Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Elena

I've learned many lessons throughout my life, but one is more important than the rest: my life is not my own.

I understand this more every single day with the more actions my family commit.

They've arranged for me to marry a clan leader. There's only one problem, I won't be marrying him. I'll be murdering him.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2020

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Iris Sweetwater

53 books181 followers
I have been writing since I was just 4 years old, starting with poetry and short stories. Writing has always been in my blood, and I began writing as a professional in marketing and ghostwriting almost 7 years ago. After writing thousands of things for others, I decided it was time to share my own things with the world. I hope to start doing this full time and be at least somewhat of a success.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
101 (60%)
4 stars
48 (28%)
3 stars
10 (6%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews193 followers
March 16, 2020
Action packed, sexy, fun, engaging and emotional adventure filled with danger, suspense and undeniable passion... an edge of your seat read from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Really enjoyed the charters I got to know on this journey.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,849 reviews16 followers
March 7, 2020
Heretic by Elizabeth Knox covers Elena and Luca story along with some others. This is a dark read that may not be for everyone. It does deal with a Clan that have dark times along with some of the followers. Overall this was a page turner read for me and hope to read more from these authors.
Profile Image for LaToya (Readingbythebayou).
868 reviews42 followers
March 20, 2020
Another great installment in the story of the clans. Elena and Luca's story is filled with action, suspense and twists. A book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. An amazing read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy Jones.
846 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2020
Loved it!!

Another awesome addition to The Clans series by Iris Sweetwater and Elizabeth Knox. I can't wait until the next book comes out to see what happens next in this series.
1,211 reviews17 followers
March 7, 2020
Heretic is another suspenseful, thrilling, passionate story by Iris Sweetwater/Elizabeth Knox in this ongoing series revolving the Clans and the men and women in the clan. This book is filled with so much drama, danger,murder, espionage and a lot of steam and passion. Just when you think you may have a good insight into these characters, the twists and turns in this story will have you on edge from beginning to end. The interaction and chemistry that surrounds Luca and Elena is fiery,passionate and dangerous. Elena's chance meeting with the Badescu sisters is going to be a be factor in the decisions she will make regarding her marriage and her desire to help the Clans. Now Elena is forced into a marriage she does not want to Isaac Unger clan leader but she knows the only way to be free and have a life that is not controlled by her father is to end her husband at the altar. But little does she know that Luca has is own plans for her as she has helped him without knowing his plans to take over the leadership from his twin brother Issac and now finds she is in fact married to Luca.. Whisked away and taken by Luca to his estate, these two will begin a dangerous dark relationship as Elena is bound and caged as she becomes introduced to Luca's dark side.. Luca knows about her interaction with the sisters and informs her she will be assisting him in setting up Ivana & Galina to stop their plans once again to take out all the clan members to avenge their father. With all of her defiance and strength Elena is developing feelings for Luca and Luca is having to look deep inside himself as his feelings for Elena becomes apparent, but it may be too late. Will Luca be able to change and have Elena in his life again? These two dark souls may have started out surrounded by murder and debauchery leading towards a love connection. Now these two will end up being a force to be reckoned with as they will work together as equals along with the King and Queen and the other Clan members to put an end to the Badescu sisters. Now we are faced with questions, will their plan succeed? Who will survive? In order for Luca to truly have Elena he has a choice to make, these two dark souls have to be one together as partners and lovers as they are true dark soulmates. This series gets better with each book and the drama will continue with the next installment in this dark romance series. Great job Iris and Elizabeth with your collaboration of the Clan Series!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,017 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2020

Elena was a Roman Catholic Priest's secret daughter, kept separately from any sort of family and raised in Catholic schools and camps. As her father was a pious man, he was priest used by the King and Queen of the Romanian Clans, or Mafia. He took Elena to a Clan event, wanting to introduce her to some young men who may need a wife, and he made a contract with Isaac Unger for a marriage as her father believed him to be a good Catholic....however when talking to Isaac, she realized he was gay, but she also met his brother Luca who was different, in a wilder way. Of course Isaac was named as head of clan, against what Luca wanted, since Isaac more diplomatic, while Luca more destruction...she decides to leave the entire event and goes to find a café with coffee...meeting Ivana and her sister Galena Badescu. These two were responsible for the bomb at the Sala wedding two months before, as they want revenge on Clans kicking out their father who wanted to take over Clans and banishing their family...meeting them and finding common ground made Elena happy since she was tired of always being told what to do and treated like a child. Luca has discreetly followed Elena and knew the Badescu sisters when he saw them, and wanted to know what they were up to...but Elena had already decided she wasn't ready to wed a stranger, let alone a gay one, so planned on killing her new hubby...Luca had other plans, so when Elena stabbed Isaac in the eye with a hair pin, killing him instantly, he stepped forward and said wedding will still go on, only with him as groom as new Head of Unger Family...but you will need to read this intriguing tale with lots of twists and turns to see what happens and if Luca and Elena can find their way to love...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
2,507 reviews49 followers
March 5, 2020
Heretic is a PHENOMENAL read. It brings you in and keeps your attention right to the end.

Their family is exiled from The Clan. No longer among the Elite. Their father dies and Ivana and Galina decides it's time to set things right for their family. In their quest to vindicate their family they meet Elena in a coffee shop across the street from a Clan event. Elena had gone to the coffee shop to get away from her Catholic Priest father who's trying to marry her off to Clan member Isaac while she wants his twin Luca. Elena gets back to the event only to find her father has pushed his idea of marriage through and she is to be married that night. She has to put a plan into action before it's too late. And plan she did! Only it doesn't go quite like she's planned. She ends up married to Luca.

"We don't get the life that we want. We get the life that is chosen for us".

Life with Luca is a bit more intense than Elena ever imagined and even their marriage is an arrangement there's much dependent on her loving him. With all the turmoil that Galina and Ivana cause you wonder who's going to make it out alive. There's so much going on in this book you're spellbound waiting to see what's coming. Heretic is definitely well worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kymber Jones.
216 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2020
Holy Hell is all I can say!! Just when you think Ms. Knox can't create a story any better than her last, she has to go and literally blow it (pun intended) out of the water.

Now, Ms. Knox is not known for her fairytale style stories. There are no sugar coating things to make things easier to read. She lays it all out for her readers: the good, the bad, and the HORRENDOUS. Many of her books deal with rapes, murder, drug abuse, adulatory, sex slavery, Mafia, MC's, gunrunning, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Each protagonist is introduced to you though as being someone who has some sort of issues at the beginning of the story - in other words they are human, with human problems. The question is, will they be able to work TOGETHER to overcome the problems, or most of them, to work on the life the want together?

Now, I am in no way glorifying the lives the protagonists live in this, or her other, stories, but, if you like your stories a bit on the dark side, the "heroes" a bit more than a little flawed, and the women more than willing to kick ass, then these are the books for you. Give Heretic and all the rest of Ms. Knox's books a try. You won't be sorry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carolina.
384 reviews
March 10, 2020
First, this story isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea! If you've read any of the previous Clans books, this book shouldn't really be a surprise. Luca and Elena's story, like the previous books, are interwoven together and the tales keep getting better and better. At first, you might see Elena as a lightweight and another female pawn among the Clan. However, there's more to Elena than you see at the beginning. Believe me, she gets better as the story goes. Plus, she really doesn't have much of a choice. Luca is arrogant, cocky, and very self absorbed at times with the help of Migual. This book is too good not to read and trying to describe the book without really giving anything away is difficult. The mystery that continues to be Galina and Ivana is revealed a little more in this book. However, I have no sympathy for how things worked out in the end for certain people.

Warning: Be prepared because there are some triggers. If you can get past those, the story really moves along and keeps you on the edge. Iris and Elizabeth have done it again!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,291 reviews
March 5, 2020
I love this series! The plot is moving along nicely-the Romanian Badescu sisters, Ivana & Galina are out for revenge against the Clans. Pavel (the priest) has a daughter, Elena, who is to be married into the Ungar family. It gets a bit crazy for a bit, just like Isaac, Elena's broken new husband. There is a bit of scheming, plotting, and double-crossing in this book-and also a trigger warning in the front of the book. There is a plot arc over several books, which I love, and them this particular couple in this book. I would have liked to have read about how Elena was feeling (as opposed to thinking) during certain parts of the book to get a deeper insight into her character. I enjoyed the other characters (especially Stefan) making appearances-there's a lot of intensity in the story, but moments of humour too.

I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,160 reviews74 followers
March 16, 2020
Elena is the daughter of a Catholic Priest who desperately wants to be part of the Clan and the only way he can do that is by having his daughter marry one of the reigning leaders. But Elena has had her fill of being a pawn and not having a life of her own. She feels like she's been kept in one type of cage or another for her entire life and wants no part of it. What she doesn't realize is that by the end of the evening, not only will her father have made a contract for her to be married but the ceremony would happen that night. Elizabeth Knox & Iris Sweetwater have once again pulled me into a scenario that was full of twists and turns with a Hero and heroine who are both so damaged their crazy seems to fit together. But will they be able to acknowledge that or will they literally drive each other to the end of their endurance? These books only seem to get better and better.
9,380 reviews39 followers
March 21, 2020
More twists than you can count but a great ride from start to end

*** 4 1/2 Stars ***

Having read a few of The Clans series by Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater I was interested to read this story in the series. There is a lot going on in Heretic so you will need to pay attention. Elena and Luca are great characters but so are Ivana and Galina Badescu who have their own story happening at the same time that is intertwined. There is revenge, intrigue, death and killing, plotting, double-crosses, betrayals and of course some very dark and steamy sexy chemistry that explodes off the page.
Heretic is well worth the time to read it, but be prepared because once you start you won't be able to put it down until the final page.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,481 reviews174 followers
May 22, 2020
OMG we have another hit out of the ball park with Heretic. If you have been reading this series you know this is the 10th book and it is about Elena and Luca. This is one of the darker ones I have read because of some of the things that were happening.

I loved how Elena knew she was going to get married to someone she didn't chose but she went with what her father has planned. At first she doesn't want to marry Luca out of all the brothers but he was who her father chose after speaking to the brothers.

In this one we get a lot of the edge of your seat surprises and an emotional passionate roller coaster ride. You have a front row ticket to all the drama, danger, and suspense Elena and Luca go through. Then you get to the end and you are like is that it no way I want more. I wanted more from them because they were so perfect for one another.
Profile Image for Heidi.
1,388 reviews12 followers
March 8, 2020
These two authors keep outdoing themselves. This was such a great read, and it was pretty dark, which I love. Elena and Luca’s story is Wow!! These two have both had a sucky childhood and are both broken in some way. They both are a bit crazy, and that what makes them so perfectly fit for each other. They are the darkness to Ion and Mariana’s light. There is action in and out of the bed, hurtful actions, craziness and twists and turns throughout. I don’t want to give too much away. You just definitely need to get this book to see what I mean. It is so good. You won’t regret it. Fall for Luca and Elena’s craziness. I did. I was hooked from the beginning to the end and I want more of these two.
448 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2020
When Elenas priest father takes her to a,clan gathering he plans to sign a marriage contract to she her part of the Romanian Clan.The man he wants her to marry is gay an she doesnt want to be in a,lifeless marriage.There is betrayl, double crosses,danger,murder,hot sex.Love.what more can you ask for.The storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and you can feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see whats next by this multi talented author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
232 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2020
Elena grew up knowing all about the Clans and how her father the Priest wanted to be part of the life,even setting her up to marry into that world.When they attend a party little did Elena know that her single days are over. Luca and his brother are attending the same party as Elena and know just what her father is up to,marrying her into the clans. When night moves forward Elena is told that she is to marry that very night and who her husband will be ,Isaac Luca's brother. Luca knows that she would be better of with him instead but it is decided. Elena prepares for her wedding what happens next leads to lies,muder and kidnapping.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
4,469 reviews21 followers
March 17, 2020
I've not read any other books in The Clan Series by Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater but you can read these books as standalone. The authors have done a great job of giving you enough background to understand all the connections without bogging down the storyline for this book. This book is about Luca and Elena, with a side of the sisters Galina and Ivana. Elena is tricked at the alter into marrying Luca instead of his twin brother. Luca unleashes his dark desires on Elena and she develops feelings. This story has twists, turns, betrayals, and dark steaminess. Thankfully the books are on KU so I can go back and read the rest of the series for free.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
809 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2020
If you're looking for an easy to follow, hot, steamy, sexy, smooth flowing read that captures your attention from the start. Congratulations my friends you've found it. The characters and scenes are realistic and believable. Twists and turns and unpredictable surprises that kept my eyes on the pages and on the edge of my seat. I followed the characters fascinated as their personalities transformed and blended. Vivid detailed descriptions were so life like and on point. The storyline was solided and well defined. Cold showers may be in order when your finished. Elizabeth Knox did a remarkable job bringing this story together beautifully.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scharme Grider.
210 reviews8 followers
March 6, 2020
Heretic is by far the darkest in this series!! Elena & Luca's story is definitely a page turner. Raw dark romance is what you get with this read. There are many twists and turns and you will definitely need a nerve pill dispenser after reading this book!! Elena is definitely misunderstood and she surprises everyone with what she is capable of. Luca is a broken man who needs to prove his worth. If you like dark romance, definitely a must read. If you do NOT like dark romance, this is not for you!! Loved this book!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vikki Purcell.
537 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2020
Loved this book. From the start I found it hard to put down. The twist and turns in the story will have you glued to just to find out what happens next.

Luca is the dark twin in his family, his parents have set everything on his brother. Luca wants only one thing and will do anything to have it. Elena is the secret her priest father has hidden away, to one day gain more status. When forced into a marriage she doesn't want Elena takes matters into her own hands, only she never expected her actions to land her in the hands of the devil himself. When enemies resurface, the clans set a trap. What happens next? I highly suggest you get this book to find out.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,441 reviews9 followers
March 15, 2020
When Ms. Sweetwater and Ms. Knox get together you just know the book is going to be fantastic! This book is just that. This is a dark romance. It kept me on edge as I read It! I was drawn in from the start. Elena and Luca are both broken. Neither had the best childhood. They both have something to prove. They both are a little crazy, and perfect for each other. This book is packed with intense emotions, danger, betrayals, twists and more. A definite must read. In fact the entire series has been awesome! Check it out and see. No spoilers here. I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance reader copy from the author.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,025 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2020
A different kind of story filled with suspense and romance. The romance is passionate and captivating. This is a series. I have not read all the books. The story is about the Clans - specifically about the men and women in the clan. This is an edge of your seat series. Just when you think you may have a good handle as to what, where and who, the author introduces a twist that knocks you down. The interaction and chemistry that surrounds Luca and Elena is fiery,passionate and dangerous. The story is both compelling and complicated.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,880 reviews16 followers
March 19, 2020
Heretic is a story of intrigue and passion featuring Elena, secret daughter of a priest who is contracted to marry Isaac Unger (the head of his clan/mafia family (who is gay), and Luca Unger who is Isaac’s younger brother and is immensely attracted to Elena. Elena decides she does not want to marry and kills Isaac by stabbing him with a hair pin in the eye. But Luca, who is now head of his family, decides they are to be married. This dark and well written book is full of intrigue and unexpected twists with plenty of passionate chemistry between these fascinating characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Krista.
174 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2020
An arranged marriage, the mob, some intrigue, and double dealing... Plus, as a bonus, a few people who are certified psycho... Perfect.

I had a lot of fun reading this page turner. The only low point being that this was the first book I have read in an already established series. I think I wouldn't have been so confused at points had I read the prior books, but the confusion smoothed out by the end, so it's all good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews12 followers
March 14, 2020
Iris and Elizabeth are about to wrap in you in a dark and intense blanket with a story that you will be floored by.

Elena and Luca are imperfectly perfect. The twists and unpredictability are exactly what I could have ever wanted. Not everyone will like this one but for fans of dark streets where you have no idea what will happen has you get more and more lost in the writing and embrace the power that the dark holds. This one is right up your alley. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,123 reviews12 followers
March 14, 2020
Elena tells us she has learned her lessons throughout but us readers do not. We keep coming back for more sweet torture and complete capture of our senses when we read these authors. In this one also there is alot of dark roads so if you think you will get lost oh well the characters will pull you along. Elena and Luca will quickly takes us over as this unfolds. Who hasn't wanted to murder someone they have fell for a time or two? The suspense and drama will be threads that we will cling to as we get through this that by the time the last page is turner you wonder were to sit for a minute.
5,123 reviews24 followers
March 22, 2020
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Once I started I could not put the book down from start to finish you just could not get enough with twists and turns hot and steamy like a rollercoaster ride of emotions that makes you want more, Elena and Lucas are so much more together even with their own personal crazy mind that you cannot wait for the next book.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2020
Wow!
I loved finding out what happened after the bombing at the wedding at the end of Ruthless! The characters Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater have in these books are so flawed but that makes them even more real. Elena kept me on my toes not knowing what to expect from her next, while Luca was always a bit of a loose cannon. I loved it and can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Claire Powell.
115 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2020
I'm twisted and it's beyond 'normal ' logic as to why I'm so addicted to reading these books in this series.
This has some punch to it,while reading you conclude there are 5 main characters and not one of them out shine each other,this book wouldn't work with either of them being weak.
Brat and Beast,nothing against their love for each other but I'm happy I haven't experienced it haha. I admit to loving who they are as characters and the depths they take you too...highly recommended.
9,413 reviews114 followers
March 15, 2020
I've read a lot of books written by Elizabeth Knox; she has done a great job at writing another good book; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.