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The Randalls #3

Unspoken Desire

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From USA Today Bestselling Author Gail Haris, comes a small town romance full of twists and suspense. This coming of age story about heartache, self-discovery, and passion.


Perfection is an illusion…
And I’ve perfected the art of lying when it comes to keeping up appearances.
Randall is more than just a family name in our small town; it’s its own identity, and as the youngest daughter, I’ve done my best to stay out of the limelight. But in doing so, I’ve become a shell of the person I want to be. I’m not the spoiled Randall princess they all think I am, despite what the whole town thinks.
I’m hiding behind my insecurities, being held captive by my secret addiction, until my older brother’s best friend sees through, not just my lies, but my entire façade.
What began as blackmail has him getting far too close, blurring and crossing lines, and with each layer of clothing removed, a new want is uncovered.


I’m drowning in lies, but what if revealing my true desires costs me everything?

** This book is strongly recommended for 18+.

**originally published as The Blackmail of Denise Randall

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2020

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About the author

Gail Haris

30 books1,715 followers

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Gail Haris loves blending romance out of life's everyday chaos. Stories filled with humor, steam, and moments of sweetness, along with suspense and twists.

Fueled by coffee and a wild imagination, Gail writes in a variety of genres including romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and new adult/coming of age romance.

Gail enjoys living in a small town in Southeast Missouri, and then taking adventures all over the world with her two fierce princesses and Boo Bear, who is her ultimate real-life book boyfriend.

When she’s not getting into mischief or scheming with her two girls, she’s busy coming up with crazy scenarios for her characters. Hopefully by following her dream, she can be an example to her daughters that their dreams can become a reality.

"Never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…don’t give up on coffee and books."

Learn more at gailharis.com

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5 stars
28 (54%)
4 stars
10 (19%)
3 stars
8 (15%)
2 stars
3 (5%)
1 star
2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Live, Laugh, Love .
428 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2020
Gail Haris does it again. Denise Randall's story had all the right twists. You dont have to read the first 2 books to enjoy this story, but your going to want to.
Profile Image for Denise Hoover.
649 reviews
December 6, 2020
I have tears in my eyes for this beautiful story. I’m not ready to leave the Randall world but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this amazing trip Gail Haris has taken us on.

Denise Randall is a troubled soul. We’ve seen glimpses of her throughout the last two books, and quite frankly she was quite the brat! But once I started into this story, I finally understood and you will too!

This story involves drug abuse so if that is a trigger please be forewarned but I feel the author has literally brought this story to life... she branched out and talked about real life issues and what an individual goes through. I have a whole new perspective because of what I’ve read.

This book is a powerful story... that is just that a STORY - where of course there is a happily ever after, but it’s not the type of book where you were wishing you were in Denise Randall’s shoes. But Gail puts you in her shoes, making this such a profound story, I’m ready to read it again. Buckle up for this story, you’re in for a ride.
2,503 reviews20 followers
December 7, 2020
5*
Denise believes she is the forgotten Randall and nobody see's her.
Keaton works for Richard her father and is surprised how Denise is beginning to look.
A proposition to her has her facing more things than she realised before.
This book covers sensitive issues and I felt it was handled extremely well.
I absolutely loved this book.
Great series definitely recommend reading
Profile Image for Miranda.
411 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2020
Internal battles, long time crush, mystery and suspense all put together into an addictive story without feeling angsty. I struggled putting this down.

Denise gets caught making poor life choices and instead of being turned in, one man blackmails her to be “His” for a short time. What you think would be a simple, predictable story turns into such mystery with quite a few twists.

It was refreshing to see a character that I can relate to with their feelings and self evaluations. Denise is far from the perfect and flawless person that only can exist in a fictional world. This made it so real that I fell for the characters, I felt a close connection and kinship for them.
This does touch on many common issues many people face. Of course not into the extreme due to the bad luck this family continues to encounter but it still felt real.

You really don’t need to read the first two books prior in this series but I would recommend to get more out of it (plus they are amazing!). The author does a great job with recapping so you don’t feel completely lost but the Randall Family certainly has gone through a lot over the years.

Warning: ”This story deals with adult situations and drug abuse. Some scenes could be triggering. “

I loved every minute of this story and sad it had to end. I know that this series will for sure be on my re-read list to go back into the Randall world again.
The epilogue...I have never cried over a book before. I cried happy tears as it was just so perfect. A perfect ending to this captivating series. ❤️
Profile Image for Micheala.
1,006 reviews78 followers
December 10, 2020
ARC received from The Next Step PR. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.

The author put out a statement that readers would likely hate Denise at first. I would disagree, at least personally. I didn’t hate her or any other form of dislike. But I did get mad at her for one point. Discussed later in review.

The author covered very important topics through Denise and her addiction to drugs. As someone who works in the mental health field, I found this to be a tasteful read and very well portrayed. But there were actions she as a character did that bothered me.

This book has an underlining mystery. A group of dealers, yet she’s never met their leader, but now he/she is reaching out through her blog. Knows who she is, but she doesn’t know who they are. It’s all very interesting. I did guess who their leader was from the very *first* look the character gave her.

For a while we see two… “romances”....I’ll say for lack of a better word. One with R, and I am not giving his full name, and one with Keaton, Trent’s friend. Here’s where she made me mad. In the beginning, Keaton’s insistence to help her get off the drugs is understandably resisted by her, but at one point she does appear to appreciate it and is getting closer to him. One scene later, she’s running into R’s arms, right after feeling sketched out by him and does what I was dying for her to do with Keaton. Regardless of what he gave her, she flip flopped over her attraction and discomfort of him that it made me feel uncomfortable. I genuinely didn’t hate her though. I disliked the choices she made. I was mad at her for her treatment of Keaton, who is a sweetheart to her.

As much as it pains me to give this book and this author 4 stars, I really can’t give it 5. During Who is Sarah Randall, I was enamored by the emotion and situation of it all. Book two, The Night That Changed Rachel was even better. Angsty and heartbreaking and soooo emotional, I didn’t think there would be a book better, but since each book seemed to be getting better, I was a tad let down by this one. While it had sad moments, I wasn’t nearly as emotionally invested in this one, through the characters or the plot. It’s a great read, just doesn’t beat my love for book 2. I feel bad since I do consider the author a friend, but I review too honestly for my own good.

I'm still buying all three on paperback though!
Profile Image for Laura.
356 reviews
December 12, 2020
Denise Randall.
First, I must tell you that I didn’t think much of her in the Sarah Randall book. She wasn’t overly friendly and seem kinda self centered. Second, in Trent’s book I felt bad for her. You could tell that she had a lot going on and it didn’t seem like she had any friends or support to lean on. Even if the main characters asked her if she was alright several times.
So starting this book, she’s whiny...poor beautiful me. (Her words). But the more I’ve read I really start to feel her. She’s has so much spot light on her family it’s too much pressure. And gain and losing a loved one in a short amount of time is rough. Let alone your friends brother being involved in things. She turns to drugs......prescription. And absorbing her feelings.
This book really has heavy issues, which much of the series has. Sexual encounters, drug use, blackmail, cheating and a multitude or other things which could be trigger issue depending on what is going on in your life. But I love Gail’s writing. She really get how crazy this world is and put that’s into her storylines. This is no let down. My only complaint is this is the end of the series. But the HEA shows a glimpse of the future you don’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Basic.
231 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2020
The Blackmail of Denise Randall by Gail Haris is book 3 in the standalone in The Randall’s trilogy. (Though always best to read in order as to fully submerge in the world )

This book truly was a masterpiece to end this beautiful, and tragically amazing trilogy, I’m thrilled to have been able to read each of them.

Denise has always put on a show. She’s never quite been herself, as she always tried to be the family’s best, as to not cause any extra problems or issues for the already cursed family. However with life of the perfect princess, come mental wear and tear and soon Denise gets caught up in a world of numbing and anger and finds herself lost, and without knowing anyone to help her, not even really knowing her family anymore.

Keaton notices things, and he noticed Denise, young, immature and falling apart, and has been trying to help her, just not quite so traditionally.
Too many people have a ulterior motive in Denises life, and things get bumpy real quick for Denise.

Keaton is flawed in his execution of his wants, needs and feelings but Denise is shattered, glue back together and cracking in every aspect.

Beautifully written and well worth reading!
Profile Image for Kristin.
665 reviews
December 9, 2020
Such a wonderful ending to a great series!! Denise and Keaton’s story took me on an emotional roller coaster. I waited so long to read about Princess Denise. I thought for sure she was going to be this bratty selfish diva, but this book turned out to be about so much more. Keaton was such a good match for her! He seemed a little rough around the edges, but he became everything she needed. I had no idea where this story was going. It had me biting my nails, trying to read as fast as I could to see how it all would end. Gail did an amazing job!
December 18, 2020
Since the beginning of the series, Denise has been one of my favorite characters, so I was definitely excited when I found out we'd be getting to read her story. Hers is definitely deep, emotional, and absolutely heart-wrenching. She goes through so much throughout the course of the book and learns so many lessons. I was very glad to see that she got the ending she deserved. I'm honestly really sad that this series is over. It has been one of the best ones I've had the pleasure of reading this year, this one especially, since I related to it so much. However, I'm super excited for whatever Gail has coming up next, and I can't wait to read more of her work!! :)
Profile Image for Laura ( Latteandbookz ).
1,182 reviews10 followers
December 11, 2020
No, this series can’t be over, I need more. All the twists and the turns that happened the feels the ending was just perfect but still need more because I don’t want it to end.

Denise isn’t herself because she is trying to be the perfect daughter and not cause and problems or issues. She just wants to have a normal life. She’s not sure who she should turn too. So, she turns to drugs. Even though it all she was still able to have a HEA and the epilogue was everything.
Profile Image for TINA WILLIAMS.
1,842 reviews21 followers
December 11, 2020
This book is the beautiful conclusion to the Randall series. This family has been plagued with tragedy. The fallout has left the youngest child, Denise, unsure and floundering. She feels invisible and drowns her problems with self-medication. This final book is volatile, intense and highly emotional. The story was addictive and unpredictable. Gail Haris has done an exceptional job with this series! Each book has been such a pleasure to read.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,144 reviews323 followers
December 10, 2020
Denise Randall is sick of having to be the "perfect daughter" all the time and now that she is graduating, she can get away from the smalltown of Lumberton where her family is considered town royalty. Denise finds her family breeds scandal and for once in her life, she just wants to be normal and live a carefree life - away from everyone especially Isabelle who has made her life a living hell ever since both their brothers Landon and Luke died after fighting on the bridge in Book #1. In this book, Denise snaps and attacks Isabelle which starts a domino effect as it puts her not only in the path of an old crush Keaton Sloan but also in the path of a new older married man Dr. Ronald Hall who is sexy and handsome according to Denise. One blackmails her into loving him and the other gives her drugs to survive but wants more of her. What will happen when both sides of her start warring with each other and the moment she decides to get clean and date Keaton, her drug dealer isn't happy that she doesn't need his services anymore? This book was very angsty compared to the other two and has a strong theme of drug use and a bit more of a romantic suspense twist near the last few chapters. I am in two minds about this book as I felt I couldn't quite click with Denise as, to be honest, she was still an immature and spoiled little brat and her character frustrated me. I also wasn't keen on Keaton and the games of hot/cold he played as I am not one for playing games as often that is worst than actual heartbreak and hurt.
Near the end, it did talk of possible future books and one, in particular, was Melissa's story leading up to Alice aka Sarah Randall's abduction which I would love to read from her POV.
Profile Image for Danielle Keil.
Author 36 books335 followers
December 11, 2020
After reading Rachel's book, I figured I knew what the blackmail for Denise would be. I thought I had it all figured out. I was wrong. So, so wrong. Denise's book was nothing like I thought it would be! Even when I thought I had it figured out while reading, I was still wrong! The twists and turns this book took kept me on my toes. I felt for Denise, I cried with her, and my heart EXPLODED at the epilogue. A great finish to the Randall series!
Profile Image for Tilya Eloff.
Author 16 books53 followers
December 12, 2020
OMG, this whole series has been pure perfection. I don't know where to start. Denise, a spoiled brat to say the least learns the hard way that all actions haves consequences. Falling into a dependency for drugs she kept taking wrong tunes. Thankfully she had people who loved and supported her. Sadly far to many young men and women don't have that. I loved how Gail shined a light on using drugs as a band aid and showed how it is only a temporary fix. Learning to truly love and forgive yourself is probably one of the hardest but rewarding things you can do.
725 reviews18 followers
December 12, 2020
Denise Randall has been a character that has interested me from the first time she appeared in Who is Sarah Randall. She is the pampered princess daughter who has it all even at her young age.... or is she? There was something going on with her but we never knew quite what it was. Until now.

Gail Haris noted that this book was a bit darker than the others, and I like dark, so I was ready for it! I so enjoyed this book! Denise gets involved with things that take her into some rough places and situations that you won’t see coming. She feels overshadowed and alone. When Keaton comes back into her life, she is torn. He sees her, really sees her, and that scares her because she doesn’t want anyone to see all of her. Keaton likes Denise, and wants the best for her, but Denise doesn’t always see that, he threatens how she copes. She’s feels like she’s been on the shadows her whole life.. the sister of the girl who was kidnapped as a baby and returned to the as a teen... the sister of the boy who died in a fight with her best friends brother... of the boy who got a girl pregnant in college. She had to be the one who remained scandal-free, so what if she needed a little help to make it through the day, right?

There are many twists and turns in this story... so many situations I didn’t see coming, or expect! I read it in a short time, and didn’t want to put it down. Gail Haris took me into the world of a family in this series. A family who had it all, yet still had issues and struggles. A family with money and privilege who suffered unspeakable tragedy and loss. If you haven’t read Who is Sarah Randall and The Night That Changed Rachel, you want to. They, and The Blackmail of Denise Randall are well worth the reading time.
Profile Image for Christina.
634 reviews24 followers
December 13, 2020
*I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion.

WOW!!!!! When I first set out to read this series, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. One thing is for sure...I've completely fallen in love with this family, series and author. Not only did this author make these characters "likeable", she made us fall in love with each and every one of them....even the characters we probably shouldn't have.

Denise is the youngest member of the Randall family. She started off as the daughter her mother "got to have", but quickly became the daughter living in everyone else's shadows once her older sister returned home after being kidnapped. Let's face it though, this was just the beginning of the "curse" Denise feels she's been living her whole life. It seems as though her life kept spiraling out of control each year, causing her to self medicate just to get by.

Keaton graduated high school with Denise's older siblings. He's been friends with the family for years, even dancing with Denise when she was in junior high school. But now that Denise has graduated high school, she's not so young anymore and keeping his distance is becoming hard each day. Especially since he's working for Denise's father. But keeping his distance isn't an option anyway since saving her has become his new hobby...even though she refuses to except it.

This is the last of this series and I have to admit that I'm a little sad. Like I stated earlier, I've fallen in love with this family. I feel like I've watched them grow in to the young adults the become while reading their stories. Is some of the content sometimes sad? Yes, but so is life and the obstacles that we're faced with every day. I LOVE THIS FAMILY!!!!!!
Profile Image for Uzma.
90 reviews
December 4, 2020
I have read The Night That Changed Rachel, and that book blew me away. I loved the maturity and the chemistry Rachel and Trent had. I knew I wanted to read about more of the Randall’s, and so when I got the opportunity to read The Blackmail Of Denise Randall, I went all in.

I am still a bit confused how I feel about this book. It had it’s sweet moments, don’t get me wrong, but the kind of chemistry and maturity I was expecting from the characters was non existing. I did love the instances where Denise showed her vulnerability and asked for help, cuz I have been there and I know how hard it is to be vulnerable and finally admitting to ask for help, it takes guts and Denise showed in such moments that she wasn’t just strong on the outside, but also on the inside. Having said that, though, the book still didn’t play at my heart strings, maybe because I went in to it with preconceived expectations.

I can’t be a good judge of a book that I can’t relate to, but for the grit and struggle that hit close to home, the part that resonated with me, I’ll give this book a solid 3 stars.

Happy Reading.
Profile Image for Dorothy Morris.
870 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2020
Denise Randall feels like she is overshadowed and alone. Because she feels she has to be the perfect daughter in everyone's eyes all the time. When Keaton comes back into her life, she is torn. He sees her, really sees her, and that scares her because she doesn’t want anyone to see all of her. Denise snaps and attacks Isabelle which starts a domino effect as it puts her not only in the path of an old crush Keaton Sloan but also in the path of a new older married man Dr. Ronald Hall who is sexy and handsome. One blackmails her into loving him and the other gives her drugs to survive but wants more of her. What will happen when both sides of her start warring with each other and the moment she decides to get clean and date Keaton, her drug dealer isn't happy. I loved this book.
1,085 reviews8 followers
December 17, 2020
Since discovering Gail Haris I cant get enough of her books, the way she lays out the story and takes you down numerous rabbit holes leaves you reading like a demon to see what happens next. This author has a style which changes constantly, there is always twists which makes exciting reading. Denise has a story you must read. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Kristy Odom.
1,413 reviews34 followers
December 13, 2020
I wanted Denise’s story from the beginning. I love the characters that feel they are broken, but find a way to rise above it. This book could definitely trigger issues. For me, it was the panic attacks. I have them. I loved seeing her start to rise above those issues.

I loved Keaton. He was the perfect man for her. His story helped him see Denise. He could see her so clearly. This story touched on real issues. Mental health, bullying, and drug use is prevalent in society. I hope this story can open our eyes to those around us that may need a hand up.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
453 reviews17 followers
December 13, 2020
A wonderful conclusion to the Randall Series. This book is definitely not what I expected from it's title, which had me a little nervous but is a wonderful story that is quite different than the others in the series. It definitely shows in this, and the other books the ever changing and evolving character of Denise Randall
5 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2020
This has got to be my favorite by Gail Haris to date!! She beautifully captures Denise’s struggles and growth while coming to terms with who she is and where she comes from. Every book I read by Gail gets better and better, and I can’t wait to see what is next!!
Profile Image for Carolyn craft.
1 review1 follower
December 13, 2020
All three books are amazing

I love all three books but the best is saved for last! It is often the person who ppl look at as “perfect” that are struggling the hardest. Struggling to be perfect for everyone. Once you start these books you will not put them down!
50 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2021
HEA for the series

So glad this book didn’t end quite like book one. Happy that The Randalls stick together to eventually find happiness and peace. Thank you Gail for the closure!
Profile Image for Rachael.
520 reviews
December 30, 2020
The third and final installment of The Randall’s series, simply captivated me from the beginning. This book is packed with so much, I have struggled putting into words how much I simply loved this story. It truly took me on an emotional ride I wasn’t expecting, with new twists around every corner! With a few new elements added to this book, I enjoyed the added suspense we get in Denise’s story!

In The Blackmail of Denise Randall, we get the baby of the family, Denise Randall’s story. Her story isn’t what I expected it to be. She is struggling with many things after the events of the past year and finds herself in the arms of the one she desires more than anything, Keaton Sloan. When events begin to unfold that take Denise on a most unexpected twist in her plans, Keaton vows to keep her secrets for her, but at a cost.

The relevance of this story in today’s reality is hauntingly parallel. This story covers topics we deal with day in and day out. It might not be you who is suffering, but someone around you is, and what Denise goes through on this journey to healing and finding out how to survive was simply a sight to behold. This conclusion of The Randall’s books simply was enthralling to unfold.
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