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Men of Summer #2
Wicked Lies
Jazz has never been known as a good boy.
A good drinker. A good partier. A damned good builder, and a hell of a good liar. Those are all descriptions that come to mind when the citizens of Loudon, Tennessee, think of the tall, muscular, laughter-filled charmer they know as Jazz. And Jazz will admit to all of them: he likes to play; he likes to tease. And a little white lie surely never hurt anyone.
Until the sexy, too-shy kindergarten teacher, Annie. Annie sets fire to his lusts as well as to his heart. But Annie has a past he wasn’t aware of. A past that will draw Jazz into the heart of a conflict he had never expected to face.
Now, Jazz has to pull in some serious favors, just as he finds himself fighting a woman determined to save the charming liar who has never been serious. A man who has sworn to pass on love. A man who is now is telling the most wicked lies of his life to steal the heart of the woman who has stolen his soul.
A good drinker. A good partier. A damned good builder, and a hell of a good liar. Those are all descriptions that come to mind when the citizens of Loudon, Tennessee, think of the tall, muscular, laughter-filled charmer they know as Jazz. And Jazz will admit to all of them: he likes to play; he likes to tease. And a little white lie surely never hurt anyone.
Until the sexy, too-shy kindergarten teacher, Annie. Annie sets fire to his lusts as well as to his heart. But Annie has a past he wasn’t aware of. A past that will draw Jazz into the heart of a conflict he had never expected to face.
Now, Jazz has to pull in some serious favors, just as he finds himself fighting a woman determined to save the charming liar who has never been serious. A man who has sworn to pass on love. A man who is now is telling the most wicked lies of his life to steal the heart of the woman who has stolen his soul.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
118 people are currently reading
2491 people want to read
About the author
Lora Leigh
189 books10.1k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
August 12, 2015
3 Stars
Here's the thing, you're pretty much know exactly what you're going to get with a Lora Leigh novel. No deviation. Lather, rinse and repeat, all her books follow practically the same formula. But there's just something about her alphas; those crazy possessive and jealous, dirty talking and revenues heroes that just do it for me and keeps me coming back for more. Even if the story falls flat, I still enjoy the read for that reason alone. She's my go-to when I need a good dose of uber alphas. Plus considering she was the very first erotic romance I had ever read, I suppose I have a a little nostalgia with her romances. Yes the formula is always the same; uber alpha and a sassy heroine that fights her obvious attraction to him at every corner, but in the case here...it worked for me.
Wicked Lies is book two in her Men of Summer series but it can easily be read as a standalone. I read book one years ago and remember a sum all of nothing and had no problem following the story here. Though I had a little trouble getting into the book in the first 25%, it did flow very well after that.
Jazz has never had trouble getting any woman he wanted, but a ghost from his past that he never recovered from prevents him from giving any part of his heart along the way. So why does the town's new kindergarten teacher tempt him beyond reason?
Annie is back in the town she grew up in for answers. Hiding her identity from everyone, she's determined to find those answers once and for all, even if she knows how dangerous it is for her to be back. The one man that she knows she should stay away from is also the man that's determined to get her in his bed.
As far as the romance in Wicked Lies; that was absolutely sizzling hot. I loved the back and forth between the H/h and the chemistry between them was absolutely smoking. Jazz was every bit the uber alpha that I've come to expect from Leigh and Annie was definitely not the shy little mouse that she's described as in the synopsis. Unfortunately I found the suspense part of the story to be fairly week. The biggest aspect of that being Annie's past. I'll put this in a spoiler even though this is information that gets revealed in the first chapter, but in case you want to go in blind...
As for the rest, it was an enjoyable and super sexy read. I got what I expected; no more, no less, and I'm not even a little sorry. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series although I saw that it's not the character I had hoped it'll be, so hopefully she'll be getting a book soon as well. If you're looking for a incredibly erotic romantic suspense with an uber possessive alpha and a heroine that brings him to his knees, well you can't really go wrong with this one.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
God help him, he'd never wanted anyone...anything...like he wanted this woman.
Here's the thing, you're pretty much know exactly what you're going to get with a Lora Leigh novel. No deviation. Lather, rinse and repeat, all her books follow practically the same formula. But there's just something about her alphas; those crazy possessive and jealous, dirty talking and revenues heroes that just do it for me and keeps me coming back for more. Even if the story falls flat, I still enjoy the read for that reason alone. She's my go-to when I need a good dose of uber alphas. Plus considering she was the very first erotic romance I had ever read, I suppose I have a a little nostalgia with her romances. Yes the formula is always the same; uber alpha and a sassy heroine that fights her obvious attraction to him at every corner, but in the case here...it worked for me.
Wicked Lies is book two in her Men of Summer series but it can easily be read as a standalone. I read book one years ago and remember a sum all of nothing and had no problem following the story here. Though I had a little trouble getting into the book in the first 25%, it did flow very well after that.
Jazz has never had trouble getting any woman he wanted, but a ghost from his past that he never recovered from prevents him from giving any part of his heart along the way. So why does the town's new kindergarten teacher tempt him beyond reason?
Annie is back in the town she grew up in for answers. Hiding her identity from everyone, she's determined to find those answers once and for all, even if she knows how dangerous it is for her to be back. The one man that she knows she should stay away from is also the man that's determined to get her in his bed.
As far as the romance in Wicked Lies; that was absolutely sizzling hot. I loved the back and forth between the H/h and the chemistry between them was absolutely smoking. Jazz was every bit the uber alpha that I've come to expect from Leigh and Annie was definitely not the shy little mouse that she's described as in the synopsis. Unfortunately I found the suspense part of the story to be fairly week. The biggest aspect of that being Annie's past. I'll put this in a spoiler even though this is information that gets revealed in the first chapter, but in case you want to go in blind...
As for the rest, it was an enjoyable and super sexy read. I got what I expected; no more, no less, and I'm not even a little sorry. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series although I saw that it's not the character I had hoped it'll be, so hopefully she'll be getting a book soon as well. If you're looking for a incredibly erotic romantic suspense with an uber possessive alpha and a heroine that brings him to his knees, well you can't really go wrong with this one.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
September 1, 2015
Wicked Lies is LIVE
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*Barnes & Noble*
Wicked Lies is an amazing story about second chances, new loves, and fighting to survive. I loved these characters and thought that were perfect for one another. Jazz was a sexy piece of ass and Annie was a badass heroine, and together they were explosive.
Jazz never got over his first love and for ten years he's been sleeping his way around town, not making any commitments more than one night. But when the mysterious new Kindergarten teacher shows up in town he stops his manwhore ways and pursues her. Annie want's nothing to do with him though, and knows that her secrets will make it so she can never be with Jazz.
Lora Leigh was one of my first erotica authors and I will always be a fan. I've been waiting for this book for so many years, ever since I read the first one in 2006. I have never forgotten Jazz and I'm not ashamed to admit I stalked the author just waiting to get more of the sexy beast that is Jazz. I knew this would be an amazing read and I wasn't disappointed at all. I loved the suspense of the story, mixed with the hotness.
I loved the chemistry between Jazz and Annie and the sexual energy was off the charts hot. I found the back and forth fighting really intriguing and Jazz was so Alpha and possessive I couldn't get enough of him. He wouldn't let Annie run from him, especially when he learned she was in trouble and it made me love him even more. I thought Annie was really strong to have gone through everything she did and still have such courage. Coming back to a town and people she wasn't sure she could trust took a lot of strength.
The one problem I had with the story was
Despite my struggles with the story I still found it super sexy and intriguing. I'm already waiting for the next book, it's apparently not the the character I thought it would be, and that I thought the epilogue was hinting at, though. I'm still looking forward to it, just hope I won't have to wait another nine years to get the story.
ARC kingly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*Barnes & Noble*
Wicked Lies is an amazing story about second chances, new loves, and fighting to survive. I loved these characters and thought that were perfect for one another. Jazz was a sexy piece of ass and Annie was a badass heroine, and together they were explosive.
Jazz never got over his first love and for ten years he's been sleeping his way around town, not making any commitments more than one night. But when the mysterious new Kindergarten teacher shows up in town he stops his manwhore ways and pursues her. Annie want's nothing to do with him though, and knows that her secrets will make it so she can never be with Jazz.
Lora Leigh was one of my first erotica authors and I will always be a fan. I've been waiting for this book for so many years, ever since I read the first one in 2006. I have never forgotten Jazz and I'm not ashamed to admit I stalked the author just waiting to get more of the sexy beast that is Jazz. I knew this would be an amazing read and I wasn't disappointed at all. I loved the suspense of the story, mixed with the hotness.
I loved the chemistry between Jazz and Annie and the sexual energy was off the charts hot. I found the back and forth fighting really intriguing and Jazz was so Alpha and possessive I couldn't get enough of him. He wouldn't let Annie run from him, especially when he learned she was in trouble and it made me love him even more. I thought Annie was really strong to have gone through everything she did and still have such courage. Coming back to a town and people she wasn't sure she could trust took a lot of strength.
The one problem I had with the story was
Despite my struggles with the story I still found it super sexy and intriguing. I'm already waiting for the next book, it's apparently not the the character I thought it would be, and that I thought the epilogue was hinting at, though. I'm still looking forward to it, just hope I won't have to wait another nine years to get the story.
ARC kingly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
August 6, 2011The book isn't out yet! A publication date hasn't even been released. Why are there ratings on this book?! This always drives me nuts.
September 5, 2016
3.5* not so WICKED STARS!
It has been a while I haven't read any Lora Leigh. Wicked Lies was her newest book from Men of Summer. Sadly, I haven't read the first one, but Wicked Lies can be read as a standalone, so I don't need read the previous. I read everything she writes except her Breed series (PNR).
I liked the characters. Jazz Lancing was an interesting hero. He lost the love of his life a long time ago. The came Annie Mayes, a new temptation for him. He couldn't resist the attraction towards her even Annie keep denying Lazz every time. When the secret finally unfold, Jazz couldn't let her go and will keep her at any cost. The thing I hated was obviously, they're lusting each other but they keep in circle. She always have doubt about him because *cough* some reason that she thinks he's better off without her. And yeah, that's Lora Leigh for you. Their sexual tension was really off chart. Bam! The sex happened. It was far from sweet and romantic. The sex scenes were raw and burning hot. I'm not saying Jazz become pussy-whipped hero but they have sex... a lot after their first encounter. Still, I enjoyed the back and forth between them.
Thebefore-sex pace itself quite painfully slow at first, almost bored me but still enjoy the ride until the end. I could feel the thrill since the first chapter. Even I didn't really quite understand what the hell they're talking about because there were so much 'code' and mystery. But we will get into it eventually along side the story itself so I liked it. The suspense was in there as always beside the erotic side. The secrets were predictable and there is no twist. Quite plain and simple. Go blind!
Overall, Wicked Lies was mediocre and quite solid with some issues. I liked how Lora Leigh fold the suspense with romance plus hot needy sex. Just plainly couldn't resist it! Although Wicked Lies isn't memorable for me, I'll be waiting for the next book in the Men of Summer series. There is a lot potential alpha male to be explore ;) I gonna say that i'm big fans of her writing and wouldn't miss her book! Still worth to read for everyone who need suspense in your romance book. Don't forget the burning sex.
It has been a while I haven't read any Lora Leigh. Wicked Lies was her newest book from Men of Summer. Sadly, I haven't read the first one, but Wicked Lies can be read as a standalone, so I don't need read the previous. I read everything she writes except her Breed series (PNR).
I liked the characters. Jazz Lancing was an interesting hero. He lost the love of his life a long time ago. The came Annie Mayes, a new temptation for him. He couldn't resist the attraction towards her even Annie keep denying Lazz every time. When the secret finally unfold, Jazz couldn't let her go and will keep her at any cost. The thing I hated was obviously, they're lusting each other but they keep in circle. She always have doubt about him because *cough* some reason that she thinks he's better off without her. And yeah, that's Lora Leigh for you. Their sexual tension was really off chart. Bam! The sex happened. It was far from sweet and romantic. The sex scenes were raw and burning hot. I'm not saying Jazz become pussy-whipped hero but they have sex... a lot after their first encounter. Still, I enjoyed the back and forth between them.
The
Overall, Wicked Lies was mediocre and quite solid with some issues. I liked how Lora Leigh fold the suspense with romance plus hot needy sex. Just plainly couldn't resist it! Although Wicked Lies isn't memorable for me, I'll be waiting for the next book in the Men of Summer series. There is a lot potential alpha male to be explore ;) I gonna say that i'm big fans of her writing and wouldn't miss her book! Still worth to read for everyone who need suspense in your romance book. Don't forget the burning sex.
July 17, 2015
ARC received for review
Another great book by Ms. Leigh. The first book in this series was written back in 2006. I'm glad I hadn't read it and then was sitting around waiting on this one, but it would have been worth the wait.
Jazz was a great Alpha hero and extremely sexy. Yes, he was overbearing and really bossy at times, but he wasn't about to let Annie/Kenni disappear again after being gone for 10 years. He was so sweet, building her dream house. Kenni could hold her own and wasn't afraid to try sneaking out. The two of them together was amazing and hot. I look forward to the next books with his adopted brother and hopefully ones with her brothers. Oh my, I can't wait to see who Cord falls for.
Another great book by Ms. Leigh. The first book in this series was written back in 2006. I'm glad I hadn't read it and then was sitting around waiting on this one, but it would have been worth the wait.
Jazz was a great Alpha hero and extremely sexy. Yes, he was overbearing and really bossy at times, but he wasn't about to let Annie/Kenni disappear again after being gone for 10 years. He was so sweet, building her dream house. Kenni could hold her own and wasn't afraid to try sneaking out. The two of them together was amazing and hot. I look forward to the next books with his adopted brother and hopefully ones with her brothers. Oh my, I can't wait to see who Cord falls for.
May 21, 2015
Someone please answer two questions for me.
1. Why are the heroes such assholes to their women?
2. Why does it feel like the same hero can be substituted for another one in a Lora Leigh novel?
Does anyone else feel like it is the same characters with the same stories over and over again? Bad ass, alpha, brooding hero who is a total over sexed jerk. All he can think about is pounding his penis in a pussy. Damsel in distress who literally creams herself looking at the jerk hero. Ugh come on!! I used to love reading her books until they all started sounding like the same damn story. Which is a shame because she is an amazing writer. Somehow her stories always hook me in even if I see the ending coming a mile away.
1. Why are the heroes such assholes to their women?
2. Why does it feel like the same hero can be substituted for another one in a Lora Leigh novel?
Does anyone else feel like it is the same characters with the same stories over and over again? Bad ass, alpha, brooding hero who is a total over sexed jerk. All he can think about is pounding his penis in a pussy. Damsel in distress who literally creams herself looking at the jerk hero. Ugh come on!! I used to love reading her books until they all started sounding like the same damn story. Which is a shame because she is an amazing writer. Somehow her stories always hook me in even if I see the ending coming a mile away.
August 29, 2015
Whenever you pick up a Lora Leigh novel, you know that you are in for a steamin’ hot romance with alpha males that will make you swoon. Wicked Lies absolutely hit that mark!
What’s better than a sworn bachelor, Jazz, taking the fall, a sweet kindergarten teacher, Annie becoming the target of his passion!
Annie, AKA Kenni Maddox, is hiding from her family and the person(s) responsible for murdering her mother. When her mother was murdered, her uncle whisks her away not knowing who they can trust. The betrayal had to come from within her own close knit family, hence starting a life on the run.
Trying to track down the plot behind the killings, Annie finds herself back in her hometown. Carefully concealing her eye color, which would be a dead giveaway. Annie hides in plan site, desperately seeking answer and trying to stop that life on the run.
Enter Jazz Lancing, he was in love with Kenni until tragedy took her away. But the more he gets to know the spunky kindergarten teacher the more his instincts tell him he needs more of Annie, something he hasn’t felt since Kenni.
It has been a long while since Lora Leigh visited this series, which created some catch up in the storytelling. Overall, I was thrust quickly back into the covert world of mystery, suspense and family the Men of Summer provide.
The story reads, quick, easy and entertaining with a great balance of the steam between sheets and a suspense filled plot. 4.5 Stars.
I received this ARC copy of Wicked Lies from St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 1, 2015.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Written by: Lora Leigh
Men of Summer #2
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
ISBN-10: 0312389116
ISBN-13: 978-0312389116
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
What’s better than a sworn bachelor, Jazz, taking the fall, a sweet kindergarten teacher, Annie becoming the target of his passion!
Annie, AKA Kenni Maddox, is hiding from her family and the person(s) responsible for murdering her mother. When her mother was murdered, her uncle whisks her away not knowing who they can trust. The betrayal had to come from within her own close knit family, hence starting a life on the run.
Trying to track down the plot behind the killings, Annie finds herself back in her hometown. Carefully concealing her eye color, which would be a dead giveaway. Annie hides in plan site, desperately seeking answer and trying to stop that life on the run.
Enter Jazz Lancing, he was in love with Kenni until tragedy took her away. But the more he gets to know the spunky kindergarten teacher the more his instincts tell him he needs more of Annie, something he hasn’t felt since Kenni.
It has been a long while since Lora Leigh visited this series, which created some catch up in the storytelling. Overall, I was thrust quickly back into the covert world of mystery, suspense and family the Men of Summer provide.
The story reads, quick, easy and entertaining with a great balance of the steam between sheets and a suspense filled plot. 4.5 Stars.
I received this ARC copy of Wicked Lies from St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 1, 2015.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Written by: Lora Leigh
Men of Summer #2
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
ISBN-10: 0312389116
ISBN-13: 978-0312389116
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 7, 2015
My brothers sometimes make fun of me because of my many hair color changes (this year I’ve had black, red and blonde hair). In this book, all the heroine did was change her hair color from dark blonde to light brown and wear color contacts so her eyes were hazel instead of green and no one recognized her! So, if I want to fool my brothers, all I have to do is change my brown eyes to another color! At least according to this book that’s all a person has to do.
***SPOILER ALERT!!!
For two years the heroine lived in the same town as her brothers, father and former friends. No one recognized her as the teenage girl who went missing or died 10 years before because she slightly altered her hair and eye color.
This ridiculousness was the reason I bumped the book from 3 to 2 stars.
I read the first book in this series, Loving Lies, years ago (like 5 years) and liked it. The first book was actually published 9 years ago, so it was Lora Leigh’s earlier work and much better (as is the case with all of her earlier work).
This book wasn’t completely horrible, but it did have a whole lot of nothing happening. It felt like more than 50% of this book was filler and the characters standing/sitting around talking in circles.
Lora Leigh equals erotica and I think those scenes were well-written, but could’ve been more imaginative than good dirty talk.
The villain? Uh, totally saw that coming the first time the person was mentioned.
So, there were 2 short action scenes and then the villain was confronted, the hero and heroine decide to be together. The End.
Would I recommend to readers? Not Really.
Would I recommend the first book in the series instead? Yes.
***SPOILER ALERT!!!
For two years the heroine lived in the same town as her brothers, father and former friends. No one recognized her as the teenage girl who went missing or died 10 years before because she slightly altered her hair and eye color.
This ridiculousness was the reason I bumped the book from 3 to 2 stars.
I read the first book in this series, Loving Lies, years ago (like 5 years) and liked it. The first book was actually published 9 years ago, so it was Lora Leigh’s earlier work and much better (as is the case with all of her earlier work).
This book wasn’t completely horrible, but it did have a whole lot of nothing happening. It felt like more than 50% of this book was filler and the characters standing/sitting around talking in circles.
Lora Leigh equals erotica and I think those scenes were well-written, but could’ve been more imaginative than good dirty talk.
The villain? Uh, totally saw that coming the first time the person was mentioned.
So, there were 2 short action scenes and then the villain was confronted, the hero and heroine decide to be together. The End.
Would I recommend to readers? Not Really.
Would I recommend the first book in the series instead? Yes.
September 17, 2015
Shadow's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
I fell in love with Jazz in Lora Leigh's Loving Lies, which came out in 2006 and have been waiting for his story ever since. In the author's new book, Wicked Lies, we finally have Jazz's story.
He's a little harder in the newer book, but he's still an overprotective, caring lover, and solid friend.
At the end of Loving Lies, he's attracted to new schoolteacher Annie, who appears to be terrified of him.
Enter Wicked Lies and we learn that Annie is actually Kennie Maddox, the spoiled darling of her family, believed to have died with her mother in an attack during a visit to New York. In the intervening ten years, she has changed her identity and stayed on the run, because there have been a number of attacks since the original, and the uncle who saved her died in one of them. After coloring her hair and putting in colored contacts, she returns to her home town, hoping to find who gave the order to kill her mother and try to kill her. This is probably the weakest part of the book-a hair color change and contacts are not going to change someone's basic looks to the point her family and lover don't recognize her.
Kennie has been in love with Jazz since she was 16, but is terrified that telling him who she is could endanger him. She has learned to survive and wall off her emotions, but Jazz won't let continue running. Can her relationship with Jazz withstand the knowledge she didn't die? And can she find out the monster who killed her mother and ordered her death?
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, with a strong hero and heroine, lots of suspense, some sizzling sex scenes, and a cast of interesting secondary characters. I would have liked to have seen more of the mischievous but loyal Jazz from the first book., but I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, and am hoping it won't be another 11 years before we read it.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I fell in love with Jazz in Lora Leigh's Loving Lies, which came out in 2006 and have been waiting for his story ever since. In the author's new book, Wicked Lies, we finally have Jazz's story.
He's a little harder in the newer book, but he's still an overprotective, caring lover, and solid friend.
At the end of Loving Lies, he's attracted to new schoolteacher Annie, who appears to be terrified of him.
Enter Wicked Lies and we learn that Annie is actually Kennie Maddox, the spoiled darling of her family, believed to have died with her mother in an attack during a visit to New York. In the intervening ten years, she has changed her identity and stayed on the run, because there have been a number of attacks since the original, and the uncle who saved her died in one of them. After coloring her hair and putting in colored contacts, she returns to her home town, hoping to find who gave the order to kill her mother and try to kill her. This is probably the weakest part of the book-a hair color change and contacts are not going to change someone's basic looks to the point her family and lover don't recognize her.
Kennie has been in love with Jazz since she was 16, but is terrified that telling him who she is could endanger him. She has learned to survive and wall off her emotions, but Jazz won't let continue running. Can her relationship with Jazz withstand the knowledge she didn't die? And can she find out the monster who killed her mother and ordered her death?
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, with a strong hero and heroine, lots of suspense, some sizzling sex scenes, and a cast of interesting secondary characters. I would have liked to have seen more of the mischievous but loyal Jazz from the first book., but I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, and am hoping it won't be another 11 years before we read it.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 10, 2015
Just slit my wrists and stab me through the heart right now, it would be less painful. This is the long awaited second book in the Men of Summer series. Almost a decade later, Ms. Leigh finally brings this story to fruition. It's a doozy. Jazz Lancing is a man of his word. He's also a man who refuses to have any meaningful relationships because the one he wants is dead. Just as he was going to make a move and court her, she dies. He never got over it and years later, he still pines away for a ghost lover. When Annie moves into town as the new elementary school teacher, he jolts awake and starts to feel again. There is something hinky about Annie which he can't put his finger on, but he will figure it out. Annie is a survivor and she will do what it takes to bring her vengeance. She may be the only one left standing in her war against her betrayers, but she will make them pay. What she doesn't expect is the feelings for Jazz to arise.
The plot to this book is predictable and easy to follow. This book reminds me of the Nauti boy series. The evil villain is quickly determined within a few chapters of this book. Or at least, I knew upfront what happened and who was pulling all the strings. The conspiracies, betrayal and killing in this story is becoming a trademark of Ms. Leigh's romantic suspense. It seems to work for the most part. What really touched me about this story is how three brothers and a father respond to Annie. The heartbreak and heavy grief these four men experience leaps off the pages for me. It is this which really pulled me into the book. I wanted to read more about these men. I wanted to comfort them.
The relationship between Annie and Jazz is messed up. The lies and subterfuge make it complicated and a bumpy ride. I get why Annie does what she does. It's still feels a bit forced and contrived. The sex in this story is about medium heat. Ms. Leigh can crank it much hotter. This milder one is more sweet with a hint of yearning. The emotion I feel most whilst reading this book is of regret - lost opportunity. Time stolen is such a horrible thing and can it be repaired? It seems that for Ms. Leigh, no one cuts us down more painfully than a family member. Family drama is highlighted in this book and the focal point. It makes for a good story but a crappy reality. Thank goodness for fiction!
This story did move at a decent pace after the slow start. I read this all in one sitting and enjoyed it from beginning to end. It does leave the story with a nice little hook for the next book in the series. Consider the bait taken by this addicted reader. Recommended for hopeless romantics who demand and get their happily ever after.
*provided by NetGalley
The plot to this book is predictable and easy to follow. This book reminds me of the Nauti boy series. The evil villain is quickly determined within a few chapters of this book. Or at least, I knew upfront what happened and who was pulling all the strings. The conspiracies, betrayal and killing in this story is becoming a trademark of Ms. Leigh's romantic suspense. It seems to work for the most part. What really touched me about this story is how three brothers and a father respond to Annie. The heartbreak and heavy grief these four men experience leaps off the pages for me. It is this which really pulled me into the book. I wanted to read more about these men. I wanted to comfort them.
The relationship between Annie and Jazz is messed up. The lies and subterfuge make it complicated and a bumpy ride. I get why Annie does what she does. It's still feels a bit forced and contrived. The sex in this story is about medium heat. Ms. Leigh can crank it much hotter. This milder one is more sweet with a hint of yearning. The emotion I feel most whilst reading this book is of regret - lost opportunity. Time stolen is such a horrible thing and can it be repaired? It seems that for Ms. Leigh, no one cuts us down more painfully than a family member. Family drama is highlighted in this book and the focal point. It makes for a good story but a crappy reality. Thank goodness for fiction!
This story did move at a decent pace after the slow start. I read this all in one sitting and enjoyed it from beginning to end. It does leave the story with a nice little hook for the next book in the series. Consider the bait taken by this addicted reader. Recommended for hopeless romantics who demand and get their happily ever after.
*provided by NetGalley
August 9, 2015
Being that this one came so far after the last in the series it was hard to remember what was going on.
I liked Annie, but really wanted to know what she was hiding, why she was so obsessed with certain people in town. When we learned Annie's secrets I was a bit stunned, to live through that and still come back to the place where things started seemed odd to me. So many of Annie's obsessions made sense to me.
Even knowing what I did, I didn't like how Jazz treated Annie. With how she watched Jazz with so many other women over the years, I didn't expect her to fall into bed with him so fast.
The drama with the Kin was pretty predictable. As soon as the bad character showed up I knew they were going to end up being the bad guy. I thought the bad guy was dealt with in the right way.
The family drama in the book was crazy. Part of me thought that Annie made right choice, but you could tell that even though she was holding people at an arm's length she wanted what she lost too. Time had changed Annie and there was no way that things could go back to the way that they were. They all had to deal with the new woman that was in her place.
With how this one ended it seems like there might be more in the series. If so I look forward to checking them out.
I liked Annie, but really wanted to know what she was hiding, why she was so obsessed with certain people in town. When we learned Annie's secrets I was a bit stunned, to live through that and still come back to the place where things started seemed odd to me. So many of Annie's obsessions made sense to me.
Even knowing what I did, I didn't like how Jazz treated Annie. With how she watched Jazz with so many other women over the years, I didn't expect her to fall into bed with him so fast.
The drama with the Kin was pretty predictable. As soon as the bad character showed up I knew they were going to end up being the bad guy. I thought the bad guy was dealt with in the right way.
The family drama in the book was crazy. Part of me thought that Annie made right choice, but you could tell that even though she was holding people at an arm's length she wanted what she lost too. Time had changed Annie and there was no way that things could go back to the way that they were. They all had to deal with the new woman that was in her place.
With how this one ended it seems like there might be more in the series. If so I look forward to checking them out.
August 29, 2015
A solid 4 stars is what I give Wicked Lies. I always like my armed forces men and so this was something I wanted to read. I was mildly surprised at how well Lora Leigh was able to mix in the suspense factor while still having a burning passion between Jazz and Kenni.
Jazz was such a good character. He was cocky, sexy, smooth talking, loyal, clever, and dominant. I swear, Jazz is the kind of man I'm going to end up. He knows what he's about, cares for his own, and is willing to fight for what he loves. When he realizes who Kenni is he is thrown for a loop but that doesn't stop him for loving her.
Kenni's had to stay alive and so she's closed her off her heart and self. She doesn't want to give in but Jazz was too much to her. The passion and pull between them was too strong and she couldn't fight it. She's self-reliant, smart, and loyal. She doesn't want those she loves hurt and does what she believes is best even if it really isn't.
I was sucked in immediately and only released when the story ended. I simply liked the read.
Jazz was such a good character. He was cocky, sexy, smooth talking, loyal, clever, and dominant. I swear, Jazz is the kind of man I'm going to end up. He knows what he's about, cares for his own, and is willing to fight for what he loves. When he realizes who Kenni is he is thrown for a loop but that doesn't stop him for loving her.
Kenni's had to stay alive and so she's closed her off her heart and self. She doesn't want to give in but Jazz was too much to her. The passion and pull between them was too strong and she couldn't fight it. She's self-reliant, smart, and loyal. She doesn't want those she loves hurt and does what she believes is best even if it really isn't.
I was sucked in immediately and only released when the story ended. I simply liked the read.
June 4, 2017
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't anything new. Déjà vu throughout the story. The storyline, and especially the sex scenes haven’t been updated in twenty years. All that throbbing, clenching, burning, and creaming juices would have sent a normal person to the doctor to get the problem checked out…
August 30, 2015
3.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 1, 2015
NOTE: For Goodreads followers I would suggest ignoring the original storyline blurb found on the GR website as it does not apply to the current story. This is not the first time one of Lora Leigh’s storylines does not match the GR outline-I hazard a guess that someone keeps jumping the gun before the premise has been revealed.
•••••••••••••
HE'S TEMPTING FATE
Jazz Lancing is the stuff of legends. A mountain-bred ex-Navy SEAL with rugged dark looks, a tall muscled frame, and gorgeous blue eyes, he can have any woman he wants in the state of Tennessee. Except Annie Mayes. The beautiful, innocent teacher refuses to fall for Jazz because she's hiding a secret more powerful than her own temptation ...
SHE'S IN TOO DEEP
Jazz knows that Annie isn't who she says she is-that she's lying about her identity, her past, and her motives. But can she be trusted? Little does he know Annie has been craving his kiss for years, dreaming that Jazz would take her in his arms and save her from her demons. But telling Jazz the truth could put both of them in peril. In this deadly game of danger, deceit, and darkness, is desire worth the risk of losing...everything?
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.25 stars--WICKED LIES is the second installment in Lora Leigh’s adult, contemporary Men of Summer erotic, romantic suspense series. This is Jazz Lancing, and grade school teacher Annie Mayes’s storyline-a second chance romance for two people who believed they had lost one another ten years before. WICKED LIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. The first book in the series was released almost nine years ago.
Told from dual third person perspectives WICKED LIES revisits the small town of Loudoun, Tennessee where family secrets and mountain whispers speak of deadly games, the Kin, and the heartbreaking story about two young lovers torn apart before their romance began. The Maddox family lost a mother and daughter to a deadly New York hotel fire, and with it brought too many unanswered questions and ten years of grief and heartbreak.
Jazz has mourned the only woman he has ever loved for close to ten years; her death, and that of her mother’s, has weighed heavily upon many hearts throughout the small town of Loudoun, but none more so than Jazz Lansing’s. But two years ago the arrival of Annie Hayes brought with it a familiarity and fleeting moments of memories from long ago. Jazz knew Annie was hiding secrets and he was determined to uncover the truth behind Annie’s need to hide –in plain sight. Jazz’s reputation as a ‘love em and leave em’ alpha male left a sour note in our heroine’s feisty façade but Jazz’s need to protect Annie overrode everything else.
The relationship between Annie and Jazz is one of second chances; Annie has never forgotten the only man she has ever loved but eight years had passed without any contact, and her arrival in town brought with it the potential for death and chaos to anyone who got too close. Annie’s need to keep Jazz at arm’s length was for his own protection, and hers. The $ex scenes are erotic, seductive and hot but for a Lora Leigh storyline, the scenes are limited in number as compared to many of her previous books and novels.
The secondary and supporting characters include Jazz’s best friends Zack, Slade, and Slade’s wife Jessie from book one-Loving Lies. We are introduced to the Maddox Clan-brothers Cord, Sawyer and Deacon, and their father Vinny and aunt Luce, and Luce’s daughter Grace. The requisite evil comes from within the Kin, the Clan and the mountains of Tennessee-although not necessarily whom everyone suspected.
I did have one issue with this particular storyline and it involves the true identity of one of the leading characters. I am not saying nothing is impossible but colored contacts and a box of hair dye isn’t enough to mask someone’s real identity especially from family, close friends and the love of one’s life. The reality of the situation was far from believable but it is a story of fiction meant to entertain.
WICKED LIES is a quick but predictable read; an entertaining storyline about family and friends; betrayal and greed; second chances and a happily ever after.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 1, 2015
NOTE: For Goodreads followers I would suggest ignoring the original storyline blurb found on the GR website as it does not apply to the current story. This is not the first time one of Lora Leigh’s storylines does not match the GR outline-I hazard a guess that someone keeps jumping the gun before the premise has been revealed.
•••••••••••••
HE'S TEMPTING FATE
Jazz Lancing is the stuff of legends. A mountain-bred ex-Navy SEAL with rugged dark looks, a tall muscled frame, and gorgeous blue eyes, he can have any woman he wants in the state of Tennessee. Except Annie Mayes. The beautiful, innocent teacher refuses to fall for Jazz because she's hiding a secret more powerful than her own temptation ...
SHE'S IN TOO DEEP
Jazz knows that Annie isn't who she says she is-that she's lying about her identity, her past, and her motives. But can she be trusted? Little does he know Annie has been craving his kiss for years, dreaming that Jazz would take her in his arms and save her from her demons. But telling Jazz the truth could put both of them in peril. In this deadly game of danger, deceit, and darkness, is desire worth the risk of losing...everything?
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.25 stars--WICKED LIES is the second installment in Lora Leigh’s adult, contemporary Men of Summer erotic, romantic suspense series. This is Jazz Lancing, and grade school teacher Annie Mayes’s storyline-a second chance romance for two people who believed they had lost one another ten years before. WICKED LIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. The first book in the series was released almost nine years ago.
Told from dual third person perspectives WICKED LIES revisits the small town of Loudoun, Tennessee where family secrets and mountain whispers speak of deadly games, the Kin, and the heartbreaking story about two young lovers torn apart before their romance began. The Maddox family lost a mother and daughter to a deadly New York hotel fire, and with it brought too many unanswered questions and ten years of grief and heartbreak.
Jazz has mourned the only woman he has ever loved for close to ten years; her death, and that of her mother’s, has weighed heavily upon many hearts throughout the small town of Loudoun, but none more so than Jazz Lansing’s. But two years ago the arrival of Annie Hayes brought with it a familiarity and fleeting moments of memories from long ago. Jazz knew Annie was hiding secrets and he was determined to uncover the truth behind Annie’s need to hide –in plain sight. Jazz’s reputation as a ‘love em and leave em’ alpha male left a sour note in our heroine’s feisty façade but Jazz’s need to protect Annie overrode everything else.
The relationship between Annie and Jazz is one of second chances; Annie has never forgotten the only man she has ever loved but eight years had passed without any contact, and her arrival in town brought with it the potential for death and chaos to anyone who got too close. Annie’s need to keep Jazz at arm’s length was for his own protection, and hers. The $ex scenes are erotic, seductive and hot but for a Lora Leigh storyline, the scenes are limited in number as compared to many of her previous books and novels.
The secondary and supporting characters include Jazz’s best friends Zack, Slade, and Slade’s wife Jessie from book one-Loving Lies. We are introduced to the Maddox Clan-brothers Cord, Sawyer and Deacon, and their father Vinny and aunt Luce, and Luce’s daughter Grace. The requisite evil comes from within the Kin, the Clan and the mountains of Tennessee-although not necessarily whom everyone suspected.
I did have one issue with this particular storyline and it involves the true identity of one of the leading characters. I am not saying nothing is impossible but colored contacts and a box of hair dye isn’t enough to mask someone’s real identity especially from family, close friends and the love of one’s life. The reality of the situation was far from believable but it is a story of fiction meant to entertain.
WICKED LIES is a quick but predictable read; an entertaining storyline about family and friends; betrayal and greed; second chances and a happily ever after.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
October 6, 2015
Second in the Men of Summer romantic suspense series and revolving around a group of male friends. The couple focus is on Kenni Maddox/Annie Mayes and Jazz Lancing.
Do not expect a list of characters… I couldn't bear to get that close.
My Take
I was not expecting Wicked Lies to be a repeat of Leigh's The Callahans series, which I essentially hated for the lousy writing.
In this one, Kenni is tired of her wicked, horrible past, ten years of running, hiding, escaping all those assassination attempts by people with whom she was raised. It takes 68 pages before we finally reach some idea of what Annie's whole problem is. It takes even longer before we find out who Annie really is.
And that's where the really big problems begin. Leigh needs to make up her mind. In one paragraph she has Annie/Kenni declaring that she's been avoiding her brothers and father because they are guilty of killing her mother and trying to kill her for the past ten years; in the next paragraph, she's protecting them, claiming she hasn't contacted them because she doesn't want to get them killed. Which is it? Why not create a blend of confusion over whether they could possibly be involved, but how could they? Raise the tension with that confusion.
Instead, all it did was send my eyeballs rolling, and rolling so much that I had to skip entire pages so I could get to the end of this disaster. Yep, I even skipped the sex scenes. That's how bad it was. Speaking of which, what is it with male characters who think they're so irresistible that they can take what they want? It's one thing when the author twists the trope with a dominant male confronting a woman who does want him, but is denying her inner want — which is the case here, although Leigh does NOT make it believable. Actually, nothing is believable.
How exactly is this Kin thing tied to the government? Are Jazz, Zack, and Slade supposed to be foster brothers? Is that what ties them together? Does Annie/Kenni really think she can hang out in her hometown for two years without giving herself away? Why is Cord so paranoid? Is the entire Kin so stupid, that they don't pick up on the traitors? And why does the Kin need to exist in the first place? Why is/was Jazz so infatuated with this seventeen-year-old that he'd build his entire place exactly as she described? What were the New York City cops doing after the explosion?
Her mother, and then Kenni, have this evidence, and they can't manage to get it to the family? How about a phone call to beg them to stop sending people to kill her? It either gives her family a heads-up that something is wrong in their organization or they know she knows. Gunny is so brilliant with a computer, but he can't figure out an anonymous email Kenni could sendto her family and ask why? She returns to the town full of Kin, her hometown, to hide? She's got all these pictures of the men who have been coming after her, and she can't scan 'em, send 'em to her family, and ask why?
Leigh kept repeating the issues, over and over and over. I can't figure out if she was trying to build tension — some show, well, a lot of show would've been nice — or lengthen the book.
I think she's supposed to be a smart woman, but how dumb can you get?
Do not expect a list of characters… I couldn't bear to get that close.
My Take
I was not expecting Wicked Lies to be a repeat of Leigh's The Callahans series, which I essentially hated for the lousy writing.
In this one, Kenni is tired of her wicked, horrible past, ten years of running, hiding, escaping all those assassination attempts by people with whom she was raised. It takes 68 pages before we finally reach some idea of what Annie's whole problem is. It takes even longer before we find out who Annie really is.
And that's where the really big problems begin. Leigh needs to make up her mind. In one paragraph she has Annie/Kenni declaring that she's been avoiding her brothers and father because they are guilty of killing her mother and trying to kill her for the past ten years; in the next paragraph, she's protecting them, claiming she hasn't contacted them because she doesn't want to get them killed. Which is it? Why not create a blend of confusion over whether they could possibly be involved, but how could they? Raise the tension with that confusion.
Instead, all it did was send my eyeballs rolling, and rolling so much that I had to skip entire pages so I could get to the end of this disaster. Yep, I even skipped the sex scenes. That's how bad it was. Speaking of which, what is it with male characters who think they're so irresistible that they can take what they want? It's one thing when the author twists the trope with a dominant male confronting a woman who does want him, but is denying her inner want — which is the case here, although Leigh does NOT make it believable. Actually, nothing is believable.
How exactly is this Kin thing tied to the government? Are Jazz, Zack, and Slade supposed to be foster brothers? Is that what ties them together? Does Annie/Kenni really think she can hang out in her hometown for two years without giving herself away? Why is Cord so paranoid? Is the entire Kin so stupid, that they don't pick up on the traitors? And why does the Kin need to exist in the first place? Why is/was Jazz so infatuated with this seventeen-year-old that he'd build his entire place exactly as she described? What were the New York City cops doing after the explosion?
Her mother, and then Kenni, have this evidence, and they can't manage to get it to the family? How about a phone call to beg them to stop sending people to kill her? It either gives her family a heads-up that something is wrong in their organization or they know she knows. Gunny is so brilliant with a computer, but he can't figure out an anonymous email Kenni could sendto her family and ask why? She returns to the town full of Kin, her hometown, to hide? She's got all these pictures of the men who have been coming after her, and she can't scan 'em, send 'em to her family, and ask why?
Leigh kept repeating the issues, over and over and over. I can't figure out if she was trying to build tension — some show, well, a lot of show would've been nice — or lengthen the book.
I think she's supposed to be a smart woman, but how dumb can you get?
September 2, 2015
3.25 RATING- No one can deny that Lora Leigh can write a steamy, erotic romance. Even though I haven't read anything from this author in a long time, I pretty much knew I was going to get a HOT read, and Wicked Lies didn't disappoint.
I had a little bit of a hard time getting into the book, at least in the first 20% or so. The chemistry between the two characters just didn't mesh that well in the beginning. Things smoothed out though and as the story line develops, the chemistry worked much better. My main problem with this book and the reason I'm not rating it higher is because of the story line. Now, I love my guilty pleasure reads (and this certainly qualifies) but I felt like the story was way over the top, even for me. I don't want to give anything away but I was left rolling my eyes more than once.
Even with story line issues, Wicked Lies rates high in readability. For readers that like a healthy dose of steam and can accept a less than stellar story line, this is worth a read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2015
3 1/2 stars.
I received this book from Netgally for my honest review.
Ten years ago, 18 year old Kenni Maddox watched her mother be killed by people she considered family and had to vanish in the night with has her Uncle. Leaving behind all her remaining family that she held dear but could no longer trust and the man that she loved. She returns to her home town undercover to finally get to the bottom of who is after her.
Jazz Lancing life has never been the same since the girl of his dreams died 10 years ago. However the appearance of a certain Kindergarten teacher in town has reawakened some feelings inside him which he cannot quite explain.
Although this is the second book in the series ( really want to read the first)I had no issues catching up or feeling like I was missing information. I enjoyed the characters although the names of the main couple kept on throwing me for some reason. The plot line was predictable but still entertaining. It was a quick steamy read, although i have read steamier from this author. In fact I have been a big fan of Lora Leigh for a few years. Something seemed a bit more tame about his one but I will still look out for the next one.
I received this book from Netgally for my honest review.
Ten years ago, 18 year old Kenni Maddox watched her mother be killed by people she considered family and had to vanish in the night with has her Uncle. Leaving behind all her remaining family that she held dear but could no longer trust and the man that she loved. She returns to her home town undercover to finally get to the bottom of who is after her.
Jazz Lancing life has never been the same since the girl of his dreams died 10 years ago. However the appearance of a certain Kindergarten teacher in town has reawakened some feelings inside him which he cannot quite explain.
Although this is the second book in the series ( really want to read the first)I had no issues catching up or feeling like I was missing information. I enjoyed the characters although the names of the main couple kept on throwing me for some reason. The plot line was predictable but still entertaining. It was a quick steamy read, although i have read steamier from this author. In fact I have been a big fan of Lora Leigh for a few years. Something seemed a bit more tame about his one but I will still look out for the next one.
September 14, 2015
Great second-chance story! The blurb didn't tell the story right but too many spoilers would be given if it did. Hot story with alpha-male H and determined h, who was also by far I found the most brave h in the author's books I've read that can protect herself.
I've read the author's many books and surprisingly this one was not as dark as her other books. And H was not a jerk compared to her other works. Esp he didn't push h away.
The only thing didn't sit well with me was that the identity of the villain was not hard to guess, and this was not suppose to happen in the author's books.
Recommend to those who want a hot second-chance suspense story.
I've read the author's many books and surprisingly this one was not as dark as her other books. And H was not a jerk compared to her other works. Esp he didn't push h away.
The only thing didn't sit well with me was that the identity of the villain was not hard to guess, and this was not suppose to happen in the author's books.
Recommend to those who want a hot second-chance suspense story.
October 5, 2015
I fell in love with Jazz in the first book, and fell in love with him again in this book. What a great read. I hope this will be another series with many more books to come!
August 2, 2019
Good suspense. A little more relationship angst than I would prefer ideally. And at times some of the relationship discussion dialogue was kind of ... difficult to follow. But that's not unusual for me. Does anyone actually speak like that in real life? I'd like to meet them if so - and try and see if I can figure out what's going on in a brain like that!
September 7, 2015
I've always wanted to read a novel by Lora Leigh. Ever since I started working at the library, I would be shelving the paperbacks and the sheer amount of Lora Leigh books would astound me (and pretty much get in my way). Why had I never heard of her before? She wrote paranormal romance for goodness sake! The sheer volume of books in her multiple series had me a bit intimidated, though.
Then I saw Wicked Lies coming out; a book two in a series! Not so far ahead that I can't catch up. I'll try it!
I am so glad I did. I think everyone should break out of their comfort zone and try a new author now and again. I really enjoyed reading this steamy hot romance by Ms. Leigh. And I think I got a fairly good idea of her writing style.
Although, it took me a bit to get into this story and figure out what the heck was going on. I don't know if it was because I was reading an ARC but the story starts out with Jazz tracking Annie in the trees on the outskirts of a field party, I think? I couldn't for the life of me figure out what Jazz was talking about. After Jazz did the inner monologue about tracking Annie down and her being his little teacher (paraphrased!), we switched POVs and I could finally picture what was going on.
The other thing that threw me was that I had seen that the series was titled Men of Summer. Vague, yes, but I wasn't expecting an underground mountain militia group to be the common denominator between everyone. Well, that came out of left field!
Eventually I got a grasp on the story and everything went hot, sizzling, and intense action from there on out.
Annie is the new school teacher in the small town but she's on the periphery. She seems to be watching people but she's pretty much keeping to herself. But the local ladies' man notices her. Once he gets in her presence, there's no denying there's chemistry between the two of them. But Annie is trying her darnedest to stay away from Jazz. She has a very compelling reason why.
The plot is pretty twisted and intense. It made this book a quick read for me because I wanted to know how it was all going to resolve to the inevitable HEA. I also enjoyed many of the side characters. They added depth to the story with their personalities, both good and bad.
I did take issue with the execution of some of the details of the plot. But then a "romantic" scene would come along and I would forget all about those details I was hung up (pish... colored contacts...). Ms. Leigh can write some good sex scenes. Granted, she's a new author to me but I liked her style; different, but not bad! Annie and Jazz definitely had a great love story to go along with the "fun" they were having. I really liked Jazz all along. But then, I love my alpha men.
So, to sum up, I was all over the place with my review (HA!). Seriously though, I know when I go to read another Lora Leigh novel, I'll just have to be careful when picking. I can perhaps preview the first few chapters before I commit. Isn't that called dating or something?
Review appears on
August 18, 2016
"They knew she was here now. They knew, and they wouldn't stop until they killed her, just as they had killed her mother and her uncle. And she still hadn't figured out who it was or why they wanted her dead."
FINAL DECISION: I enjoyed this book and it is good for readers who want a very hot read. I especially liked the relationship between Jazz and Kenni. Kenni is strong and able to take care of herself. Despite her troubles, she is a survivor and no shrinking violet. The book was emotional because Jazz had loved Kenni for so long and had been grieving for her.
THE STORY: Jazz Lacing had loved Kenni Maddox even when she was too young for him. Then she was gone, killed in a fire with her mother. In the decade since, Jazz has grieved the spunky, determined young woman. He had begun to think about the new Kindergarten teacher, Annie Mayes, however. Jazz knows that something is off about Annie and he is determined to uncover her secrets. What he finds out, however, is that Annie is really Kenni in disguise. She has been on the run for ten years trying to hide from those who are determined to kill her. Jazz knows that he won't let Kenni go again and he will make her stop running and start trusting.
OPINION: I liked this book much better than the first in the series. The relationship between Jazz and Kenni is very sexy and very emotional. Jazz is an extremely strong and confident man but it is clear from the beginning that he is completely committed to Kenni. Their story when she was sixteen is incredibly sweet, but that sweetness becomes hot and sexy and adult very quickly when the secret of Kenni's identity comes out.
Kenni's character is especially strong. She is frightened and uncertain, but she is not helpless. She knows how to take care of herself and she is a perfect match for Jazz. She refuses to succumb to his demands. She insists that she deserves the right to make her own decisions and not to wait to be saved. I liked her spunky personality as it came out as she reclaims her own identity.
There is an interesting plot regarding who is out to kill Kenni. I figured out the culprit early on but that was okay. What I didn't like was that the resolution was really rushed. I never got an identity from the villain and that made it hard to be satisfied in the ending. I also kept wondering in the beginning what is the Kin? It doesn't get defined until well in the story and it kept interrupting the flow of the story when the reference appeared.
WORTH MENTIONING: I can guess who the next couple is and I can't wait.
CONNECTED BOOKS: WICKED LIES is the second book in The Men of Summer series. It has overlapping characters but this book can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3.75 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
FINAL DECISION: I enjoyed this book and it is good for readers who want a very hot read. I especially liked the relationship between Jazz and Kenni. Kenni is strong and able to take care of herself. Despite her troubles, she is a survivor and no shrinking violet. The book was emotional because Jazz had loved Kenni for so long and had been grieving for her.
THE STORY: Jazz Lacing had loved Kenni Maddox even when she was too young for him. Then she was gone, killed in a fire with her mother. In the decade since, Jazz has grieved the spunky, determined young woman. He had begun to think about the new Kindergarten teacher, Annie Mayes, however. Jazz knows that something is off about Annie and he is determined to uncover her secrets. What he finds out, however, is that Annie is really Kenni in disguise. She has been on the run for ten years trying to hide from those who are determined to kill her. Jazz knows that he won't let Kenni go again and he will make her stop running and start trusting.
OPINION: I liked this book much better than the first in the series. The relationship between Jazz and Kenni is very sexy and very emotional. Jazz is an extremely strong and confident man but it is clear from the beginning that he is completely committed to Kenni. Their story when she was sixteen is incredibly sweet, but that sweetness becomes hot and sexy and adult very quickly when the secret of Kenni's identity comes out.
Kenni's character is especially strong. She is frightened and uncertain, but she is not helpless. She knows how to take care of herself and she is a perfect match for Jazz. She refuses to succumb to his demands. She insists that she deserves the right to make her own decisions and not to wait to be saved. I liked her spunky personality as it came out as she reclaims her own identity.
There is an interesting plot regarding who is out to kill Kenni. I figured out the culprit early on but that was okay. What I didn't like was that the resolution was really rushed. I never got an identity from the villain and that made it hard to be satisfied in the ending. I also kept wondering in the beginning what is the Kin? It doesn't get defined until well in the story and it kept interrupting the flow of the story when the reference appeared.
WORTH MENTIONING: I can guess who the next couple is and I can't wait.
CONNECTED BOOKS: WICKED LIES is the second book in The Men of Summer series. It has overlapping characters but this book can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3.75 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
September 1, 2015
In a deadly game of danger, deceit and darkness, the secret that Annie Mayes is hiding could destroy everyone she cares for in this powerful contemporary romantic suspense.
Jazz Lancing knows that Annie is hiding her identity, her past and her motives but that doesn’t stop him from wanting her and the reader can’t help but be drawn into this dangerously tempting romance that has Jazz and Annie risking everything for desire. The attraction between Annie and Jazz sets fire to every page and the sex scenes are steamy but Annie’s secrets have the relationship stalled and in danger while the emotional toll on the characters involved adds depth to the story and captures the heart with one powerful punch. These strong, captivating characters’ vibrant personalities flow from the pages and ensure that the reader wants to know every last detail while the fast paced, smooth flowing plot keeps the adrenaline pumping with lots of suspense, turmoil and romance.
Expectation and excitement builds right alongside the danger as Annie’s secrets are revealed and leads Jazz into a deadly game with no way of knowing who can be trusted or just who will strike next. Vivid imagery and an energetic excitement flows from every page capturing the imagination and bringing the story to life with the thrilling and passionate events ensuring that there is never a dull moment while the potential family betrayals adds to the suspenseful turbulence of the story.
There was no way that I could put the story down once I began, I put everything off until every last page was read, not only is the plot a powerhouse of suspense and passion but the characters have a commanding presence that makes it easy to become completely immersed in their story and I can’t wait for the next Men of Summer romance…psst – I have a confession to make I haven’t read Loving Lies yet, but I will be taking care of that very soon.
Jazz Lancing knows that Annie is hiding her identity, her past and her motives but that doesn’t stop him from wanting her and the reader can’t help but be drawn into this dangerously tempting romance that has Jazz and Annie risking everything for desire. The attraction between Annie and Jazz sets fire to every page and the sex scenes are steamy but Annie’s secrets have the relationship stalled and in danger while the emotional toll on the characters involved adds depth to the story and captures the heart with one powerful punch. These strong, captivating characters’ vibrant personalities flow from the pages and ensure that the reader wants to know every last detail while the fast paced, smooth flowing plot keeps the adrenaline pumping with lots of suspense, turmoil and romance.
Expectation and excitement builds right alongside the danger as Annie’s secrets are revealed and leads Jazz into a deadly game with no way of knowing who can be trusted or just who will strike next. Vivid imagery and an energetic excitement flows from every page capturing the imagination and bringing the story to life with the thrilling and passionate events ensuring that there is never a dull moment while the potential family betrayals adds to the suspenseful turbulence of the story.
There was no way that I could put the story down once I began, I put everything off until every last page was read, not only is the plot a powerhouse of suspense and passion but the characters have a commanding presence that makes it easy to become completely immersed in their story and I can’t wait for the next Men of Summer romance…psst – I have a confession to make I haven’t read Loving Lies yet, but I will be taking care of that very soon.
December 7, 2015
I have read some books by this author. One thing about this author is that you can guarantee that the men and women will be hot and the sex hotter. Which by the way Jazz may have a girly name but he is anything but girly. He is 100% male. A definite alpha male...rough around the edges but someone who you can relay on to have your back and go to the ends of the Earth to protect you. Annie is a bit of a spit fire. I just wished that she would have held out a little longer before giving into Jazz. Yet, I do agree with other readers and this is why my rating is lower is because the storyline always does seem to be the same just with different players in the story. So you really don't have to put much focus on the story to get the concept. However this book can be read as a stand alone novel. If you are looking for a sexy, quick, read than you may want to pick up a copy of this book.
September 11, 2015
I was torn on how to rate this book. It was the second in a series, but I read it as a stand-alone cause I thought it belonged to a different series. Anyway, it wasn't bad it just didn't make sense. If changing eye and hair color is a way to disguise yourself from a supposed hard-core mountain militia for two years then I'm guessing they need to step-step-up their game. I just don't get it that not one person in her hometown figured out who she was. That's just ridiculous. It probably would've gotten a higher rating if not for that. Of course, this is a Lora Leigh book so there were incredibly hot sex scenes that could've set the pages on fire. Looking forward to reading Zach's story next.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
March 16, 2016
There's only one reaction to this book: yawn... :)
There's a story buried somewhere along all that sex, pity it's literally drowned by boring sex scenes. Nothing against them per se, or I wouldn't be reading romance at all, but I need balance or better still a 70-30 story to sex ratio, not viceversa. Ok maybe in a romance 60-40 ;) still, give me a story!!
My frustration was worsened by the fact there was no background building for me, I have no idea of the backstory common to all (except for the couple's or her family. But what is kin, what's their story? Etc.)
Bit boring, I skimmed all the sex and read the book in a couple of hours....
There's a story buried somewhere along all that sex, pity it's literally drowned by boring sex scenes. Nothing against them per se, or I wouldn't be reading romance at all, but I need balance or better still a 70-30 story to sex ratio, not viceversa. Ok maybe in a romance 60-40 ;) still, give me a story!!
My frustration was worsened by the fact there was no background building for me, I have no idea of the backstory common to all (except for the couple's or her family. But what is kin, what's their story? Etc.)
Bit boring, I skimmed all the sex and read the book in a couple of hours....
August 24, 2016
Enjoyed this story however I only gave three stars due to the use of the same sex scene in two different locations of thee book. I get that some scenes can be similar but this was exact and really messed with my head. I was reading with my kindle and thought I hit something causing me to go back to an earlier chapter. Also there were a lot of errors. Nobody is perfect but these issues really stood out causing a lower rating than the story itself deserved.
September 2, 2015
Plot holes! So many plot holes! And yet, I couldn't help but fall under the eye-rolling spell of obsessive redneck alphas and their adoring women. Nothing in Lora Leigh's books ever make sense but it seems like she's finally back to vintage form.
September 4, 2015
3.5 stars
April 7, 2018
Wicked Lies was a good read. I love reading Lora Leigh's books, they are filled with excitement, angst and true love. I fell in love with Jazz and Kenni and enjoyed their story. I'm looking forward to reading book #3 in the Men of Summer Series.
I give Wicked Lies 4 stars for its great story.
I would recommend this book to Romance fans.
I give Wicked Lies 4 stars for its great story.
I would recommend this book to Romance fans.
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