertaining, and all-consuming read which had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner. I highly recommend for all readers.
16 reviews
October 11, 2020
The one thing I like about a series is having a group of characters that become friends, especially when they are as well developed as the ones in this series. One book will focus on one person (or several) while the others remain in the background. The next book will have that person in the background while others come forward. Jody has mastered this technique quite well.
In the last book, handyman Dusty was just a person in passing. I thought he was of lower intelligence. Boy was I wrong when he became one of the main characters in this book!
Along with the sex and romance, Jody also makes the reader examine their own perception of people. Clichés like "don't judge a book by it's cover" and "walk a mile in their shoes" came to mind and made me think about how I treat others based on first impressions. It certainly wasn't something I thought I'd be doing while reading an adult romance novel. Well done Jody. I can't wait for the other books in the series to catch up with some of the other people at the Mill and Sweet Caroline's.
Profile Image for Beth .
160 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2020
This is the book I wasn't expecting! Okay, I'll be honest. This was my first book by Jody Kaye but it won't be my last!

When the opportunity came to review a review a book with a H with a stutter I jumped at the opportunity. I myself live with a disability and it's rare I find disabled H's or h's.

This book was fantastic! Even though it is part of an interconnected series I had no problem falling into the world built. Celine and Dusty have a connection they can't deny. It's hot, steamy and forbidden.

Celine can't deny the chemistry between them. But with her graduating and moving on from The Mill she figures what her and Dusty do in the shadows is over with. Only Dusty doesn't want it to be over either. Once they discover their true feelings it becomes more of a game of Hide and Seek. Until details come to light and it all implodes.

This book was so good! It was unexpected. I loved the storyline and was intrigued right from the beginning. I absolutely fell head over heals for Dusty and Celine. Their HEA is well deserved ❤️👏

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1,250 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2020
I can empathise with Dusty as I was a severe stutterer as a child and still to hide it as an adult when I get angry, I pretend to think for a word until I can pronounce it properly.
Dusty and Cece had a hard struggle coming to terms with who they were in the past to where they are now and what they want for their future.
This series has touched me in so many ways and Jody Kaye has dealt with each scenario with so much sympathy and understanding. A reminder that disabled people need to be respected and treated with decency.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
8,493 reviews113 followers
December 6, 2020
Beautifully written story with strong characters in Dusty and Celine. The author does a great job building their story and pulled me in with all the emotions flowing throughout. It's a story of two people with broken pasts as well as dealing with addiction and disabilities. It's brought to life with detailed and descriptive scenes and it's a true page turner. Well done!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Elisha Campbell.
17 reviews
October 9, 2020
I really loved this book. I felt like it was a little different than the first two books in the series, but that is likely because Dusty and Celine are different people than Trig, Kimber, Aidy, and Morgan. I enjoyed that I, as the reader, feel more and more like I am part of the "mill" family with each book that I read. As much as events are from different character's perspectives with each book, knowing the other characters and having read from their personalities is helpful in creating a really cohesive feeling for the reader. This book had emotion, passion, anger, and yes...even sex. It was a fantastic read and, as usual, I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,006 reviews39 followers
October 23, 2020
This book is amazing. I absolutely loved it. It definitely is one that you cant put down.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
1,944 reviews57 followers
October 8, 2020
Secrets, doubts, lust and love...any or all can bring a person to their knees. Trusting someone is a very hard thing to do when cruelty is usually the rewards for who you are. Can Dusty and Cee open their hearts to each other or does their pasts break them apart?? I loved them both and their journey. ❤❤❤❤❤ I volunteered an honest opinion for this book.
Profile Image for Kim Owens.
160 reviews
April 1, 2021
I am not really sure where to start with my review! I have loved every single book Jody has written. Sliver of Truth was no exception! It was an outstanding read that I could not put down.
It is always nice to be several books in to a series because there is familiarity with the characters. It is a bit like coming home to old friends, and getting to know newer friends better. That is how Celine and Dusty's story was for me! As always, the characters are exceptionally well developed, which is a MUST for me. They both have struggled to overcome huge challenges in their lives and to become more than what is expected of them.
Dusty has loved and lost, in what has to be one of the worst ways possible, yet he doesn't let that prevent him from putting himself out there. Celine is afraid to allow herself to love, fearful of her upbringing tainting her relationships.
This book deals with many sensitive subjects - addiction and disabilities to name a few, but the most profound is bias. Typically, when I think of bias, I think of racial bias. I really had never thought much of disability bias; however, Jody did an amazing job of bringing this issue to light. It made me examine my own biases and preconceived notions. I had to ask myself how I would react and how I have reacted. I loved Celine's raw honesty, as she recognizes her own bias, and the way she takes ownership of her missteps along the way.
If we would all challenge ourselves to approach our differences and our biases with the same willingness that Jody has through Celine and Dusty, the world would be a much better place!
2,084 reviews53 followers
October 23, 2020
3.5 Stars

Sliver of Truth is an amazing story of wanting more, being afraid to take a leap and doing it anyway, and learning that there is so much more to a person than meets the eye.

Stripper CeCe and handyman Dusty have been having a secret affair for a year, and now that she's about to leave the club where they both work, he wants more from their relationship. Namely, no longer being secret friends with benefits. When Dusty demands to be more than a dirty little secret, will CeCe step up or watch him walk away?

I thought this story was well-written and flowed nicely. There are some raw, emotional moments, as well as lots of sweet ones. And some steamy ones. Both CeCe and Dusty have some insecurity issues to work through. And there is a lot of disability bias in this story: Dusty speaks with a stutter as a result of an accident. People think he's stupid and that is so far from the truth. I thought that Jody Kaye handled that aspect of this story wonderfully. It really will make you stop and think about how you treat others.

So why am I only ranking this 3.5 stars? It is a standalone, but I feel like there should have been a note somewhere that the series should be read in order. I felt like I was starting the book in the middle of a chapter, and there were all these other characters hanging around that are clearly part of the same social circle, but there was little to no explanation as to who they are and what their relationship is to one another. So I felt quite lost regarding the backstory and it was a feeling I couldn't shake throughout the book. Unfortunately, I felt like that was holding me back from really shipping CeCe and Dusty as a couple.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

Profile Image for Gingy's Book Collection .
349 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2020
I'm starting this review by stating something that I wish someone had warned me before starting this book. This is not a standalone story! Please start the first couple of books in the 'Shattered Hearts of Carolina' series before reading 'Sliver of Truth'. Celine and Dusty's life is not in a bubble and it's scattered with friends and family that have involved and complicated histories that are barely touched on in this book. It left me skimming through scenes that I would have appreciated more if I understood this world better.

Now for my opinion of Celine and Dusty. There is something about their relationship that actually saddened me. Celine is at times a selfish 'b' that is more into her appearance and what others think of her than what she really feels in her heart. Her insensitivity to Dusty's disability is disappointing but her treatment of Dusty is actually not as bad as how his friends treat him. Yikes!

I really liked Dusty, but even he came off as a slimy and selfish jerk in the beginning of the book. I appreciate how Jody Kaye showed that there is more to Dusty than just his speech impediment. He is a hard-working family man and a devoted father to his daughter, Sylvie. Celine just seemed like a rebound girl for Dusty. I have to say, I was actually rooting for Dusty to find someone else and get over Celine. I just didn't feel connected to these two characters, but I think the story had potential.
3,205 reviews29 followers
November 17, 2023
This is book three in The Shattered Hearts of Carolina series and it is Dusty and Celine’s story. Celine works as a stripper while paying her way through college for her tuition in a physician’s program and she will soon be putting her stripping behind her. Dusty is a singer dad after a car accident killed his daughters mother but it also injured him and left him with a speech problem so now he worked as a handyman at a strip club. Dusty and Celine have been friends with benefits for over a year and in secret but with Celine leaving Dusty wants more with her so will they be able to move forward especially as Celine feels like no man would want her after stripping for a living but will they be able to somehow communicate and make a decision about what they both want before it is too late. This was a beautiful and heartfelt story of insecurity’s, trust issues, afraid to love, baggage, secrets, hope and love and I really enjoyed reading this engaging story as it pulled you in and had you turning the pages to see what would happen next and also what the outcome would be for Celine and Dusty because they definitely deserve a chance to have a future together. I can’t wait to read the next book in this brilliant series.
6,027 reviews35 followers
December 2, 2020
Celine (Cees/Cece) works at Sweet Caroline's and lives at the mill to help pay her her tuition for a physician's assistant programme, which she will soon graduate and leave the dancing behind her. But that's not all she would be leaving. Dusty had seen how Celine didnt treat him like a child or look down at him, being the maintenance guy for the club and the mill, she was different but their relationship (if you can call it that) was hidden from the others and Dusty soon sees theres no need to hide it anymore when he knows what he wants, but is it what Celeine wants? Or is she more worried about what others might think? And how her future she planned out will go? Will she realise that Dusty is the man for her, all to late?  This is an endearing tale of love being found in the unlikely of places and how to look past what others might see and focus on what you want and what you see that matters. A well written tale with a great story line that captures you from the get go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
523 reviews
November 5, 2023
Received an ARC then realised I had also purchased the book but had yet to read it. Just finished and leaving my honest review voluntarily. I haven't read the earlier books in the series so going into this one, it felt like I had missed out on a whole chunk of back story, especially with the way the story just delved in and the characters carrying on in their respective parts. My advice is, if you can, to read the earlier books or just keep going and move past the confusion as the story does get better as it progresses and you can appreciate reading the journey 2 individuals, with so much baggage and with issues of self worth, take to learn how to love themselves so they can open up to love another and find their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,212 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2023
Cece and Dusty’s regular secret bathroom escapades have left both wanting more, but both have serious issues that keep them from saying something. She really bungles it when he finally takes his shot and then they both bungle it, her more than him. When they are in their little cocoon, everything seems fine. Their insecurities can be hidden for the most part. Their friends also kind of screw up, especially Morgan, which is the end of the cocoon. Dusty had every right to be very hurt. I like how aware he becomes of his faults in the situation. It takes Cece about at long to figure out exactly how messed up she actually is. Her feelings about things were pretty hurtful. I really enjoy this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bookthief.
217 reviews9 followers
October 29, 2020
When an accident derails Dusty's job and leaves him with a speech impediment, he takes on a job at a strip joint. He is quiet and goes about his business, except for the past year he has secretly been servicing Celine, Cece, too. With cece leaving the business behind and becoming a PA, Dusty is at a crossroads, does he go for her now that they are no longer working together? And what about their friends, will they support them now that they both are admitting they have feelings for each other?
977 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2020
3rd in series, this book met my expectations. While it does not deal with as obvious abuses as the first 2. It does deal with the devistation of parental neglect, and it long reaching effects. This one is probably more common.
Cece does not believe in her value and this causes problems in her life, this something she struggles to overcome.
I loved this story as much as the last 2, and will continue to read more by Jody Kaye.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,508 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2020
This is the third book in the series and it doesn't disappoint.
Dusty and Celine have been been friends with benefits for a year now but she is leaving her striping job and possibly the Mill so will they still keep seeing each other.
They both have insecurities but when its time for her to stand up for him or will her past get in her way.
I loved these two together but can they make it work.
Full of emotion, drama but also so much hurt but will they make it work together.
I am loving this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mzlegz.
755 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2020
This book had so many lessons in it that I loved. Dusty didn’t give up on life after his accident. CeCe proved it’s not where you come from but where you wanna go. Family isn’t always related by blood. Assumptions will keep one bogged down by unnecessary misunderstandings and stress. Plans are laughable. Even the toughest men fall and concede to playing tea party while wearing boas for their daughters. Love conquers all and those women and men are fertile!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,290 reviews23 followers
December 17, 2020
After reading Morgan’s story in “Shred of Decency” I was excited to read his sister Cece’s story. They have both had a rough upbringing and are trying to make a better way for themselves as adults. Cece is a stripper while working through school to be a PA. Dusty works at the strip club. They have secret hookups but will it ever become a public relationship? They both have pasts to overcome and mistakes are made in pursuit of a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
83 reviews
November 13, 2023
It was a good story. I really liked Dusty and most of the side characters. Celine wasn't my type of girl, but she was alright.

I didn't read the first books in the series, but I had no trouble understanding who was who or getting the general picture of the makeshift family at the mill.

The book was enjoyable, and I had no trouble getting to the end. It was engaging and had the right amount of steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
710 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2020
I really don’t like Céline, she is shallow, uptight and judgmental in my opinion and she make it really difficult to hope for her happy ending. Dusty is interesting and hit headed but frankly he has all the reason to be. After that there is too much secondary characters and when you didn’t have read the previous book it’s a bit confusing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,166 reviews15 followers
December 7, 2020
This was my first read from this author. I loved the first person point of view of the story, which is always a deal breaker for me. I have nothing against friends with benefits, however the way Celine was describing hers and Dusty's relationship it made her look like she was easy-also something she admitted being. So, while I liked the story, I wasn't the biggest fan of Celine.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,249 reviews16 followers
December 8, 2020
This is an amazing story. CeCe and Dusty hid there relationship. Now Dusty wants more. I loved the characters and how they interacted. The story was wonderful. I loved how the story played out and how their secret was exposed. I really had a soft spot for Dusty and his stuttering, having known a few people with stutter. I thought how the book ended was good. I really enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Siegrist.
Author 52 books747 followers
October 30, 2021
So I'm a huge fan of Dusty. He was such a wonderful hero. So full of depth and emotion, and truly sexy in my opinion. Cece got on my nerves sometimes, though. lol Perhaps it was her background and not having enough faith in herself (probably not explaining that right), but she didn't trust herself enough in the beginning with Dusty. He deserved better...until she got it together, and then they did too! So I'm happy they got their happy ending!
1,493 reviews6 followers
November 17, 2023
Sliver of Truth (Book 3 of Shattered Hearts of Carolina) by Jody Kaye. I thought story plot and characters were good. It is entertaining read. And the author does a great job keeping you vested in the story and outcome. This book is filled with plenty of drama, personal conflicts, and plenty of passion. I would recommend this book and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for HIEVE.
126 reviews10 followers
October 25, 2020
Wow ! This is my first book from Jody Kaye and wont be my last. This book captured my attention from the very first page its a quite a page turner and honestly I struggled to put my kindle down. I really like it. Dusty and Cece well mostly Dusty manage to own my heart the moment I started reading their story. Jody Kaye gave us the book with all the feels .. its such a heartwarming story with a romantic scene that will melt your heart away. Its really a good book that I can recommend to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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