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Black Lies
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2014)Can you love two men at once? Is there any future in that?
Brant loves me fiercely. A brilliant tech billionaire who has spent the last four years pursuing me, he's the man I should marry, yet I keep turning down his proposals.
Lee... I don't know what to say about Lee. I pursue him recklessly, and he uses me in ways that would make a nun swear. He isn't in love with me yet, but he will be. He has to be.
Go ahead, judge me. You have no idea what my love entails.
If you think you've heard this story before, trust me - you haven't.
Brant loves me fiercely. A brilliant tech billionaire who has spent the last four years pursuing me, he's the man I should marry, yet I keep turning down his proposals.
Lee... I don't know what to say about Lee. I pursue him recklessly, and he uses me in ways that would make a nun swear. He isn't in love with me yet, but he will be. He has to be.
Go ahead, judge me. You have no idea what my love entails.
If you think you've heard this story before, trust me - you haven't.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2014
1967 people are currently reading
24788 people want to read
About the author
Alessandra Torre
49 books16.4k followersAlessandra Torre (AR Torre) is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of twenty-seven romance and suspense novels. In addition to writing, she is the creator of Alessandra Torre Ink - an online community of over 40,000 published and aspiring authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,822 reviews
December 16, 2023
5 stars!
I read a lot, and a lot of books I read stick with me, make me think, and stay on my mind. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book thats hit me so hard and stuck with me as long as this. Days later and I can’t stop thinking about it!
Black Lies is one of the most powerful, raw and all consuming love stories I have ever read. Was it selfish? Selfless? Maybe both. This love story was different than anything I’ve ever read before. It’s a story I’m sure I’ll never forget.
Meet Lana. She’s a rich girl with rich parents who’s always wanted to do things her own way. She didn’t want to settle for what her parents wanted for her life. You will love her. You will hate her. You will despise some of the things she does. It was unfathomable to me. Then you will feel compassion. Heartbreak. Longing. Love. SHE will make you feel all those things. Then there is her man… Brant.
Brant. Brant is the man Lana’s been with for 3 years. The guy she’s in love with. He’s a rich genius. He loves Lana fiercely. He wants her to be his wife, to be his everything but she refuses to marry him. I loved Brant the entire book. I can’t think of a moment I didn’t. Which is why I had so much trouble with the concept of him. Of Lee.
Lee. Lee is the guy Lana’s been seeing for 2 years. She did whatever she had to do to get him and she won’t give him up. He’s rough around the edges, he’s a landscaper and a ladies man. Lana wants him all to herself. There is something different about her relationship with Lee, but it’s clear that she loves him. And she loves Brant. She loves them both.
I know there are going to be some readers that are like… yeah, I figured this one out early and I say good for you. Me? It took me a long while. I’m talking close to 70% before I finally knew the big secret. Once you find out the twist in the story, it’s like a lightbulb goes off. Everything clicks into place. I don’t know how she does it, but every single detail lines up just the way its supposed to.
I love an unpredictable story. The second I figured out what was going on, I called a friend who had read and talked it out, then I cried, then I finished the book, then I cried some more. Black Lies had such a profound effect on me, I even cried while making my images, just reading over the quotes.
Black Lies is a story of lies, secrets and betrayals, of unwavering love, loyalty and selflessness. A complete contradiction- but once you read, you’ll get it. As much as it may not seem like it, it’s an beautiful and intense love story above all else.
The more I’ve thought about it, I just know that this is going to be the best book I read this year. I can’t imagine anything topping it. It was that good. The concept was genius, the delivery was epic and the author is just brilliant! I am in awe! I don't even want to read other books right now... I just want to re-start this one and catch all the little things I know I missed. This is a book you need to one click the second it goes live. Go in blind and be prepared to be blown away!
I read a lot, and a lot of books I read stick with me, make me think, and stay on my mind. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book thats hit me so hard and stuck with me as long as this. Days later and I can’t stop thinking about it!
Black Lies is one of the most powerful, raw and all consuming love stories I have ever read. Was it selfish? Selfless? Maybe both. This love story was different than anything I’ve ever read before. It’s a story I’m sure I’ll never forget.
Meet Lana. She’s a rich girl with rich parents who’s always wanted to do things her own way. She didn’t want to settle for what her parents wanted for her life. You will love her. You will hate her. You will despise some of the things she does. It was unfathomable to me. Then you will feel compassion. Heartbreak. Longing. Love. SHE will make you feel all those things. Then there is her man… Brant.
Brant. Brant is the man Lana’s been with for 3 years. The guy she’s in love with. He’s a rich genius. He loves Lana fiercely. He wants her to be his wife, to be his everything but she refuses to marry him. I loved Brant the entire book. I can’t think of a moment I didn’t. Which is why I had so much trouble with the concept of him. Of Lee.
Lee. Lee is the guy Lana’s been seeing for 2 years. She did whatever she had to do to get him and she won’t give him up. He’s rough around the edges, he’s a landscaper and a ladies man. Lana wants him all to herself. There is something different about her relationship with Lee, but it’s clear that she loves him. And she loves Brant. She loves them both.
I know there are going to be some readers that are like… yeah, I figured this one out early and I say good for you. Me? It took me a long while. I’m talking close to 70% before I finally knew the big secret. Once you find out the twist in the story, it’s like a lightbulb goes off. Everything clicks into place. I don’t know how she does it, but every single detail lines up just the way its supposed to.
I love an unpredictable story. The second I figured out what was going on, I called a friend who had read and talked it out, then I cried, then I finished the book, then I cried some more. Black Lies had such a profound effect on me, I even cried while making my images, just reading over the quotes.
True love makes a person reckless, makes them take risks and make sacrifices. True love tests the boundaries of our person, makes us yearn to be better and fight for the ground we stand on. I will fight for this love. Lie for it. Steal for it. It’s worthy of that.
Black Lies is a story of lies, secrets and betrayals, of unwavering love, loyalty and selflessness. A complete contradiction- but once you read, you’ll get it. As much as it may not seem like it, it’s an beautiful and intense love story above all else.
The more I’ve thought about it, I just know that this is going to be the best book I read this year. I can’t imagine anything topping it. It was that good. The concept was genius, the delivery was epic and the author is just brilliant! I am in awe! I don't even want to read other books right now... I just want to re-start this one and catch all the little things I know I missed. This is a book you need to one click the second it goes live. Go in blind and be prepared to be blown away!
She is more than my broken self will ever deserve, but I can never let her go, she owns, whether she knows it or not, all parts of me, every once of my body and soul. Her unconditional love brought me to life. Pulled me from a dry, lonely existence before saving me, quite literally, from myself.
September 25, 2019
See link below to new extended epilogue; 2 years later!
★★★★★! Black lies (stand-alone). Heiress’ world collide with enigmatic inventor Brant Sharp! Well on track to marriage, their life is turned upside down by secrets & lies!
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
“Goodbye My Lover” by James Blunt captures the beauty, pain, profound sadness and… soul-searching love I feel about this story: ♫ CLICK TO LISTEN ♫
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
Black Lies is the story of heiress, Layana Fairmont, Lana aka Lucky raised in privilege by wealthy parents to become a trophy wife. But instead she cashed in her inheritance and made her own version of the good life by living well and working part time at the charity.
At a fundraiser for her charity she meets inventor and CEO of BSX, Brant Sharp and is stricken by his beauty, intelligence and down-to-earth personality. They immediately hit it off feeling an insane attraction and connection. Once they overcome some hurdles they begin dating.
Life is on track moving towards marriage when their world come crashing down. What follows is a story of deceit, trust issues, selfishness, altruism, secrets, pain, and… LIES pushing their lives into a tailspin.
Nothing can prepare you for Black Lies! It’s a story about an all-consuming LOVE for different people! It’s about the HOLD that sex and love can get over you! About wanting some things so fiercely, you stop at nothing to obtain them and yield to nothing to hold onto them…
In the end you will ask yourself: What would I have done? My answer is: The exact same thing!
Four words to describe Brant Sharp: Charismatic, noble, complex and secretive.
Four words to describe Layana Fairmont, Lana aka Lucky: Focused, determined, loyal and secretive.
Black Lies might take you out of your comfort zone. It will likely push boundaries and blur the line between right and wrong.
I have read this story four times already and though I know the ending; the secrets and the lies… I keep finding nuisances and depth. It’s unique, emotional, at times excruciatingly painful and so thought-provoking!
Be sure to read the newly released extended epilogue 2 years later: Read here!
Brilliant plot! Captivating journey! Excellent character development! Shocking twists and turns! Mind-blowing sex scenes! And… heart-stopping love! Thanks Alessandra! This story will stay with me! 6 stars!
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5+ stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Plot rating: 5+ stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5+ stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
*********************************************
Overall rating: 6 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I re-read this story: Yes!
Would I read future books by this author: Yes!
My thoughts after reading 100% of draft 2:
My thoughts after reading 80% of draft 1:
Be sure to join Shh… [Smut, Heroes & HEAs…] with Alessandra here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
Alpha copy provided to me by author Alessandra Torre, in exchange for honest feedback & review.
Thanks Alessandra! xo
★★★★★! Black lies (stand-alone). Heiress’ world collide with enigmatic inventor Brant Sharp! Well on track to marriage, their life is turned upside down by secrets & lies!
“This love is worth the unsaid truths.
The hidden lies.”
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
“Goodbye My Lover” by James Blunt captures the beauty, pain, profound sadness and… soul-searching love I feel about this story: ♫ CLICK TO LISTEN ♫
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
Black Lies is the story of heiress, Layana Fairmont, Lana aka Lucky raised in privilege by wealthy parents to become a trophy wife. But instead she cashed in her inheritance and made her own version of the good life by living well and working part time at the charity.
At a fundraiser for her charity she meets inventor and CEO of BSX, Brant Sharp and is stricken by his beauty, intelligence and down-to-earth personality. They immediately hit it off feeling an insane attraction and connection. Once they overcome some hurdles they begin dating.
Life is on track moving towards marriage when their world come crashing down. What follows is a story of deceit, trust issues, selfishness, altruism, secrets, pain, and… LIES pushing their lives into a tailspin.
Nothing can prepare you for Black Lies! It’s a story about an all-consuming LOVE for different people! It’s about the HOLD that sex and love can get over you! About wanting some things so fiercely, you stop at nothing to obtain them and yield to nothing to hold onto them…
In the end you will ask yourself: What would I have done? My answer is: The exact same thing!
“I will fight for this love. Lie for it. Steal for it. It’s worthy of that.”
Four words to describe Brant Sharp: Charismatic, noble, complex and secretive.
Four words to describe Layana Fairmont, Lana aka Lucky: Focused, determined, loyal and secretive.
Black Lies might take you out of your comfort zone. It will likely push boundaries and blur the line between right and wrong.
I have read this story four times already and though I know the ending; the secrets and the lies… I keep finding nuisances and depth. It’s unique, emotional, at times excruciatingly painful and so thought-provoking!
Be sure to read the newly released extended epilogue 2 years later: Read here!
Brilliant plot! Captivating journey! Excellent character development! Shocking twists and turns! Mind-blowing sex scenes! And… heart-stopping love! Thanks Alessandra! This story will stay with me! 6 stars!
“But I will never forget you. I will always miss you.”
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5+ stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Plot rating: 5+ stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5+ stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
*********************************************
Overall rating: 6 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I re-read this story: Yes!
Would I read future books by this author: Yes!
My thoughts after reading 100% of draft 2:
My thoughts after reading 80% of draft 1:
Be sure to join Shh… [Smut, Heroes & HEAs…] with Alessandra here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
Alpha copy provided to me by author Alessandra Torre, in exchange for honest feedback & review.
Thanks Alessandra! xo
September 5, 2014
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::: 5+ STARS!!! :::
WOW WOW WOW!!!
Black Lies was absolutely brilliant!!! A captivating, intriguing, and mysterious love story with a twist. It was addictive, enthralling, and incredibly well-written. This is one of those books that makes me want to go up to everyone and be like YOU HAVE TO READ THIS NOW!!!
This is one of the most complete love stories I've ever read. It's a standalone with a fully resolved, and heart-warming ending but with the way the story unfolds, you realize just how deep their love truly is.
I know that some of you (like me) are going to be both intrigued but also scared by the blurb but please just TRUST ME. You all know the kinds of things that usually bother me and I promise you're safe to read this!
That last line is especially important. There is so much more to this love story beneath the surface.
What makes this story different than it seems? There is a twist. A secret that changes the whole dynamic of the story and it is brilliantly set up. Looking back, you'll see each of the hidden clues, all the layers of this secret, and it's so clever the way the author tells you exactly what is happening without ever saying it!
Whether you guess the twist early, or if you know about it before you start reading, or even find yourself completely surprised by it, won't make a difference. I think this is one of those stories you can enjoy no matter how you approach it because this journey is just as enthralling as the outcome.
In order to keep things spoiler-free, I'm going to tell you as little as possible about these characters because most anything I say (even names) is technically a spoiler. My only comment will be that I found it so refreshing to have such a smart heroine!! Please, when you're reading, don't judge her too quickly or harshly. I can honestly say that she's one of my favorite heroines. This is going to sound odd if you don't know the story but I absolutely loved the way she handled the situation she was put in. LOVED it!!!
I love stories where the lines are sometimes blurred but the love is unquestionable. You think you know whats happening but then you take a look from another angle and realize that nothing is as it seems. I know the blurb might sound scary to some of you but I promise you that there is nothing stupid or frustrating about any characters' actions. Once you see the complete picture, everything will all make sense.
Black Lies is about people willing to go to any lengths to fight for their love and protect their relationship. My heart was racing as I read. My chest got tight the closer things got to coming out into the light. The layers of secrets and love are woven seamlessly together to create a rich, multi-layered story.
Ok... now, I'm going to be honest. I knew the twist before I started reading the book. I'm not a very trusting reader and with a story set up like this, I just had to know that this was actually a story I'd be okay with. So I found out first. But let me tell you, the moment I found out the twist, I literally dropped everything to start reading immediately. Personally, I felt like knowing in advance made me appreciate the story even more because I knew what to look for and I was able to enjoy the journey rather than worry about the outcome.
For me, the point was not being surprised by the twist, for me it was enjoying the story with the twist as a part of my understanding. I know that I personally loved the book as much as I did because I knew the twist. But every reader is different. I know that many of you love going into books blind and I fully respect that which is why I've kept this review spoiler free. But... for those of you who want to know about about cheating, love triangle, and HEA, click to read this hidden text:
Honestly guys, the way these characters loved each other was absolutely breathtaking. Unconventional to be sure, but all consuming and truly beautiful. I felt like I was left with the strong message that if you never stop believing in it, love will always find a way and it will last forever.
I can't recommend this book highly enough!! It's one of my new top favorites!!
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Twitter
WOW WOW WOW!!!
Black Lies was absolutely brilliant!!! A captivating, intriguing, and mysterious love story with a twist. It was addictive, enthralling, and incredibly well-written. This is one of those books that makes me want to go up to everyone and be like YOU HAVE TO READ THIS NOW!!!
This is one of the most complete love stories I've ever read. It's a standalone with a fully resolved, and heart-warming ending but with the way the story unfolds, you realize just how deep their love truly is.
I know that some of you (like me) are going to be both intrigued but also scared by the blurb but please just TRUST ME. You all know the kinds of things that usually bother me and I promise you're safe to read this!
Brant: Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday. Has been in a relationship with me for 3 years. Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.
Lee: Cuts grass when he’s not banging housewives. Good with his hands, his mouth, and his cock. Has been pursued relentlessly by me for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not.
Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what my love entails. If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me – you haven’t.
That last line is especially important. There is so much more to this love story beneath the surface.
What makes this story different than it seems? There is a twist. A secret that changes the whole dynamic of the story and it is brilliantly set up. Looking back, you'll see each of the hidden clues, all the layers of this secret, and it's so clever the way the author tells you exactly what is happening without ever saying it!
Whether you guess the twist early, or if you know about it before you start reading, or even find yourself completely surprised by it, won't make a difference. I think this is one of those stories you can enjoy no matter how you approach it because this journey is just as enthralling as the outcome.
In order to keep things spoiler-free, I'm going to tell you as little as possible about these characters because most anything I say (even names) is technically a spoiler. My only comment will be that I found it so refreshing to have such a smart heroine!! Please, when you're reading, don't judge her too quickly or harshly. I can honestly say that she's one of my favorite heroines. This is going to sound odd if you don't know the story but I absolutely loved the way she handled the situation she was put in. LOVED it!!!
I love stories where the lines are sometimes blurred but the love is unquestionable. You think you know whats happening but then you take a look from another angle and realize that nothing is as it seems. I know the blurb might sound scary to some of you but I promise you that there is nothing stupid or frustrating about any characters' actions. Once you see the complete picture, everything will all make sense.
Black Lies is about people willing to go to any lengths to fight for their love and protect their relationship. My heart was racing as I read. My chest got tight the closer things got to coming out into the light. The layers of secrets and love are woven seamlessly together to create a rich, multi-layered story.
Ok... now, I'm going to be honest. I knew the twist before I started reading the book. I'm not a very trusting reader and with a story set up like this, I just had to know that this was actually a story I'd be okay with. So I found out first. But let me tell you, the moment I found out the twist, I literally dropped everything to start reading immediately. Personally, I felt like knowing in advance made me appreciate the story even more because I knew what to look for and I was able to enjoy the journey rather than worry about the outcome.
For me, the point was not being surprised by the twist, for me it was enjoying the story with the twist as a part of my understanding. I know that I personally loved the book as much as I did because I knew the twist. But every reader is different. I know that many of you love going into books blind and I fully respect that which is why I've kept this review spoiler free. But... for those of you who want to know about about cheating, love triangle, and HEA, click to read this hidden text:
Honestly guys, the way these characters loved each other was absolutely breathtaking. Unconventional to be sure, but all consuming and truly beautiful. I felt like I was left with the strong message that if you never stop believing in it, love will always find a way and it will last forever.
I can't recommend this book highly enough!! It's one of my new top favorites!!
"I risked losing him.
I risked destroying his life.
I risked saving our love.
Our future."
Rating: 5+ STARS!! Standalone.
Contemporary Adult romance.
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
July 4, 2017
Re-read 07/02/2017
Even better the 4th time around except this time I read a signed copy- all courtesy of Robin Hill (my "boo") who actually bought it from Amazon, took it to the authors' Conference (Dallas?) for signing, sent it to my kids in Maryland, then tracked it until it was delivered into my loving arms. Friends, you know.
Review
I finished reading Black Lies some 30 minutes ago and immediately doubled back... it truly is beyond amazing and I will not be in a position to write a coherent review until, perhaps, never? Wow.
April 25, 2015
I'm going to give myself a reward for finishing this one.
Smexy books are supposed to be fun! Smexy books are not supposed to be boring. Smexy books should have characters that you can at least tolerate. The sex should at least be hot.
Didn't happen in this one. I almost didn't give it a one star because I did like the authors writing. But then the more I read the more I hated this book. I can not do that. I have other books by this author and my friends love her. They were divided on this book so I'm going to read something else by her before my final determination.
But this one?
Layana is a little rich girl, never worked a day in her life. She was pampered by mommy and daddy her whole life and once she got her hands on that trust fund she decided it was time to live the way she wanted too.
By hooking up with mega rich Brant.
Mommy and Daddy wanted her to be some rich guys trophy wife so she is out to prove them wrong.
I never could work up any like at all for her character. She pissed me off.
Brant is super smart and of course, drop dead gorgeous. I wonder what would happen if in one of these books the couple was just poor white trash?
So begins their love affair. The love affair that is boring as crap.
Then she meets Lee. Does him too.
(it's not cheating-so don't get your panties in a wad)
She connives her way into his life and runs off his girlfriend. Then she lets him talk to her like a dog. Calls her the slut. WTF?
I don't like any of these damn characters.
Then the BIG TWIST!!!
My answer to this whole book is:
Because I can't even work up a decent rant about the whole damn thing.
Smexy books are supposed to be fun! Smexy books are not supposed to be boring. Smexy books should have characters that you can at least tolerate. The sex should at least be hot.
Didn't happen in this one. I almost didn't give it a one star because I did like the authors writing. But then the more I read the more I hated this book. I can not do that. I have other books by this author and my friends love her. They were divided on this book so I'm going to read something else by her before my final determination.
But this one?
Layana is a little rich girl, never worked a day in her life. She was pampered by mommy and daddy her whole life and once she got her hands on that trust fund she decided it was time to live the way she wanted too.
By hooking up with mega rich Brant.
Mommy and Daddy wanted her to be some rich guys trophy wife so she is out to prove them wrong.
I never could work up any like at all for her character. She pissed me off.
Brant is super smart and of course, drop dead gorgeous. I wonder what would happen if in one of these books the couple was just poor white trash?
So begins their love affair. The love affair that is boring as crap.
Then she meets Lee. Does him too.
(it's not cheating-so don't get your panties in a wad)
She connives her way into his life and runs off his girlfriend. Then she lets him talk to her like a dog. Calls her the slut. WTF?
I don't like any of these damn characters.
Then the BIG TWIST!!!
My answer to this whole book is:
Because I can't even work up a decent rant about the whole damn thing.
November 15, 2019
Do you remember the last scene of Usual Suspects? The detective David Kujan sets Verbal free and turns his head to the wall, drops his mug, a shocking expression appears on his face as if he’s punched several times. In the meantime Verbal a.k.a Kaiser Soze stops limping and takes long steps on the pavement with great confidence.
I learned how David Kujan felt after I finished this book.
Dear Alessandra Torre owe me a bottle of Chardonnay! Because I was holding it when I read the last pages! It crashed on the floor as I was screaming “ OMG woman, you’re a devil but also genius!”
You fooled me once on this book! Shame on me! 😂
I learned how David Kujan felt after I finished this book.
Dear Alessandra Torre owe me a bottle of Chardonnay! Because I was holding it when I read the last pages! It crashed on the floor as I was screaming “ OMG woman, you’re a devil but also genius!”
You fooled me once on this book! Shame on me! 😂
March 18, 2021
A gazillion stars... One of my all-times-favorites!
Is there anyone who still hasn't read this book?
If so, you don't know what you are missing!
Please do read this book.
This is a spoiler-free review which will mess with your mind as much as the book does! Go ahead and give it a chance! You won't regret, I promise...
But please... pretty please, read this book without knowing the plot twist. DO NOT READ any spoilers anywhere, which would definitely ruin the book for you.
The blurb and the reality:
I must say that this book is nothing like you may assume after reading the blurb. This is an unbelievable journey, a mind-blowing reading experience.
The blurb might make you think that this is going to be a dirty book – a love affair of a woman with low moral values with two men that are the opposite of one another. Oh, the reality is far from it, believe me!
Brant:
Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday.
Has been in a relationship with Layana for 3 years.
Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.
Lee:
Cuts grass when he’s not banging housewives.
Good with his hands, his mouth, and his cock.
Has been pursued relentlessly by Layana for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not.
Our heroine Layana says:
Go ahead. Judge me.
You have no idea what my love entails.
I love two men.
I f*ck two men.
If you think you’ve heard this story before, you haven’t.
I hear you saying this:
Yes, you will be saying it a lot...
She will shock you, shake you, irritate you.
You will hate her, you will despise her, you will not understand her for a while.
And when you understand her...
You will love her, you will adore her, you will applaud her...
You will be sorry for her, you will ache for her...
You will desperately wish a HEA for her...
No I am not kidding... I am dead serious!
As soon as you start the book, in the prologue, you will read about how Layana stalked Lee (the second man in her life) and how she ended his relationship with another woman.
These are her words of victory:
“That’s right. Turn and walk your pretty self away from this man. He will no longer touch your face. He will no longer make love to your body. He is mine. I will take your place...
Victory is mine. I grinned, giving myself a virtual high five, and put my Mercedes into drive... Maybe after my massage I’d swing by my boyfriend’s office. Drop off a sandwich for him. Celebrate my victory with the other man in my life.”
Do you feel like this? I did :)
Yes, Layana really stalks Lee, even hires a private detective, makes careful and evil plans and ends his relationship with his girlfriend Molly.
“Hello stalking, I am Layana. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“I sat and watched. Focused in and spied. Growled into a stale handful of nuts as I saw pieces of what might be love...
I needed a plan. I had seen enough. What I needed to figure out was how to destroy them.”
“Soon, everything would be fixed. Soon, Lee would be fully mine. Tomorrow would be a big day. A relationship-ending one.”
Now, how can you love this heroine? How can you feel anything positive for a woman who says this and does all these things?
Well, I loved her. I adored her. I felt sorry for her...
Hey, DON’T JUDGE ME, read it and adore her yourself...
After reading the blurb and the prologue, and some chapters, you will have some clear assumptions. Let me tell you that YOU CAN’T BE MORE WRONG.
This book will mess with your mind until you finally learn the facts. But the facts won’t come easily. There will be breadcrumbs in every chapter, one contradicting the other...
You will be like this - constantly:
And like this:
This book will shock you in each chapter. Just as you think you have understood something, in the next chapter, you will see that you can’t be further from the truth.
The writer will play with you like a puppet and you will definitely enjoy the ride.
After finishing the book, if you go back and reread it, you will see that the writer has, in fact, been telling you exactly what is happening without actually saying it, but you are clueless while reading it, unfortunately :)
It just is so cleverly written that it is impossible not to admire the talent of the writer... That was really refreshing and nothing similar to anything I have read before.
Let me shock you a little bit more (This is a spoiler-free review - no worries:)
The title of the book is BLACK LIES.
Who tells black lies in this book?
Well – everybody does:
“True love makes a person reckless, makes them take risks and make sacrifices. True love tests the boundaries of our person, makes us yearn to be better and fight for the ground we stand on. I will fight for this love. Lie for it. Steal for it. It is worthy of that. This love is worth the unsaid truths. The hidden lies.”
“I might have gone years without discovering his secret. He certainly hid it well enough... I wasn’t the only clueless one.”
***
“It took nine months for me to discover the secret. It could have taken even longer. I look back now and see very little clues.”
***
“It was a wonderful story. Poetic in its portrayal of his life. Endearing. The creation of this tortured, confused man before me. Perfectly explained his desperation for love, mixed with a side of I’llNeverBeGoodEnough. Too bad it was all a lie. I laid in his arms and wondered how many women he had told it to.”
***
“God. I knew. So many things wrong with this picture. But God, it felt so good. I stared into his eyes, listened to him whisper my name, and enjoyed every second of the ride. For those minutes, I forgot about Brant, about Tennis Barbie, about anything but him and me and that moment of time. I was his rebound. He was my sidepiece. And both of us wanted more. At least I did. Maybe anything else was a lie I was telling myself.”
***
“Lies. Lies are keeping us apart. I started this relationship with one lie... She started this relationship clean and innocent, and has piled on the lies since then.”
In the end, you will understand why they have been telling lies all along...
How about safety? How about cheating???
Read this and surprise yourself even more!
Brant:
“I just want to know why. Why does she cheat on me? What do I not provide for her? What part of me is not good enough? Why, when her love for me burns bright enough to singe… does she sneak off with a stranger? My biggest fear is that she loves him. My biggest fear is that he has wormed his way into her heart. I love her too much to share her. I hate him with a vengeance that turns my blood white.”
Lee:
“I love you too much to leave you. But I can’t do this. It is killing me.”
Then he said the words I dreaded, the ones I never wanted to hear but that had stalked me in my dreams.
“You have to choose. You have to.”
“Tell me what you want. If you want it, I’ll leave.
Not for him. I’ll never do anything for him.
But for you, I’ll do it.
I’ll fucking kill myself...”
Jillian (Brant’s aunt) when she sees Layana with Lee:
“You selfish stupid girl.” She pointed a strong finger toward the bar. “He’ll leave you, Layana. One day, you’ll wake up, and that boy in there will be gone . Brant loves you. He’ll be with you forever.”
Layana:
“Yes, I am taking the biggest gamble of my life. I love them both too much to do anything else.”
Feeling like this?
OK, now... Stop... Don’t judge! You will love them...
I hear you saying, "WTF ?" But believe me, nothing is as it seems...
You think you have understood what this book is about now that you have read some quotations... right?
Sorry to tell you but you haven't!
Read and see what I mean!
Theirs was a wonderful love, so deep, so strong, so unique...
Are you telling me WTF??!! again?
Are you saying, "No way with all these lies and the cheating and the stalking and evil plans!"?
Yes, I am telling you exactly that. ... That their love was unique.
You will only understand how deep and precious their love is when you read the book as the story unfolds itself...
OK, now... Feel more shocked, I am saying it: I am definitely, absolutely and completely #TEAM LAYANA...
You can’t believe it, right?
Go read it and you will be #Team Layana, too...
Somewhere in the book, Layana tells us, the readers, the following words below:
“I know you don’t understand. I know you hate me. But you will soon find out... And once you find out, you will understand. You would have done the same thing.”
And I am answering for myself: I might have done the same thing!
Please... Drop everything and read this book.
I am sure at the end, you will be saying, “Wow... Just wow...”
Taking a plot like this is risky.
(And while saying “a plot like this”, I don’t mean “cheating” at all!!! Don't go and read a review where you will learn "what the plot is actually about". Please, make sure you yourself learn it while reading).
OK, I was saying that dealing with a plot like this is risky because if you fail with a plot like this, you fail big. But then, if you succeed with a plot like that, it is bound to be a masterpiece.
And this book is A MASTERPIECE, just brilliant!
I hope I have been able to mess with your mind enough to intrigue you to drop everything and read this book :)
P.S. Please... I am saying it maybe the 10th time but ... please read this book without knowing the plot twist. DO NOT READ any spoilers that would ruin the book for you because then you will miss a hell of an experience.
Is there anyone who still hasn't read this book?
If so, you don't know what you are missing!
Please do read this book.
This is a spoiler-free review which will mess with your mind as much as the book does! Go ahead and give it a chance! You won't regret, I promise...
But please... pretty please, read this book without knowing the plot twist. DO NOT READ any spoilers anywhere, which would definitely ruin the book for you.
The blurb and the reality:
I must say that this book is nothing like you may assume after reading the blurb. This is an unbelievable journey, a mind-blowing reading experience.
The blurb might make you think that this is going to be a dirty book – a love affair of a woman with low moral values with two men that are the opposite of one another. Oh, the reality is far from it, believe me!
Brant:
Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday.
Has been in a relationship with Layana for 3 years.
Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.
Lee:
Cuts grass when he’s not banging housewives.
Good with his hands, his mouth, and his cock.
Has been pursued relentlessly by Layana for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not.
Our heroine Layana says:
Go ahead. Judge me.
You have no idea what my love entails.
I love two men.
I f*ck two men.
If you think you’ve heard this story before, you haven’t.
I hear you saying this:
Yes, you will be saying it a lot...
She will shock you, shake you, irritate you.
You will hate her, you will despise her, you will not understand her for a while.
And when you understand her...
You will love her, you will adore her, you will applaud her...
You will be sorry for her, you will ache for her...
You will desperately wish a HEA for her...
No I am not kidding... I am dead serious!
As soon as you start the book, in the prologue, you will read about how Layana stalked Lee (the second man in her life) and how she ended his relationship with another woman.
These are her words of victory:
“That’s right. Turn and walk your pretty self away from this man. He will no longer touch your face. He will no longer make love to your body. He is mine. I will take your place...
Victory is mine. I grinned, giving myself a virtual high five, and put my Mercedes into drive... Maybe after my massage I’d swing by my boyfriend’s office. Drop off a sandwich for him. Celebrate my victory with the other man in my life.”
Do you feel like this? I did :)
Yes, Layana really stalks Lee, even hires a private detective, makes careful and evil plans and ends his relationship with his girlfriend Molly.
“Hello stalking, I am Layana. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“I sat and watched. Focused in and spied. Growled into a stale handful of nuts as I saw pieces of what might be love...
I needed a plan. I had seen enough. What I needed to figure out was how to destroy them.”
“Soon, everything would be fixed. Soon, Lee would be fully mine. Tomorrow would be a big day. A relationship-ending one.”
Now, how can you love this heroine? How can you feel anything positive for a woman who says this and does all these things?
Well, I loved her. I adored her. I felt sorry for her...
Hey, DON’T JUDGE ME, read it and adore her yourself...
After reading the blurb and the prologue, and some chapters, you will have some clear assumptions. Let me tell you that YOU CAN’T BE MORE WRONG.
This book will mess with your mind until you finally learn the facts. But the facts won’t come easily. There will be breadcrumbs in every chapter, one contradicting the other...
You will be like this - constantly:
And like this:
This book will shock you in each chapter. Just as you think you have understood something, in the next chapter, you will see that you can’t be further from the truth.
The writer will play with you like a puppet and you will definitely enjoy the ride.
After finishing the book, if you go back and reread it, you will see that the writer has, in fact, been telling you exactly what is happening without actually saying it, but you are clueless while reading it, unfortunately :)
It just is so cleverly written that it is impossible not to admire the talent of the writer... That was really refreshing and nothing similar to anything I have read before.
Let me shock you a little bit more (This is a spoiler-free review - no worries:)
The title of the book is BLACK LIES.
Who tells black lies in this book?
Well – everybody does:
“True love makes a person reckless, makes them take risks and make sacrifices. True love tests the boundaries of our person, makes us yearn to be better and fight for the ground we stand on. I will fight for this love. Lie for it. Steal for it. It is worthy of that. This love is worth the unsaid truths. The hidden lies.”
“I might have gone years without discovering his secret. He certainly hid it well enough... I wasn’t the only clueless one.”
***
“It took nine months for me to discover the secret. It could have taken even longer. I look back now and see very little clues.”
***
“It was a wonderful story. Poetic in its portrayal of his life. Endearing. The creation of this tortured, confused man before me. Perfectly explained his desperation for love, mixed with a side of I’llNeverBeGoodEnough. Too bad it was all a lie. I laid in his arms and wondered how many women he had told it to.”
***
“God. I knew. So many things wrong with this picture. But God, it felt so good. I stared into his eyes, listened to him whisper my name, and enjoyed every second of the ride. For those minutes, I forgot about Brant, about Tennis Barbie, about anything but him and me and that moment of time. I was his rebound. He was my sidepiece. And both of us wanted more. At least I did. Maybe anything else was a lie I was telling myself.”
***
“Lies. Lies are keeping us apart. I started this relationship with one lie... She started this relationship clean and innocent, and has piled on the lies since then.”
In the end, you will understand why they have been telling lies all along...
How about safety? How about cheating???
Read this and surprise yourself even more!
Brant:
“I just want to know why. Why does she cheat on me? What do I not provide for her? What part of me is not good enough? Why, when her love for me burns bright enough to singe… does she sneak off with a stranger? My biggest fear is that she loves him. My biggest fear is that he has wormed his way into her heart. I love her too much to share her. I hate him with a vengeance that turns my blood white.”
Lee:
“I love you too much to leave you. But I can’t do this. It is killing me.”
Then he said the words I dreaded, the ones I never wanted to hear but that had stalked me in my dreams.
“You have to choose. You have to.”
“Tell me what you want. If you want it, I’ll leave.
Not for him. I’ll never do anything for him.
But for you, I’ll do it.
I’ll fucking kill myself...”
Jillian (Brant’s aunt) when she sees Layana with Lee:
“You selfish stupid girl.” She pointed a strong finger toward the bar. “He’ll leave you, Layana. One day, you’ll wake up, and that boy in there will be gone . Brant loves you. He’ll be with you forever.”
Layana:
“Yes, I am taking the biggest gamble of my life. I love them both too much to do anything else.”
Feeling like this?
OK, now... Stop... Don’t judge! You will love them...
I hear you saying, "WTF ?" But believe me, nothing is as it seems...
You think you have understood what this book is about now that you have read some quotations... right?
Sorry to tell you but you haven't!
Read and see what I mean!
Theirs was a wonderful love, so deep, so strong, so unique...
Are you telling me WTF??!! again?
Are you saying, "No way with all these lies and the cheating and the stalking and evil plans!"?
Yes, I am telling you exactly that. ... That their love was unique.
You will only understand how deep and precious their love is when you read the book as the story unfolds itself...
OK, now... Feel more shocked, I am saying it: I am definitely, absolutely and completely #TEAM LAYANA...
You can’t believe it, right?
Go read it and you will be #Team Layana, too...
Somewhere in the book, Layana tells us, the readers, the following words below:
“I know you don’t understand. I know you hate me. But you will soon find out... And once you find out, you will understand. You would have done the same thing.”
And I am answering for myself: I might have done the same thing!
Please... Drop everything and read this book.
I am sure at the end, you will be saying, “Wow... Just wow...”
Taking a plot like this is risky.
(And while saying “a plot like this”, I don’t mean “cheating” at all!!! Don't go and read a review where you will learn "what the plot is actually about". Please, make sure you yourself learn it while reading).
OK, I was saying that dealing with a plot like this is risky because if you fail with a plot like this, you fail big. But then, if you succeed with a plot like that, it is bound to be a masterpiece.
And this book is A MASTERPIECE, just brilliant!
I hope I have been able to mess with your mind enough to intrigue you to drop everything and read this book :)
P.S. Please... I am saying it maybe the 10th time but ... please read this book without knowing the plot twist. DO NOT READ any spoilers that would ruin the book for you because then you will miss a hell of an experience.
January 9, 2015
Are you ready to hear what I’m about to tell you? Brace yourself…
THIS IS THE BEST THING I'VE READ ALL YEAR.
There’s not even a close second right now.
Let me start by saying that you’ll find zero spoilers in this review.
I'm rating this 6 of 5 Stars, and I'm starting to believe Alessandra Torre might be an alien, because surely no human can be this fucking talented.
Alessandra Torre is unique in many ways – she blends sex, suspense, and romance in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. She is one of a handful of my ‘stop-drop-and-read’ authors who ALWAYS deliver high-quality books which leave me with massive book-hangovers. Black Lies was obviously no exception.
I am incapable of putting her books down.
They grab you from the opening lines and don’t let up. My responsibilities will be put off, husband will be ignored, my house could be on fire, Jake Bass could walk naked into my bedroom… Well… Ok, so I’d probably ask him to sit quietly on my bed until I was finished with the book... But you get the idea!
I have learned how I need to read her books: Block off several hours because the book WILL be finished in one sitting.
Here’s the thing about books that have “The Big Twist” – Sometimes you see it coming from a mile away, which is infuriating and makes the main character(s) look like idiots for not figuring it out too… Never the case with Torre. I was shocked… There’s no other way to describe it.
Alessandra Torre dangles the twist in front of your face from the opening pages… This “Secret” that keeps Brant from being the perfect man… This mysterious yet monumental character flaw which leads Layana to obsess over Lee despite the fact that she’s madly in love with Brant…
It was so easy to become enamored with this glorious romance…
Intelligent & Intriguing Characters,
Amazing Dialogue,
Panty-Melting Sex,
…and all the while this unseen destructive force is lurking in the background.
Here’s the other thing about books that have “The Big Twist” – Sometimes the twist the only good thing about the book… Or worse, it makes the rest of the book bland in comparison – Ever go back by yourself and re-watch The Sixth Sense after you found out that Bruce Willis was dead the whole time? No? Can you remember anything else about that film other than this:
Anything at all? Nope. Me neither… But then again, I review books, not movies ;)
…Once again, this was not the case with Black Lies. While I was monumentally shocked by Brant’s Secret, I was glued to this book from beginning to end – more on that in a moment - The reveal made me reflect on everything which preceded it. It made me understand Layana’s motives with a clarity I couldn’t grasp before… And I was desperate to find out what would happen next!
This is a love story which will leave you completely breathless.
Absolute Mind Blowing Perfection.
Go read this. Right this second.
Let me tell you a bit about my experience reading this book…
I got an email at 4:42pm with an ARC attached. Ten minutes later Black Lies was on my Kindle tempting me with the book-version of bedroom eyes. “Shurrn, read me!” and I was all “No, book! I have a review to write, and emails to return (sorry Rob), and laundry to do.” But truthfully, I was already undressing it with my eyes…
Peeling back the cover…
Peaking at the first page…
I’m weak…
By 5:15pm I had walked my dogs, grabbed my iPhone, iPad, an iced coffee, and retreated to my bedroom – this is not an odd occurrence in my house. My darling husband is quite used to me “going into seclusion” when I have an awesome book in my hands… He also had the pleasure of seeing me read Sex Love Repeat last year while rocking back and forth on the couch like a deranged person… So yeah… I hide my insanity in the bedroom now… Fewer witnesses.
I spent the rest of the evening completely sucked into this book – eyes wide, pages turning frantically, my mind desperately trying to figure out what “The Secret” could possibly be…
At 7:10pm I finally hit the twist.
I yelled.
It was loud.
Through the closed door my husband hears me scream “OH MY FUCKING GOD!” but he was unfazed. As I mentioned earlier, he has prior knowledge of my love of (and reactions to) Alessandra Torre…
I couldn’t sit down and read any longer.
I had to pace around the room clutching my iPad with a white-knuckled grip…
By 11:00pm I was completely finished. Emotionally exhausted. Social Media outlets were informed… And I was sitting in my bed trying to convince myself not to flip to the first page and read the entire thing again… Real Life (the one I had ignored all evening) was going to intrude on my post-book-reading bliss early the following morning.
I dreamed about this book.
I woke up the next morning and started re-reading Black Lies while brushing my teeth.
Did I mention that I’m weak?
It was even better the second time around…
I got to pick up on the mountain of clues and breadcrumbs scattered throughout the text like glittering jewels…
Nearly 48 hours after finishing this book (The second time) it was still stuck in my head – I was having a drink with a friend, gushing all over my enjoyment of this book when she said, “Sounds like you’ve got a major hard on for another piece of Fiction…”
My response, straight faced:
“If this book had a dick, I would get down on my knees and suck it.”
So there you have it. I can’t think of a better way to tell you how awesome this book is…
Read it.
When you discover Brant’s secret for yourself, message me. I’ll be there to help you recover.
Alessandra Torre,
***Alessandra Torre graciously provided me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
THIS IS THE BEST THING I'VE READ ALL YEAR.
There’s not even a close second right now.
Let me start by saying that you’ll find zero spoilers in this review.
I'm rating this 6 of 5 Stars, and I'm starting to believe Alessandra Torre might be an alien, because surely no human can be this fucking talented.
Alessandra Torre is unique in many ways – she blends sex, suspense, and romance in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. She is one of a handful of my ‘stop-drop-and-read’ authors who ALWAYS deliver high-quality books which leave me with massive book-hangovers. Black Lies was obviously no exception.
I am incapable of putting her books down.
They grab you from the opening lines and don’t let up. My responsibilities will be put off, husband will be ignored, my house could be on fire, Jake Bass could walk naked into my bedroom… Well… Ok, so I’d probably ask him to sit quietly on my bed until I was finished with the book... But you get the idea!
I have learned how I need to read her books: Block off several hours because the book WILL be finished in one sitting.
Here’s the thing about books that have “The Big Twist” – Sometimes you see it coming from a mile away, which is infuriating and makes the main character(s) look like idiots for not figuring it out too… Never the case with Torre. I was shocked… There’s no other way to describe it.
Alessandra Torre dangles the twist in front of your face from the opening pages… This “Secret” that keeps Brant from being the perfect man… This mysterious yet monumental character flaw which leads Layana to obsess over Lee despite the fact that she’s madly in love with Brant…
It was so easy to become enamored with this glorious romance…
Intelligent & Intriguing Characters,
Amazing Dialogue,
Panty-Melting Sex,
…and all the while this unseen destructive force is lurking in the background.
Here’s the other thing about books that have “The Big Twist” – Sometimes the twist the only good thing about the book… Or worse, it makes the rest of the book bland in comparison – Ever go back by yourself and re-watch The Sixth Sense after you found out that Bruce Willis was dead the whole time? No? Can you remember anything else about that film other than this:
Anything at all? Nope. Me neither… But then again, I review books, not movies ;)
…Once again, this was not the case with Black Lies. While I was monumentally shocked by Brant’s Secret, I was glued to this book from beginning to end – more on that in a moment - The reveal made me reflect on everything which preceded it. It made me understand Layana’s motives with a clarity I couldn’t grasp before… And I was desperate to find out what would happen next!
This is a love story which will leave you completely breathless.
Absolute Mind Blowing Perfection.
Go read this. Right this second.
Let me tell you a bit about my experience reading this book…
I got an email at 4:42pm with an ARC attached. Ten minutes later Black Lies was on my Kindle tempting me with the book-version of bedroom eyes. “Shurrn, read me!” and I was all “No, book! I have a review to write, and emails to return (sorry Rob), and laundry to do.” But truthfully, I was already undressing it with my eyes…
Peeling back the cover…
Peaking at the first page…
I’m weak…
By 5:15pm I had walked my dogs, grabbed my iPhone, iPad, an iced coffee, and retreated to my bedroom – this is not an odd occurrence in my house. My darling husband is quite used to me “going into seclusion” when I have an awesome book in my hands… He also had the pleasure of seeing me read Sex Love Repeat last year while rocking back and forth on the couch like a deranged person… So yeah… I hide my insanity in the bedroom now… Fewer witnesses.
I spent the rest of the evening completely sucked into this book – eyes wide, pages turning frantically, my mind desperately trying to figure out what “The Secret” could possibly be…
At 7:10pm I finally hit the twist.
I yelled.
It was loud.
Through the closed door my husband hears me scream “OH MY FUCKING GOD!” but he was unfazed. As I mentioned earlier, he has prior knowledge of my love of (and reactions to) Alessandra Torre…
I couldn’t sit down and read any longer.
I had to pace around the room clutching my iPad with a white-knuckled grip…
By 11:00pm I was completely finished. Emotionally exhausted. Social Media outlets were informed… And I was sitting in my bed trying to convince myself not to flip to the first page and read the entire thing again… Real Life (the one I had ignored all evening) was going to intrude on my post-book-reading bliss early the following morning.
I dreamed about this book.
I woke up the next morning and started re-reading Black Lies while brushing my teeth.
Did I mention that I’m weak?
It was even better the second time around…
I got to pick up on the mountain of clues and breadcrumbs scattered throughout the text like glittering jewels…
Nearly 48 hours after finishing this book (The second time) it was still stuck in my head – I was having a drink with a friend, gushing all over my enjoyment of this book when she said, “Sounds like you’ve got a major hard on for another piece of Fiction…”
My response, straight faced:
“If this book had a dick, I would get down on my knees and suck it.”
So there you have it. I can’t think of a better way to tell you how awesome this book is…
Read it.
When you discover Brant’s secret for yourself, message me. I’ll be there to help you recover.
Alessandra Torre,
***Alessandra Torre graciously provided me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
September 2, 2014
1.5 stars!
I'm definitely, definitely in the small minority when it comes to this book. A lot of my GR buddies loved this. So I would say that don't let my review discourage you from reading this book. Honestly, the twist was great. If you want some great mind-fuck, definitely read this book.
To be fair, I figured out the "BIG SECRET" fairly early on and I asked a couple of friends for confirmation and they told me I was right. So I wasn't really surprised and the clues were plenty. But I still continued reading because a) I already bought the book and it seems idiotic to return it, and b) I was really curious about how the author was going to pull it off. I personally don't like this plot device in my romance books. In any other genre, I would have loved it. But in contemporary/erotic romance, (at least that is what this book is categorized in), I'm not crazy about it. For one, most authors take too much liberty in fictionalizing something that is very serious. To me that just invites criticism. Second, some authors write their beliefs into how to deal with said conditions even though it goes against what is accepted scientific knowledge, *cough* Katy Evans *cough* and that just makes me uncomfortable.
That said, I think this book tried. It really did. But it spent too much time in setting up the BIG SECRET and hiding the BIG SECRET that all the other aspects that could have made this a compelling read became secondary to the BIG SECRET. So it's really no surprise that I didn't enjoy it as much.
Speaking of compelling characters, what dragged the rating down for me was Layana. Aside from that Brant was just meh. Lee, same thing. Their characters were just...I don't know -- lifeless and one-dimensional to me. Layana's actions in particular just turned me off. Even after she wised up, she did too many unforgivable things in my eyes, and looking at it in the context of the BIG SECRET, there was no way I could ever be Team Layana after that.
Another thing I wasn't particularly fond of was how the BIG SECRET was handled (more on that later). There were too many inconsistencies to me. Small details like the year Apple II was released or which computer IBM released in 1997 drove me up the wall. I know, I know. It's nitpicking to the highest degree but I already know the secret so my brain started picking on those details. In my defense, these things affected the whole timeline of events, so I felt totally justified. Don't judge, mmkay?
Please don't click if you haven't read the book yet! Please! I am putting this in because I need to vent a little bit. So don't hate me.
**This is a very long rant/review so be warned.
Sorry for the rant but I just need to get it off my chest. So there.
In other words, this book relied too much on one massive plot twist, which I already had issues with. It got better for me towards the end when the characters started using their brain. But by the time, these characters acted sane enough to call a professional, I was done. I just couldn't find any more fucks to give. So 1.5 stars.
I'm definitely, definitely in the small minority when it comes to this book. A lot of my GR buddies loved this. So I would say that don't let my review discourage you from reading this book. Honestly, the twist was great. If you want some great mind-fuck, definitely read this book.
To be fair, I figured out the "BIG SECRET" fairly early on and I asked a couple of friends for confirmation and they told me I was right. So I wasn't really surprised and the clues were plenty. But I still continued reading because a) I already bought the book and it seems idiotic to return it, and b) I was really curious about how the author was going to pull it off. I personally don't like this plot device in my romance books. In any other genre, I would have loved it. But in contemporary/erotic romance, (at least that is what this book is categorized in), I'm not crazy about it. For one, most authors take too much liberty in fictionalizing something that is very serious. To me that just invites criticism. Second, some authors write their beliefs into how to deal with said conditions even though it goes against what is accepted scientific knowledge, *cough* Katy Evans *cough* and that just makes me uncomfortable.
That said, I think this book tried. It really did. But it spent too much time in setting up the BIG SECRET and hiding the BIG SECRET that all the other aspects that could have made this a compelling read became secondary to the BIG SECRET. So it's really no surprise that I didn't enjoy it as much.
Speaking of compelling characters, what dragged the rating down for me was Layana. Aside from that Brant was just meh. Lee, same thing. Their characters were just...I don't know -- lifeless and one-dimensional to me. Layana's actions in particular just turned me off. Even after she wised up, she did too many unforgivable things in my eyes, and looking at it in the context of the BIG SECRET, there was no way I could ever be Team Layana after that.
Another thing I wasn't particularly fond of was how the BIG SECRET was handled (more on that later). There were too many inconsistencies to me. Small details like the year Apple II was released or which computer IBM released in 1997 drove me up the wall. I know, I know. It's nitpicking to the highest degree but I already know the secret so my brain started picking on those details. In my defense, these things affected the whole timeline of events, so I felt totally justified. Don't judge, mmkay?
Please don't click if you haven't read the book yet! Please! I am putting this in because I need to vent a little bit. So don't hate me.
**This is a very long rant/review so be warned.
Sorry for the rant but I just need to get it off my chest. So there.
In other words, this book relied too much on one massive plot twist, which I already had issues with. It got better for me towards the end when the characters started using their brain. But by the time, these characters acted sane enough to call a professional, I was done. I just couldn't find any more fucks to give. So 1.5 stars.
December 30, 2016
**SPOILER FREE review**
* Amazon US * Amazon UK *
6 Million Sexy Mind Fucking Stars
This story is a suspenseful slice of wonderful.
Alessandra Torre is the Queen of erotic story telling with an addictive, intriguing quality.
The balance of words is exquisite.
The first time, I devoured this story in 24 hours, the next; I slowly read and absorbed every nuance and inflection. It gave me a special, second, emotionally intense experience. Obsessed with this emotive story. I'll read this story again and again and I'll love these characters forever, all of them.
Be prepared to have your mind played with, tugged this way and that. I went through the crazy-feels, all sorts of emotions and possibilities swirling round my head, I absolutely loved the experience. It made me feel, it made me think, it made me question why? And it made me cry. Ultimately the powerful writing captivated me, caught me in its net of Black Lies and I could not put it down. I had to devour this story as quickly as my life would allow.
I won’t say too much about the story for fear of spoiling your experience. I can only provide snippets of the characters, and my feelings, emotions, and lovely thoughts; tell you about the truly genius writing that makes Black Lies so incredibly good.
Allow the story to completely unravel; feel your way through. Reserve your judgement and keep your mind open. This book is so worth the patience, understanding and crazy mind fuck of a ride it takes you on.
We glimpse into the kind of life the characters have lived, privileged, tricky and skewed in places….
“Brant Sharp. Genius. Billionaire. Philanthropist.” Sexy and intense. “Quietly confident. Unassuming. Gorgeous.” He's completely dreamy and utters the most beautiful words to Lana.
Heiress, Layana (Lana) Fairmont, is a girl who wants an ordinary life and, what she wants is just about within her reach..... I was completely won over by her honest words and thoughts. Honesty can be hard to take. She may have done things that made me gasp but by that point I was hers; she was my friend. A heroine with courage, love, sass, and complete sexual awareness.
Lee… “Cocky. Confident. Sexual.” I love him and his HOTNESS. He excited me. I loved every aspect of his personality.
How to choose between them?
I felt torn as a reader….. Found love for all 3 characters.
Readers you will NOT have heard anything like this story before. It’s a masterpiece of erotic writing that has the unique stamp of Alessandra Torre all over it.
Every reader needs to experience the secrets and lies, feel the angst. I went through a range of emotions and thoughts.
I felt the intense passion and sexual quality.
Black Lies is a beautiful love story with a mind fuck of originality and suspense twisting its way through. There are lies, secrets, despicable goings on, but at the heart of this story I truly experienced love, soul defining, deep, powerful love. And, of course, the sex is absolutely stunning in every way.
Dirty, delicious, wild sex.
It twisted my mind, played with my book soul and captured my heart. I felt an impending something but, what I didn’t know? Peel away the layers as you read…. Enjoy the subtle nuances and edge of your seat addictive quality, wrapped in a cocoon of sexy eroticism. It kept my heart thumping; it gave me butterflies, sexy excitement and nervous, angsty anticipation. It’s incredible. Perfect. Dramatic. Timing. I seriously couldn’t put it down.
Black Lies, in true Alessandra Torre style, tells the story from the point of view of various characters, which, for me, completely enhances the dramatic quality and tension. The writing is stylish and unique, and flows around your mind with ease. It emotes feelings and creates thoughts at the perfect moments. There were times I felt my heart squeeze at the underlying sadness, and times I felt incredulous despair at the heroine.
When I read, I don’t want to notice I’m reading, I want to feel completely immersed in a world that’s as real as the breath that I breathe. I want to not just see pictures but feel them; feel the passion, the angst, the craziness, I want to have questions and be able to seek answers, I want an EPIC read and that's what Alessandra Torre gives me as an author.
Trust in the storytelling. Trust you'll be taken on a wild reading adventure go with the flow of this book… I smiled, I cried, I went a little crazy. Needed someone to hold my hand. I adored.
Alessandra Torre sprinkled her QUEEN of storytelling magic all over this beauty. If I could wipe my mind and read it all over again I would!
A reading experience I won't forget.
To help the reader ‘feels’ of this story.
The heroine may do things you loath…. You will question her actions. She may become intolerable to you. Love or hate her, just keep reading, you’ll be so close to the spectacular climax of the story. The truth is out there. It’s hidden deep, and it’s beautiful.
A standalone for all readers of romance, erotica and mind blowing stories that make your heart beat fast.
Draft copy generously given by the author for my honest thoughts ♥
* Amazon US * Amazon UK *
6 Million Sexy Mind Fucking Stars
This story is a suspenseful slice of wonderful.
Alessandra Torre is the Queen of erotic story telling with an addictive, intriguing quality.
The balance of words is exquisite.
The first time, I devoured this story in 24 hours, the next; I slowly read and absorbed every nuance and inflection. It gave me a special, second, emotionally intense experience. Obsessed with this emotive story. I'll read this story again and again and I'll love these characters forever, all of them.
Be prepared to have your mind played with, tugged this way and that. I went through the crazy-feels, all sorts of emotions and possibilities swirling round my head, I absolutely loved the experience. It made me feel, it made me think, it made me question why? And it made me cry. Ultimately the powerful writing captivated me, caught me in its net of Black Lies and I could not put it down. I had to devour this story as quickly as my life would allow.
I won’t say too much about the story for fear of spoiling your experience. I can only provide snippets of the characters, and my feelings, emotions, and lovely thoughts; tell you about the truly genius writing that makes Black Lies so incredibly good.
Allow the story to completely unravel; feel your way through. Reserve your judgement and keep your mind open. This book is so worth the patience, understanding and crazy mind fuck of a ride it takes you on.
We glimpse into the kind of life the characters have lived, privileged, tricky and skewed in places….
“Brant Sharp. Genius. Billionaire. Philanthropist.” Sexy and intense. “Quietly confident. Unassuming. Gorgeous.” He's completely dreamy and utters the most beautiful words to Lana.
Heiress, Layana (Lana) Fairmont, is a girl who wants an ordinary life and, what she wants is just about within her reach..... I was completely won over by her honest words and thoughts. Honesty can be hard to take. She may have done things that made me gasp but by that point I was hers; she was my friend. A heroine with courage, love, sass, and complete sexual awareness.
Lee… “Cocky. Confident. Sexual.” I love him and his HOTNESS. He excited me. I loved every aspect of his personality.
How to choose between them?
I felt torn as a reader….. Found love for all 3 characters.
Readers you will NOT have heard anything like this story before. It’s a masterpiece of erotic writing that has the unique stamp of Alessandra Torre all over it.
Every reader needs to experience the secrets and lies, feel the angst. I went through a range of emotions and thoughts.
I felt the intense passion and sexual quality.
Black Lies is a beautiful love story with a mind fuck of originality and suspense twisting its way through. There are lies, secrets, despicable goings on, but at the heart of this story I truly experienced love, soul defining, deep, powerful love. And, of course, the sex is absolutely stunning in every way.
Dirty, delicious, wild sex.
It twisted my mind, played with my book soul and captured my heart. I felt an impending something but, what I didn’t know? Peel away the layers as you read…. Enjoy the subtle nuances and edge of your seat addictive quality, wrapped in a cocoon of sexy eroticism. It kept my heart thumping; it gave me butterflies, sexy excitement and nervous, angsty anticipation. It’s incredible. Perfect. Dramatic. Timing. I seriously couldn’t put it down.
Black Lies, in true Alessandra Torre style, tells the story from the point of view of various characters, which, for me, completely enhances the dramatic quality and tension. The writing is stylish and unique, and flows around your mind with ease. It emotes feelings and creates thoughts at the perfect moments. There were times I felt my heart squeeze at the underlying sadness, and times I felt incredulous despair at the heroine.
When I read, I don’t want to notice I’m reading, I want to feel completely immersed in a world that’s as real as the breath that I breathe. I want to not just see pictures but feel them; feel the passion, the angst, the craziness, I want to have questions and be able to seek answers, I want an EPIC read and that's what Alessandra Torre gives me as an author.
Trust in the storytelling. Trust you'll be taken on a wild reading adventure go with the flow of this book… I smiled, I cried, I went a little crazy. Needed someone to hold my hand. I adored.
Alessandra Torre sprinkled her QUEEN of storytelling magic all over this beauty. If I could wipe my mind and read it all over again I would!
A reading experience I won't forget.
To help the reader ‘feels’ of this story.
The heroine may do things you loath…. You will question her actions. She may become intolerable to you. Love or hate her, just keep reading, you’ll be so close to the spectacular climax of the story. The truth is out there. It’s hidden deep, and it’s beautiful.
A standalone for all readers of romance, erotica and mind blowing stories that make your heart beat fast.
Draft copy generously given by the author for my honest thoughts ♥
November 12, 2015
'Black Lies' was fantastic! I absolutely loved this book! It has everything a girl could want. Billionaire hunk. Check! Steamy sex. Check! Sexy lawn boy. Check! Creative and original storyline. Check, check! Wow!
Believe me, you don't want to pass this one up. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that things are not as they seem on the surface. There is powerful chemistry, a taboo love affair and one HUGE secret that will change everything. This book blew my mind! It is rare to read something that is unpredictable, but when the secret was finally revealed, I can honestly say that I didn't see that coming in a million years! Loved it!
Believe me, you don't want to pass this one up. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that things are not as they seem on the surface. There is powerful chemistry, a taboo love affair and one HUGE secret that will change everything. This book blew my mind! It is rare to read something that is unpredictable, but when the secret was finally revealed, I can honestly say that I didn't see that coming in a million years! Loved it!
September 1, 2014
5 Iwannafuckyourighthere Stars
I’m not going to tell you what this book is about. What I am going to tell you is simple. Go in blind, go in with an open mind. Hidden secrets lurk throughout this book, throughout her story and their journey – these are secrets that you must discover for yourself. Truths that need to be pulled from the lies by your own hands.
Alessandra Torre, this woman’s talent shined in this book. Having experienced all of her prior books, I can honestly say she outdid herself with Black Lies. This is not a simple tale of love and deceit. This is a story about loving so fiercely that you push beyond your own comfort. Sacrifice everything. Risking it all to save everything.
I went into self-preservation mode the moment I opened this book. From the first words, my heart rate spiked, knots pulled taut and the butterflies swirled. No matter what walls I built, Alessandra shattered them. Not piece by piece, but with a sledgehammer – one moment I was on the outside looking in and then suddenly I was submerged.
There is not a box that this story can fit into. It will stretch you, bend you to the point where you think you’ll break, it will turn you on and it will turn you inside out.
True love makes a person reckless, makes them take risks and make sacrifices. True love tests the boundaries of our person, makes us yearn to be better and fight for the ground we stand on. I will fight for this love. Love for it. Steal for it.
I will leave you with this advice. Read it. Hold your judgments, open your heart & your mind and let Alessandra lead you into this messy love story. I promise you, when you turn that final page you will not regret it.
Advanced kindly provided by the author.
I’m not going to tell you what this book is about. What I am going to tell you is simple. Go in blind, go in with an open mind. Hidden secrets lurk throughout this book, throughout her story and their journey – these are secrets that you must discover for yourself. Truths that need to be pulled from the lies by your own hands.
Alessandra Torre, this woman’s talent shined in this book. Having experienced all of her prior books, I can honestly say she outdid herself with Black Lies. This is not a simple tale of love and deceit. This is a story about loving so fiercely that you push beyond your own comfort. Sacrifice everything. Risking it all to save everything.
I went into self-preservation mode the moment I opened this book. From the first words, my heart rate spiked, knots pulled taut and the butterflies swirled. No matter what walls I built, Alessandra shattered them. Not piece by piece, but with a sledgehammer – one moment I was on the outside looking in and then suddenly I was submerged.
There is not a box that this story can fit into. It will stretch you, bend you to the point where you think you’ll break, it will turn you on and it will turn you inside out.
True love makes a person reckless, makes them take risks and make sacrifices. True love tests the boundaries of our person, makes us yearn to be better and fight for the ground we stand on. I will fight for this love. Love for it. Steal for it.
I will leave you with this advice. Read it. Hold your judgments, open your heart & your mind and let Alessandra lead you into this messy love story. I promise you, when you turn that final page you will not regret it.
Advanced kindly provided by the author.
August 25, 2014
Spoiler FREE review posted 8.25.14
4 Unlike Anything You've Read Before Stars
Do you hate love triangles?
Read. This. Book.
Do you dislike cheating?
Read. This. Book.
Do you want an unputdownable, erotic story filled with so many twists and turns your head will spin and keep you up all night till you're finished?
READ. THIS. BOOK.
Bravo, Ms. Torre, for writing a story unlike any I've ever read before. I can tell you that this is not a book I will be soon forgetting. All I can tell you is that you MUST go into this blind. Do not read any reviews, stay away from any and all spoilers. Just read it. If you've read the blurb, that's ALL you need to know. Trust me on this. Any minor details can be a huge spoiler. So my review will not give you any of the meat of the story. I'll simply graze the surface
Layana
Or Lana for short (which let me tell you, I gots a little thrill out of. Since I finally have a book where the heroine does my name justice.) But I digress...
In typical A. Torre fashion, she writes a heroine that's confident, has her faults but owns them, and owns her sexuality without a blush in sight.
You'll love her at times, hate her at others, feel for her, cry with her, and love with her. That's no small feat to accomplish, let me tell you.
Brant:
Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday. Has been in a relationship with me for 3 years.
Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.
Brandt is a character that is difficult not to fall in love with right away. His connection with Layana is instant, but the relationship builds throughout the books as it progresses through over 2 years.
Lee:
Cuts grass when he’s not banging housewives. Good with his hands, his mouth, and his cock. Has been pursued relentlessly by me for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not.
And that's all you get. Nothing more.
The sex
Hot. As. Fuck. If you've never read a book by this author, start with this one. You'll be hooked. I guarantee you.
The love scenes were erotic but at the same time filled with emotion. Whether that was lust, love, anger, fear, it was always there. And it made it that much better.
So why only 4 stars? Well, I figured out the big "secret" fairly early in. Around 35% to be precise. That made the reveal towards the end a bit anticlimactic for me. But fortunately, that wasn't all there was to it. There was so much more wrapped up and around this secret and revealed. The author drops some big hints while at the same time trickle feeding you the information chapter by chapter. One thing I can tell you, whether you figure out the secret early or not, you WILL be up reading until you get to the last page. This book was unputdownable for me. I read it in practically one sitting. And of course, leave it to A. Torre to go out with a bang with that last chapter. The perfect conclusion to one mind fuck of a book.
My recommendation? READ IT. It's just one of those books you need to experience.
If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me – you haven’t
And that's no lie.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
4 Unlike Anything You've Read Before Stars
I love her completely. She returns the love wildly. This love is worth the unsaid truths. The hidden lies.
Do you hate love triangles?
Read. This. Book.
Do you dislike cheating?
Read. This. Book.
Do you want an unputdownable, erotic story filled with so many twists and turns your head will spin and keep you up all night till you're finished?
READ. THIS. BOOK.
Bravo, Ms. Torre, for writing a story unlike any I've ever read before. I can tell you that this is not a book I will be soon forgetting. All I can tell you is that you MUST go into this blind. Do not read any reviews, stay away from any and all spoilers. Just read it. If you've read the blurb, that's ALL you need to know. Trust me on this. Any minor details can be a huge spoiler. So my review will not give you any of the meat of the story. I'll simply graze the surface
Layana
Or Lana for short (which let me tell you, I gots a little thrill out of. Since I finally have a book where the heroine does my name justice.) But I digress...
In typical A. Torre fashion, she writes a heroine that's confident, has her faults but owns them, and owns her sexuality without a blush in sight.
You'll love her at times, hate her at others, feel for her, cry with her, and love with her. That's no small feat to accomplish, let me tell you.
Brant:
Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday. Has been in a relationship with me for 3 years.
Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.
Brandt is a character that is difficult not to fall in love with right away. His connection with Layana is instant, but the relationship builds throughout the books as it progresses through over 2 years.
Lee:
Cuts grass when he’s not banging housewives. Good with his hands, his mouth, and his cock. Has been pursued relentlessly by me for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not.
And that's all you get. Nothing more.
The sex
Hot. As. Fuck. If you've never read a book by this author, start with this one. You'll be hooked. I guarantee you.
"I'm worried I'll fuck you so well I'll ruin you for life."
The love scenes were erotic but at the same time filled with emotion. Whether that was lust, love, anger, fear, it was always there. And it made it that much better.
So why only 4 stars? Well, I figured out the big "secret" fairly early in. Around 35% to be precise. That made the reveal towards the end a bit anticlimactic for me. But fortunately, that wasn't all there was to it. There was so much more wrapped up and around this secret and revealed. The author drops some big hints while at the same time trickle feeding you the information chapter by chapter. One thing I can tell you, whether you figure out the secret early or not, you WILL be up reading until you get to the last page. This book was unputdownable for me. I read it in practically one sitting. And of course, leave it to A. Torre to go out with a bang with that last chapter. The perfect conclusion to one mind fuck of a book.
My recommendation? READ IT. It's just one of those books you need to experience.
If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me – you haven’t
And that's no lie.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
October 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
I figured what the twist was before I started reading, so I think that changed the reading experience a bit more than if I had read this right when it came out and before I had read a few vague reviews. Even though they were spoiler free, they made it clear that this wasn't your typical romance....so I knew something was afoot before I started and my hypothesis was right.
Still, I enjoyed the story well enough. A super solid way to spend ahungover lazy Sunday afternoon.
I figured what the twist was before I started reading, so I think that changed the reading experience a bit more than if I had read this right when it came out and before I had read a few vague reviews. Even though they were spoiler free, they made it clear that this wasn't your typical romance....so I knew something was afoot before I started and my hypothesis was right.
Still, I enjoyed the story well enough. A super solid way to spend a
August 28, 2014
2.5 stars!
I originally rated this 3.5 stars and after letting the shock wear off for a day or two, chatted with a good friend and we both thought the author didn't do her research well in regards to the "twist." If you want a more comprehensive and in-depth look to the numerous plot holes we discussed, check out my friend's review HERE. This is why I'm changing my rating to 2.5 stars.
I’ve only read one other Alessandra Torre book but I can already tell she does not deliver stories that follow a straight line. I like this unpredictability factor, and her writing is amazing – once I started the book I didn’t stop until I was finished. I can totally see why this book would be a 5 star/6 star favorite for many; heck, I was pretty sure it’d be a 5 star winner for me as well. The lies, the intricately-woven mystery and the addictive writing all hinted at a flawless read for me. Unfortunately, there were several issues I had with it and as much I liked the concept of the book, the execution of the original premise fell flat. I have to stress here that I did like it. I just didn’t love it.
*************************
Multi-millionaire heiress Layana Fairmont was born with everything: she had wealth & connections and was expected to become a trophy wife. Instead, she decides to take fate with her own hands and uses her inheritance to start a new life, one that didn’t constantly revolve around the privileged and wealthy. She also works at the Homeless Youth of America (HYA) and has a deep, abiding love for these children.
At one of the charity fundraises for HYA, Lana meets genius inventor Brant Sharp. Cool, calm, and collected, Brant became a tech billionaire at 20 years old and CEO of his own company. Lana and Brant have this immediate and insanely intense connection and though they’ve only spent one night together, both want more.
As their relationship blossoms and both secretly aware that their attraction is giving way to love, Lana comes across the ‘secret’ and all hopes for a happy future with Brant are shattered. Instead of breaking it off with him, Lana dives head-first into the mess and holds onto Brant, but still puts up a wall between them. And then she meets Lee.
Down-to-earth, flirtatious, and rough around the edges, Lee is a landscaper and the complete opposite of Brant. While Brant’s stoic, Lee is candid. Lee is fire, Brant is ice. And Lana loves both of them. She won’t give up Lee no matter what, setting off a plan of deceit, revenge, and betrayal to show just how far she’s willing to go to keep both men.
*************************
First I have to say, this is NOT a love triangle!! Very hard to believe based on what I summarized before, but it’s true. Just go in with an open mind because this book is all about appearances. The stark truth lies beneath the façade.
Like I mentioned earlier, I thought the book premise was original. I didn’t figure out the big secret until 50 pages before it was revealed (I’m dumb, OK?) and when it was finally all out in the open, I was pretty much stunned speechless. But then, that secret also gave way to a ton of problems I had with the book.
1. Timelines. I hate them. I hate them even more in books. I usually struggle with stories that are not set in the present and a good chunk of this book was from the past.
2. I had no connection to the characters. Don’t get me wrong, I liked them but I never got used to the inner-monologues and the upper-class lifestyle – these are not very relatable characters. And because I didn’t find out the secret until the story was almost over, I spent most the book hating Lana’s guts and trying very hard not to smash my iPad against the wall.
3. The secret itself. Okay, look. I have a terrible track record with books that revolve solely around this huge ass secret and then the secret turns out to be one lame excuse. Thankfully, that didn’t happen here. I actually admire the author for thinking of something so different. However, there is no way this secret would’ve worked in real life. I am a very logical and factual reader. 95% of the time logic wins over passion for me (unless the author is really good and wins over my emotions). And in this case, no emotions were evoked. This next part is a huge spoiler so only open it if you’ve read the book…
4. The ending. It was wrapped up too quickly, perfectly and became anti-climatic.
Not going to lie, this book gave me a massive headache. A big jumble of psychosis is what it is but I have to admit, it is unputdownable psychosis. Once I started, I didn’t stop reading until I was finished. This is a book that I would recommend solely for the shock factor. That’s it.
ARC provided by Patchwork Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I originally rated this 3.5 stars and after letting the shock wear off for a day or two, chatted with a good friend and we both thought the author didn't do her research well in regards to the "twist." If you want a more comprehensive and in-depth look to the numerous plot holes we discussed, check out my friend's review HERE. This is why I'm changing my rating to 2.5 stars.
I’ve only read one other Alessandra Torre book but I can already tell she does not deliver stories that follow a straight line. I like this unpredictability factor, and her writing is amazing – once I started the book I didn’t stop until I was finished. I can totally see why this book would be a 5 star/6 star favorite for many; heck, I was pretty sure it’d be a 5 star winner for me as well. The lies, the intricately-woven mystery and the addictive writing all hinted at a flawless read for me. Unfortunately, there were several issues I had with it and as much I liked the concept of the book, the execution of the original premise fell flat. I have to stress here that I did like it. I just didn’t love it.
*************************
Multi-millionaire heiress Layana Fairmont was born with everything: she had wealth & connections and was expected to become a trophy wife. Instead, she decides to take fate with her own hands and uses her inheritance to start a new life, one that didn’t constantly revolve around the privileged and wealthy. She also works at the Homeless Youth of America (HYA) and has a deep, abiding love for these children.
At one of the charity fundraises for HYA, Lana meets genius inventor Brant Sharp. Cool, calm, and collected, Brant became a tech billionaire at 20 years old and CEO of his own company. Lana and Brant have this immediate and insanely intense connection and though they’ve only spent one night together, both want more.
As their relationship blossoms and both secretly aware that their attraction is giving way to love, Lana comes across the ‘secret’ and all hopes for a happy future with Brant are shattered. Instead of breaking it off with him, Lana dives head-first into the mess and holds onto Brant, but still puts up a wall between them. And then she meets Lee.
Down-to-earth, flirtatious, and rough around the edges, Lee is a landscaper and the complete opposite of Brant. While Brant’s stoic, Lee is candid. Lee is fire, Brant is ice. And Lana loves both of them. She won’t give up Lee no matter what, setting off a plan of deceit, revenge, and betrayal to show just how far she’s willing to go to keep both men.
*************************
First I have to say, this is NOT a love triangle!! Very hard to believe based on what I summarized before, but it’s true. Just go in with an open mind because this book is all about appearances. The stark truth lies beneath the façade.
Like I mentioned earlier, I thought the book premise was original. I didn’t figure out the big secret until 50 pages before it was revealed (I’m dumb, OK?) and when it was finally all out in the open, I was pretty much stunned speechless. But then, that secret also gave way to a ton of problems I had with the book.
1. Timelines. I hate them. I hate them even more in books. I usually struggle with stories that are not set in the present and a good chunk of this book was from the past.
2. I had no connection to the characters. Don’t get me wrong, I liked them but I never got used to the inner-monologues and the upper-class lifestyle – these are not very relatable characters. And because I didn’t find out the secret until the story was almost over, I spent most the book hating Lana’s guts and trying very hard not to smash my iPad against the wall.
3. The secret itself. Okay, look. I have a terrible track record with books that revolve solely around this huge ass secret and then the secret turns out to be one lame excuse. Thankfully, that didn’t happen here. I actually admire the author for thinking of something so different. However, there is no way this secret would’ve worked in real life. I am a very logical and factual reader. 95% of the time logic wins over passion for me (unless the author is really good and wins over my emotions). And in this case, no emotions were evoked. This next part is a huge spoiler so only open it if you’ve read the book…
4. The ending. It was wrapped up too quickly, perfectly and became anti-climatic.
Not going to lie, this book gave me a massive headache. A big jumble of psychosis is what it is but I have to admit, it is unputdownable psychosis. Once I started, I didn’t stop reading until I was finished. This is a book that I would recommend solely for the shock factor. That’s it.
ARC provided by Patchwork Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2015
LIVE!!!! http://www.amazon.com/Black-Lies-Ales...
I wish I could give it a MILLION Stars
I have thought about this book endlessly. I have thought about what I missed, how much I loved it, how heartbreaking it was, how many emotions I felt during such a short time.
Lastly, how do I put this epic book into words??
I will start at the beginning.
We meet Layana, she is smart, beautiful, and independent. Growing up she was taught how to be the perfect wife. Despite being intelligent and excelling in school her parents just want her to find a wealthy man from a good family to marry. Layana bides her time until she can leave her family and pursue her own life and passions.
Layana’s passion is helping the less fortunate. She works with a homeless shelter for kids. This is what brings her to meet Brant. Brant is a self-made billionaire tech genius. They meet and are both instantly attracted to each other. Brant is sexy, dedicated, smart, driven, and eccentric. Everything is going smoothly, they are the perfect couple. Brant even purposes to Layana, but she says no. Why?
When Layana meets Lee, everything changes. Lee is a landscaper, barely getting by. He is also sexy as sin and rough around the edges. Something about Lee has Layana head over heels for him. While dating Brant, she pursues Lee for two years…she will stop at nothing to make him hers.
This story will break your heart, it will have you questioning everything, it will have you screaming at your kindle, and texting your friends who have read it too demanding spoilers.
Whatever you do, don’t let anyone spoil this story for you, because no one can put this story into words for you and do it justice. This story is EPIC, I just finished it last week and I already can’t wait to read it again.
It is no secret that I love Ms. Torre and I might be a little obsessed, and this story is just another reason why. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It has everything: love, heartbreak, mystery, depth, and sexiness…yes and in Torre fashion it is hot as fuck!
I could go on and on about how awesome this story is and why you should read it, but I won’t because you need to be one clicking this and starting it ASAP!!
ARC kindly provided by the fabulous Ms. Torre in exchange for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
I wish I could give it a MILLION Stars
I have thought about this book endlessly. I have thought about what I missed, how much I loved it, how heartbreaking it was, how many emotions I felt during such a short time.
Lastly, how do I put this epic book into words??
I will start at the beginning.
We meet Layana, she is smart, beautiful, and independent. Growing up she was taught how to be the perfect wife. Despite being intelligent and excelling in school her parents just want her to find a wealthy man from a good family to marry. Layana bides her time until she can leave her family and pursue her own life and passions.
Layana’s passion is helping the less fortunate. She works with a homeless shelter for kids. This is what brings her to meet Brant. Brant is a self-made billionaire tech genius. They meet and are both instantly attracted to each other. Brant is sexy, dedicated, smart, driven, and eccentric. Everything is going smoothly, they are the perfect couple. Brant even purposes to Layana, but she says no. Why?
When Layana meets Lee, everything changes. Lee is a landscaper, barely getting by. He is also sexy as sin and rough around the edges. Something about Lee has Layana head over heels for him. While dating Brant, she pursues Lee for two years…she will stop at nothing to make him hers.
This story will break your heart, it will have you questioning everything, it will have you screaming at your kindle, and texting your friends who have read it too demanding spoilers.
Whatever you do, don’t let anyone spoil this story for you, because no one can put this story into words for you and do it justice. This story is EPIC, I just finished it last week and I already can’t wait to read it again.
It is no secret that I love Ms. Torre and I might be a little obsessed, and this story is just another reason why. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It has everything: love, heartbreak, mystery, depth, and sexiness…yes and in Torre fashion it is hot as fuck!
I could go on and on about how awesome this story is and why you should read it, but I won’t because you need to be one clicking this and starting it ASAP!!
ARC kindly provided by the fabulous Ms. Torre in exchange for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Want to read
October 26, 2021“When you really love someone, you cannot walk away. No matter what they do. No matter the lies from their mouth, or the actions from their bodies, you tie yourself tightly to their sail and vow to be there through thick and thin. Let the wind blow you where it may. Even if that place is a crash. Even if that place tears you apart and kills anything good.”
AMAZON: http://smarturl.it/BlackLies
EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
“Brace yourselves for one of the most astonishing tales you will ever read, and then want to re-read immediately after to make sure you did not miss a single thing. Faultlessly written, impeccably mapped out, this story shows us how far a person is prepared to go for true love. I was enthralled, I was stunned, and I was left speechless by the end of it.” ~ Natasha is a Book Junkie
"WOW WOW WOW!!! Honestly, one of the most BRILLIANT books I've ever read!! I can't recommend this book highly enough!! It's one of my new top favorites!!”~ Aestas Book Blog
"There are books you like, there are books you love and then there are books that just blow your mind away and stay with you forever; Black Lies is the latter." ~ Rosie's Book Heaven
"Bold, seductive, suspenseful and brilliantly layered.
It was riveting. It was shocking. It was perfect. One of the best books I've read this year!" ~ Vilma's Book Blog
AMAZON: http://smarturl.it/BlackLies
EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
“Brace yourselves for one of the most astonishing tales you will ever read, and then want to re-read immediately after to make sure you did not miss a single thing. Faultlessly written, impeccably mapped out, this story shows us how far a person is prepared to go for true love. I was enthralled, I was stunned, and I was left speechless by the end of it.” ~ Natasha is a Book Junkie
"WOW WOW WOW!!! Honestly, one of the most BRILLIANT books I've ever read!! I can't recommend this book highly enough!! It's one of my new top favorites!!”~ Aestas Book Blog
"There are books you like, there are books you love and then there are books that just blow your mind away and stay with you forever; Black Lies is the latter." ~ Rosie's Book Heaven
"Bold, seductive, suspenseful and brilliantly layered.
It was riveting. It was shocking. It was perfect. One of the best books I've read this year!" ~ Vilma's Book Blog
September 1, 2014
*2.5 stars*
**Spoiler-free review**
I can tell you already that 90% of readers are going to love this book. Like loooooove it and put it on their all-time favorites list.
Do you want to know a quick trick to see if you are going to be one of them?
Here are the questions to ask yourself: Do you like soap operas? Do you adore harlequin romances? Do you consider an "awesome twist" to be finding out that the man you've been seeing is your long lost 1/2 brother or that the baby you gave up for adoption is your arch nemesis?
If the answer to those questions is "yes," then you will love this book.
It is no secret that this book has a large twist. Any review will say that. I certainly won't be giving anything away on that front. However, if you haven't caught on to the secret by the time the twist is revealed at 70%, then you somehow missed the ENORMOUS number of clues that the author dropped throughout the story. I'm not the most observant person in the world, but even I knew what the entire story was about by 15% in, and so it was almost painful to read the next 50%, knowing we are supposed to be in the dark.
What bothered me the most about this story was the shear improbably of it. I mean, if you really think about the logistics of the story, it makes no sense. You'll know what I'm talking about when you get that far. It is just bananas that anyone would think this was realistic.
I also RAGED at the fact that Lana had unprotected sex with Brant and Lee. Moronic much, Lana?
While I wanted to give the premise of the book 1 or 2 stars, I almost ended up rounding up to three stars because of the little creepings of emotion that I felt for these characters. I have to admit, Lee wormed his way into my heart a bit, despite my knowing how manipulative and silly this book was. The writing was also competent, though I didn't get all hot and bothered over the sex scenes.
Moral of the story is that you could do a lot worse in the world of M/F contemporary romance, but that didn't make me like this story any more. I couldn't get over how dramatic, improbable, and soap-opera-ish this book was. However, if you like far-fetched, interesting stories, this one just might work for you.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
**Spoiler-free review**
I can tell you already that 90% of readers are going to love this book. Like loooooove it and put it on their all-time favorites list.
Do you want to know a quick trick to see if you are going to be one of them?
Here are the questions to ask yourself: Do you like soap operas? Do you adore harlequin romances? Do you consider an "awesome twist" to be finding out that the man you've been seeing is your long lost 1/2 brother or that the baby you gave up for adoption is your arch nemesis?
If the answer to those questions is "yes," then you will love this book.
It is no secret that this book has a large twist. Any review will say that. I certainly won't be giving anything away on that front. However, if you haven't caught on to the secret by the time the twist is revealed at 70%, then you somehow missed the ENORMOUS number of clues that the author dropped throughout the story. I'm not the most observant person in the world, but even I knew what the entire story was about by 15% in, and so it was almost painful to read the next 50%, knowing we are supposed to be in the dark.
What bothered me the most about this story was the shear improbably of it. I mean, if you really think about the logistics of the story, it makes no sense. You'll know what I'm talking about when you get that far. It is just bananas that anyone would think this was realistic.
I also RAGED at the fact that Lana had unprotected sex with Brant and Lee. Moronic much, Lana?
While I wanted to give the premise of the book 1 or 2 stars, I almost ended up rounding up to three stars because of the little creepings of emotion that I felt for these characters. I have to admit, Lee wormed his way into my heart a bit, despite my knowing how manipulative and silly this book was. The writing was also competent, though I didn't get all hot and bothered over the sex scenes.
Moral of the story is that you could do a lot worse in the world of M/F contemporary romance, but that didn't make me like this story any more. I couldn't get over how dramatic, improbable, and soap-opera-ish this book was. However, if you like far-fetched, interesting stories, this one just might work for you.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
September 21, 2014
'Black Lies' mini-trailer
This review will be even worst than my usual non-review review because I can't even review this book properly without giving away things that make it so great so I am going to say this:
I only really need two things in a book in order for me to enjoy it:
1. I want the story to be original. I did enjoy a tween billionaire deflower a virgin once (twice, actually) but that was then and this is now. Give me something new, OK?
2. I want that original story I mentioned above make me feel. Something. Happy. Sad. Horny. Angry. Anything.
Simple, right? Right.
When I pick up a book, any book, by Alessadra Torre, I KNOW 100% without a doubt that I am going to get both.
I always describe Alessandra's writing to my friends like this: when I read her books, I feel as if I'm having a grown up slumber party with one of my best friends where she tells me about her naughty, exciting life and leaves nothing out. I feel so at ease reading her stories that half the time I don't realize it's after 4am and I should have gone to bed HOURS ago yet I am so lost in a book that I am still awake and I don't care if I am comatose the next morning because some books are worth losing sleep over.
Long story short - I really enjoy Alessandra's writing.
This book is no different. Great story that sucked me in right from the prologue, plot twists, hot sex (very few write sex as well as Alessandra does, IMO) and then 'THE SECRET'!!! If you are in the mood for something that's clever, original, well written, sexy as hell, has hot men and even hotter rides (come on ... I don't know of anyone other than myself who's even heard of Land Rover Defender! I love a girl who appreciates all that horse power. *virtual high five, AT*), this is a book for you. I can definitely see myself rereading this one in not so distant future so I can finally pick up on all those clues I missed as I devoured this story first time around.
See, I told you this review review will stink, didn't I?
Cheers!
P.S. I am not ashamed to admit it - I didn't guess the 'BIG SECRET' until she spelled it out for me in black and white towards the end.
P.P.S. I know the epilogue left this wide open for a sequel but I don't know if I want one.
P.P.P.S. Yes, I think I do want that sequel after all.
December 31, 2020
5 Stars and More Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
How many times have you wished the person you love could be more like someone else you knew in your past… you love the man you are with now… you understand him… you are drawn to him… things are good… even better than good… and yet… there is something else… which would make it perfect…
This wondering about what we would do for love… what extremes we would go to is nothing new… yet in the hands of Alessandra Torre… we are taken on a journey which never travels a straight line. The crafting of the tale … the lure of understanding what is happening… these things draw you into her web and you are held precariously… for every time you think you know what is happening… you are flipped until she decides it is time to take everything in….
All of our characters are multidimensional… no one and nothing is as it appears… why our people do what they do cannot be discussed… only experienced.
If we are lucky in life, we experience full-blown…dedicated love for another… we give ourselves over to this… we sometimes do questionable things… and it can be a risk… This type of love demands trust… sometimes sacrifice and balls of steel.
Black Lies touches on all of this and more…. and the more is all Alessandra Torre.
Advanced kindly provided by the author
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
How many times have you wished the person you love could be more like someone else you knew in your past… you love the man you are with now… you understand him… you are drawn to him… things are good… even better than good… and yet… there is something else… which would make it perfect…
This wondering about what we would do for love… what extremes we would go to is nothing new… yet in the hands of Alessandra Torre… we are taken on a journey which never travels a straight line. The crafting of the tale … the lure of understanding what is happening… these things draw you into her web and you are held precariously… for every time you think you know what is happening… you are flipped until she decides it is time to take everything in….
All of our characters are multidimensional… no one and nothing is as it appears… why our people do what they do cannot be discussed… only experienced.
If we are lucky in life, we experience full-blown…dedicated love for another… we give ourselves over to this… we sometimes do questionable things… and it can be a risk… This type of love demands trust… sometimes sacrifice and balls of steel.
Black Lies touches on all of this and more…. and the more is all Alessandra Torre.
Advanced kindly provided by the author
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 24, 2016
4.5 'Black Lies and a Secret' Stars!
BR with my Shhluts :D - Read as part of the ShhLYT(F)BR week on Dark Books.
Honestly, I don't even know where to start with this review. Two days after finishing this and I am still blown away by the amazing talent Alessandra Torre has. I have read Black Lies as part of this week's TopPick on the Shh... group on Dark Books (you can still join us!) and I knew I was getting myself into something different, something I haven't read before. And boy was I right! It was that and so much more.. Thank you Shhluts for recommending this to me!
Torre starts the first part of the novel with: “This is a love story, but not one that is easy to read.” It definitely is that, for sure! Black Lies is a love story between three characters: Layana 'Lana' Fairmont a.k.a Lucky (a young heiress who has just recieved her trust fund and wants to enjoy it), Brant Sharp (the hot CEO of a tech multi-million company and benefactor of the charity Lana works in) and Lee (a sexy landscaper that Lana cannot stop herself from wanting).
Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what my love entails.
I love two men. I fuck two men.
If you think you’ve heard this story before, you haven’t.
I believe I will say what everyone says about this book but let me just tell you something: I hate love triangles and I hate cheating and I still LOVED this book. This is not a typical love story. If you are curious and you want to read Black Lies GO BLIND. Do not look for spoilers, it will totally ruin the experience for you. Keep an open mind and do not judge what happens until you finish it! Trust me and all the other reviewers that have said this, you will not regret it.
When you really love someone, you cannot walk away. No matter what they do. No matter the lies from their mouth, or the actions from their bodies, you tie yourself tightly to their sail and vow to be there through thick and thin. Let the wind blow you where it may. Even if that place is a crash. Even if that place tears you apart and kills anything good.
Alessandra, I am at your feet. This book messed up with my head, BIG TIME. And I loved it. This is pure Torre's writing style, raw and beautiful on its own. The words flow and you cannot stop but continue reading the story (even though it makes you hate the characters sometimes). AT has created three outstanding characters: they are super-complex, with amazing deepth and she will make you fall in love with all of them. She will make you fall in love with this wonderful love story.
I love her completely. She returns the love wildly. This love is worth the unsaid truths. The hidden lies.
“I don’t love you despite this. I love you, including this. Every part of you, even parts you don’t know.”
And this novel will make you feel hot, like OFF-THE-CHARTS HOT. The sex scenes are out of this world, they are exquisitely written and extremily fresh and intense. The chemistry between the characters is superb and it will make you feel every freaking thing. It's a mindfuck, it's a roller coaster of emotions. Especially after the big twist, when you discover 'the secret'. You want to know this secret? READ THE BOOK. Seriously. I will not tell you ;)
He gripped my hair when he thrust into me. Moaned my name when he turned me over and took me from behind. He made me come with his cock, then his fingers, then his mouth, before pounding a rhythm into me that I would never forget.
‘It was worth it as soon as I saw you’.
Therefore, my rating for Black Lies is 4.5 STARS because I know this book will stay forever with me, it just made me feel every emotion possible and I loved it. Sometimes it was even too much for me to handle so that is why I haven't rate it with 5 stars (maybe some of you know that I am not always ready to dig into dark romance books), I still have book hangover lol However, I have to say: if you haven't read this book, if you are afraid to check it out (like I was), even if you hate love triangles and cheating, please, GIVE THIS BOOK A CHANCE because I am pretty sure that if you finish it you will not regret the experience. I totally recommend!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
BR with my Shhluts :D - Read as part of the ShhLYT(F)BR week on Dark Books.
Honestly, I don't even know where to start with this review. Two days after finishing this and I am still blown away by the amazing talent Alessandra Torre has. I have read Black Lies as part of this week's TopPick on the Shh... group on Dark Books (you can still join us!) and I knew I was getting myself into something different, something I haven't read before. And boy was I right! It was that and so much more.. Thank you Shhluts for recommending this to me!
Torre starts the first part of the novel with: “This is a love story, but not one that is easy to read.” It definitely is that, for sure! Black Lies is a love story between three characters: Layana 'Lana' Fairmont a.k.a Lucky (a young heiress who has just recieved her trust fund and wants to enjoy it), Brant Sharp (the hot CEO of a tech multi-million company and benefactor of the charity Lana works in) and Lee (a sexy landscaper that Lana cannot stop herself from wanting).
Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what my love entails.
I love two men. I fuck two men.
If you think you’ve heard this story before, you haven’t.
I believe I will say what everyone says about this book but let me just tell you something: I hate love triangles and I hate cheating and I still LOVED this book. This is not a typical love story. If you are curious and you want to read Black Lies GO BLIND. Do not look for spoilers, it will totally ruin the experience for you. Keep an open mind and do not judge what happens until you finish it! Trust me and all the other reviewers that have said this, you will not regret it.
When you really love someone, you cannot walk away. No matter what they do. No matter the lies from their mouth, or the actions from their bodies, you tie yourself tightly to their sail and vow to be there through thick and thin. Let the wind blow you where it may. Even if that place is a crash. Even if that place tears you apart and kills anything good.
Alessandra, I am at your feet. This book messed up with my head, BIG TIME. And I loved it. This is pure Torre's writing style, raw and beautiful on its own. The words flow and you cannot stop but continue reading the story (even though it makes you hate the characters sometimes). AT has created three outstanding characters: they are super-complex, with amazing deepth and she will make you fall in love with all of them. She will make you fall in love with this wonderful love story.
I love her completely. She returns the love wildly. This love is worth the unsaid truths. The hidden lies.
“I don’t love you despite this. I love you, including this. Every part of you, even parts you don’t know.”
And this novel will make you feel hot, like OFF-THE-CHARTS HOT. The sex scenes are out of this world, they are exquisitely written and extremily fresh and intense. The chemistry between the characters is superb and it will make you feel every freaking thing. It's a mindfuck, it's a roller coaster of emotions. Especially after the big twist, when you discover 'the secret'. You want to know this secret? READ THE BOOK. Seriously. I will not tell you ;)
He gripped my hair when he thrust into me. Moaned my name when he turned me over and took me from behind. He made me come with his cock, then his fingers, then his mouth, before pounding a rhythm into me that I would never forget.
‘It was worth it as soon as I saw you’.
Therefore, my rating for Black Lies is 4.5 STARS because I know this book will stay forever with me, it just made me feel every emotion possible and I loved it. Sometimes it was even too much for me to handle so that is why I haven't rate it with 5 stars (maybe some of you know that I am not always ready to dig into dark romance books), I still have book hangover lol However, I have to say: if you haven't read this book, if you are afraid to check it out (like I was), even if you hate love triangles and cheating, please, GIVE THIS BOOK A CHANCE because I am pretty sure that if you finish it you will not regret the experience. I totally recommend!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
July 23, 2014
MINDFUCK
September 2, 2014
....Unpopular opinion coming....
So. This book. I liked it. I didn't love it. I can see how so many would 5 star, but unfortunately I had the twist figured out early on. So everything just felt predictable. I didn't feel connected to the characters and I didn't really understand Layana's motivation (MAJOR SPOILER )
That said, it was a quick, fast-paced, steamy read. It was well written and different.
May 5, 2021
4.5 stars
saw it coming but what thE-EVER-LOVING-FCK?!😭😭😭
saw it coming but what thE-EVER-LOVING-FCK?!😭😭😭
May 7, 2016
Update: Exclusive BLACK LIES BONUS EPILOGUE
http://natashaisabookjunkie.com/2014/...
-------------------
"Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what my love entails. I love two men. I fuck two men. If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me – you haven’t.”
Yes, this is exactly so true... :)
-----------------
“True love makes a person reckless, makes them take risks and make sacrifices. True love tests the boundaries of our person, makes us yearn to be better and fight for the ground we stand on. I will fight for this love. Lie for it. Steal for it. It’s worthy of that.”
“When you really love someone, you cannot walk away. No matter what they do. No matter the lies from their mouth, or the actions from their bodies, you tie yourself tightly to their sail and vow to be there through thick and thin. Let the wind blow you where it may. Even if that place is a crash. Even if that place tears you apart and kills anything good.”
http://natashaisabookjunkie.com/2014/...
-------------------
"Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what my love entails. I love two men. I fuck two men. If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me – you haven’t.”
Yes, this is exactly so true... :)
-----------------
“True love makes a person reckless, makes them take risks and make sacrifices. True love tests the boundaries of our person, makes us yearn to be better and fight for the ground we stand on. I will fight for this love. Lie for it. Steal for it. It’s worthy of that.”
“When you really love someone, you cannot walk away. No matter what they do. No matter the lies from their mouth, or the actions from their bodies, you tie yourself tightly to their sail and vow to be there through thick and thin. Let the wind blow you where it may. Even if that place is a crash. Even if that place tears you apart and kills anything good.”
November 15, 2018
What....... the fuck
December 16, 2023
A refreshingly, brilliant book!
When I saw the cover and the genre (erotica) I automatically thought- a sex driven book. I was totally wrong!
My inner emotional junkie loved the mystery in this book. I loved coming up with all kinds of theories and having my friends neither deny or confirm my thoughts. Instead they just encouraged me to keep reading. I had the best time guessing and never knowing if I was right or wrong. Being an avid reader it's hard for me to truly be surprised in a book because normally I can guess right away.
READING ADVICE:
✣GO INTO THIS BOOK KNOWING NOTHING!
In life there aren't very many simple pleasures and when you can experience one it's best not to rob yourself of those moments. Allowing the suspense and mystery guide you through this book was a fun experience. Having those aha moments after the secret was revealed was so much fun.
✣ But even if you realize early on the “secret” and/or if you know before going into the book what the secret is, I still think you can have an enjoyable experience.
✣Either way my lips are sealed.✣
Here's how I felt about the whole book.
PAY IT FORWARD: BBU had a FB book contest and I won. I'm going to pay it forward and giveaway a copy too. To enter, follow this link -> http://on.fb.me/1ngV57e
Standalone
**Won this book from a Facebook contest hosted by Book Babes Unite. Thank you, Babes, for the book. **
When I saw the cover and the genre (erotica) I automatically thought- a sex driven book. I was totally wrong!
My inner emotional junkie loved the mystery in this book. I loved coming up with all kinds of theories and having my friends neither deny or confirm my thoughts. Instead they just encouraged me to keep reading. I had the best time guessing and never knowing if I was right or wrong. Being an avid reader it's hard for me to truly be surprised in a book because normally I can guess right away.
READING ADVICE:
✣GO INTO THIS BOOK KNOWING NOTHING!
In life there aren't very many simple pleasures and when you can experience one it's best not to rob yourself of those moments. Allowing the suspense and mystery guide you through this book was a fun experience. Having those aha moments after the secret was revealed was so much fun.
✣ But even if you realize early on the “secret” and/or if you know before going into the book what the secret is, I still think you can have an enjoyable experience.
✣Either way my lips are sealed.✣
”This is a love story, but not one that is easy to read.”For the last couple years I've picked some books that I wanted to re-read and read them to my husband when we go to bed. I've decided this is going to be one of those books that I read to him while we are snuggled up in bed.
Here's how I felt about the whole book.
PAY IT FORWARD: BBU had a FB book contest and I won. I'm going to pay it forward and giveaway a copy too. To enter, follow this link -> http://on.fb.me/1ngV57e
Standalone
**Won this book from a Facebook contest hosted by Book Babes Unite. Thank you, Babes, for the book. **
August 13, 2014
ARC provided by author in exchange of an honest review
☆☆☆☆☆ 6 Black Lies Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
~Full Review to Come....needs a day or two to find the word to describe how fucking amazing this book is. Total Bookhangover!! #Mindblowing #FuckingAmazing
☆☆☆☆☆ 6 Black Lies Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
~Full Review to Come....needs a day or two to find the word to describe how fucking amazing this book is. Total Bookhangover!! #Mindblowing #FuckingAmazing
January 30, 2015
4,5 Mind blown Stars.
I will not tell you much about this story, not only because the blurb says pretty much all, but also because everything I can say can spoil the story.
Lana is in love with Grant, the sexy tech billionaire who wants to marry her. But she is also in a relationship with Lee, the sexy garden.
Don’t make assumptions, don’t judge. This is one story so complex and so full of lies that only a strong an indestructible love can save them. But which “them” will it save?
This book makes you leave so far out of your comfort zone, that you will even forget what comfort means anymore. This isn’t just a book, it’s a reading experience. It’s angsty, raw, emotional and will leave you asking “what the heck is going on here” for most of the time.
I don’t know if it was pretty predictable but I figured out what was going on around 30%, so when the plot was uncovered it only confirmed my suspicions, but however, it was an amazing experience, very well written that sucked me in in the begging. This is, without a doubt, one of those unforgettable readings that will be burned in my memory indefinitely.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Lana was one of the most complexes heroines ever written. You will hate her, you will despise her actions, but you will also love her and admire her strength and perseverance. In the end, I loved her. Lee and Brant are completely opposites, one is cold ice, and the other is fire hot. One is a sweet billionaire, the other is a sexy gardener. However, you will fall for both of them and even when it’s clear which one she will end with, you will certainly miss the other.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
HEA:
I will not tell you much about this story, not only because the blurb says pretty much all, but also because everything I can say can spoil the story.
Lana is in love with Grant, the sexy tech billionaire who wants to marry her. But she is also in a relationship with Lee, the sexy garden.
Don’t make assumptions, don’t judge. This is one story so complex and so full of lies that only a strong an indestructible love can save them. But which “them” will it save?
This book makes you leave so far out of your comfort zone, that you will even forget what comfort means anymore. This isn’t just a book, it’s a reading experience. It’s angsty, raw, emotional and will leave you asking “what the heck is going on here” for most of the time.
I don’t know if it was pretty predictable but I figured out what was going on around 30%, so when the plot was uncovered it only confirmed my suspicions, but however, it was an amazing experience, very well written that sucked me in in the begging. This is, without a doubt, one of those unforgettable readings that will be burned in my memory indefinitely.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Lana was one of the most complexes heroines ever written. You will hate her, you will despise her actions, but you will also love her and admire her strength and perseverance. In the end, I loved her. Lee and Brant are completely opposites, one is cold ice, and the other is fire hot. One is a sweet billionaire, the other is a sexy gardener. However, you will fall for both of them and even when it’s clear which one she will end with, you will certainly miss the other.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
HEA:
August 25, 2014
4--Crazy--Stars!!!
It's impossible to review this book and not give anything away. This was classic Alessandra Torre. Seriously, how this woman comes up with this stuff.
For me this book was just plain weird. Intriguing weird though. I figured things out pretty quick, and how it all played out was half the fun.
Literally, the whole book I was going
The whole story was just plain crazy. Like is this even possible crazy? And does it even matter because I was seriously glued to the book and read it in one sitting.
I'm not even sure it was a romance. Sure, there was some in there but I think the biggest thing was all of the WTF moments and how Alessandra Torre was able to pull a story like this off.
Honestly, this type of book is not something I gravitate towards. But I can appreciate the awesomeness of Alessandra Torre's storytelling for what it is. But it does make me question what's going on in that head of hers....
So, I think everyone should read this one simply for the wow factor that comes in creating such a unique, intriguing, addicting story.
It's impossible to review this book and not give anything away. This was classic Alessandra Torre. Seriously, how this woman comes up with this stuff.
For me this book was just plain weird. Intriguing weird though. I figured things out pretty quick, and how it all played out was half the fun.
Literally, the whole book I was going
The whole story was just plain crazy. Like is this even possible crazy? And does it even matter because I was seriously glued to the book and read it in one sitting.
I'm not even sure it was a romance. Sure, there was some in there but I think the biggest thing was all of the WTF moments and how Alessandra Torre was able to pull a story like this off.
Honestly, this type of book is not something I gravitate towards. But I can appreciate the awesomeness of Alessandra Torre's storytelling for what it is. But it does make me question what's going on in that head of hers....
So, I think everyone should read this one simply for the wow factor that comes in creating such a unique, intriguing, addicting story.
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