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The Lies We Keep #2

Pretty Savages

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They say you can’t run from your past. But damn, I am determined to try.

I had finally escaped as I had always planned. Things were going great - I had new friends, a job, and a new life.

When I’m called back home to deal with an emergency, I do my best to fly under the radar. But I should know by now it’s never easy when it comes to the three Taylor brothers. They’re charming, arrogant, and downright dangerous.

It’s a catastrophic domino effect, and even though I try as hard as I can to move forward, there’s one rule I had forgotten:

The games are never really over.




Pretty Savages is a reverse harem taboo romance - meaning the main female character will have more than one love interest, and yes - it's downright dirty and taboo. The characters are morally grey, hot and questionable. It contains adult themes, course language and is solely intended for mature audiences over 18. Pretty Savages is book 2 in The Lies We Keep series.

269 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2022

531 people are currently reading
1970 people want to read

About the author

Steph Macca

35 books1,991 followers
Bestselling Dark Romance Author
Author of Unhinged 🔪


Knock Knock, Little Killer

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5 stars
1,362 (44%)
4 stars
1,036 (34%)
3 stars
523 (17%)
2 stars
87 (2%)
1 star
23 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
Profile Image for Vanessa.
425 reviews32 followers
September 28, 2023
imma say it again.
CHUCK 👏🏽BETTER 👏🏽 BE 👏🏽 PART 👏🏽 OF 👏🏽 THE 👏🏽 HAREM 👏🏽
Profile Image for Gohnar23 (hiatus but still reading).
1,092 reviews38 followers
October 16, 2025
#️⃣4️⃣8️⃣7️⃣Read & Reviewed in 2025 💔🩸
Date : 🚀 Friday, September 19, 2025 🚫🔻❌
Word Count📃: 63k Words 🧨🔪🎈

⋆⭒𓆟⋆。˚𖦹𓆜✩⋆ >-;;⁠;⁠;€ᐷ °‧ 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 ·。

( ˶°ㅁ°) !! My 61th read in "READING AS MANY BOOKS AS I CANNN 😢 cuz smth....happened.....irl.........😥" September ⚡

3️⃣🌟, Blake get out of this stupid dark romance book and start your own literary fiction story that details this struggles of someone innocent surrounded in a world filled with atrocities and violence.
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗

Thank you @Courtney for the buddy read!

Typical typical dark romance. Of course there are three or more different men with the same exact personality obsessing over the exact same boring basic girl. Asher, Zayn (Supposedly Chuck) AND BLAKE MY BABY BOII BEING CASTED OFF TO THE SIDELINES BY HIM BEING JUST A RANDOM SIDE CHARACTER.... WHICH IS THE BEST FATE THAT HE COULD HAVE EVER GOTTEN.

I'M A SAY THIS ONE TIME 👏BLAKE👏YOU👏DID👏THE👏RIGHT👏DECISION👏OF👏REJECTING👏HER👏BECAUSE👏YOU👏DON'T👏DESERVE👏BEING👏IN👏A👏DARK👏ROMANCE👏BOOK

While everyone else is busy doing the most stereotypical things as their personality is flushed out too many times already. Blake is chilling in the sidelines being the best written character ever and doing what uniquely great vivid characters do best. Being authentic and original 👏👏👏. The entire book is focusing around romance but BLAKE here is having actual meaningful struggles and a character arc that has a great plot (if expanded enough)

5 stars for my baby boi blake (i hope he gets his own book that isn't a dark romance), 1 star for literally everyone else. Average is 3. Definitely goes to show how even just a single character can change an entire rating 🤣🤣🤣
Profile Image for Heather.
1,023 reviews313 followers
January 23, 2023
Currently at 19%...
I'm all for this RH with Asher, Zayn and Blake but I will raise all kinds of Hell if 💜 So yeah, I'm not too happy right now.

The book is great so far though. I'm just really not loving that ⬆⬆⬆
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,801 reviews30 followers
November 29, 2024
November 2024
Kindle edition

Huh. Chuck was a surprise. They made a nice couple. I'm surprised Asher hadn't tracked her down. Gutted when he had to leave. I liked that she'd made friends and the whole bar family. Blake was still the same. Asher, seemingly hadn't learnt a thing, but Zayn was the surprise. The end was ouch but an intro to multiple POVs. It was halfway through the book I realised I was reading a motorcycle club series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bookish Spy.
385 reviews8 followers
November 6, 2025
Audiobook re-read!
I still absolutely love this series! Devoured it all over again and I LOVE Blake 🥹
Chuck is bae
Asher is a dweeb currently still
And Zayn can come home with me any day 🤭
The narrators are absolutely perfect for this and I can't wait for the next one now!

•••••
Omg that ending?! I will immediately be reading the next book

Also, if I don't get to see more of Chuck, I will throw hands. He deserves so much and I love him 🥹

Blake, how is he so easy to like already? Like, I thought I'd hate him for longer, but nope, he's great

Asher is a little redeemed but not much. He's still a whiny man-child who needs to grow up, and if I could choose any man over him, I would at this point. I don't buy their "love" at all.

Zayn is hilarious, and honestly, I love every scene with him in, though I wish he had more of a personality at times

Plot? Idk what the plot really is at this point, but I'm still enjoying it, so who cares 😂

Okay, I'm off to read the next book. See yall in another couple hours when I'll have inevitably finished that one too 😘

➛ 𝟒.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Profile Image for Jess McDaniel.
1,073 reviews68 followers
December 19, 2022
Man, oh man!! I love this series! I didn't want to put this one down. I was just waiting for Asher or Zayn to show up and take her back home, but they were giving her the space she needed. I loved seeing Rylee thrive on her own!

I love that they're all wanting to protect her, even if she doesn't want it or need it. There's trouble following her. She doesn't actively seek it out, but there's some out there that think she needs to be put in her place. I did shout out loud over a victory outside of the post office, but then I felt like I was screaming at Blake to GET IT TOGETHER, MAN!

The end of this one we see Rylee really vulnerable. It's a bit heartbreaking with what she's been through in the past. I need Recklessly Damaged!!
Profile Image for Erica Brink.
288 reviews27 followers
November 7, 2025
Well F*ck. This cliffhanger was big. (Literally!) I really want to dive into the next book, but the audios are so good, so I’m going to be a “good girl” and wait. Give and take as Zayn says 😉

This was angsty and fun. The banter is so good. It had me lol’ing multiple times.

I love watching Rylee’s relationships develop with her stepbrothers. They are all so different and I love them all! And I am dying to know what’s going on. There’s so much going on, but also so much we don’t know! I feel like there are so many secrets. It’s killing me!

This full cast audio is so good. Every single narrator was so good and perfectly cast for their role! Amazing audio!

I loved Michelle Sparks as Rylee. She is the perfect mix of sassy and sweet.

And Aaron Shedlock as Chuck was perfect! I’m so glad we got more of him in this one! That man and his mouth. 🥵

Joe Arden was amazing as Asher. I loved getting his POV and his emotion and angst in the last chapter.

Sean Masters was incredible as Zayn. His spicy scenes were so hot. I love his dominant personality and his playful side.

Anthony Palmini was amazing as Blake. He definitely brought the broody dad of the group to life. I love his tone. I cannot wait to see him lose control.

🖤 Morally Grey
🖤 Stepbrothers
🖤 Why Choose
🖤 Tab00
Profile Image for beth m.
874 reviews
January 18, 2025
most annoying FMC ever

The storyline for the most part is decent. I just can’t stand the Fmc. She is literally so annoying- supposed to be a strong kick A girl, she reeks of pick me vibes and the dumbest decisions. She was told to stop going to this one biker bar- told like a million times nicely by her best biker friends. And what does she do? Go back. She goes back multiple times, after being told multiple times another g@nġ is after her. She’s all about her “freedom” she finally goes after it and she keeps returning home. She has been best friends with this one biker g@nġ but she doesn’t understand biker culture? Doesn’t understand her biker friend is blooded in and can’t leave the bonds of brotherhood to play house with her permanently? How is such a “smart” woman who’s “so independent” not understand biker culture? She practically goes to this bar to hang out with her friends over the past few years. How does she not get it? She’s best friends with the chapters high ups?

On top of that She can’t survive without a Di*k, she legit needs to have one so much so that she keeps hopping in bed with guys that aren’t that great just because of the dares. “I dare you” and just because someone dared her that means she sets aside any self respect or intelligence and goes for it. It’s like any character that throws her a wink and her panties soak and then her clothing disintegrates. I could overlook some of it but I’m having trouble with her always being a victim. She plays the victim of almost every situation, poor her, she got the end of the stick in every life situation. Any accountability factor falls to the side- she finally has to tuck her tail between her legs and even then the guys cover for her so that her mom doesn’t know she’s back.

This girl is so dumb and her personality is so childish. If this was a movie she’d be the classic victim that immediately gets offed first. Probably running away topless because she can’t keep her pants on in nearly every scene and running with her vape in her hand puffing away. I don’t care about any other character enough in this book to make any other comments because I just can’t stand the Fmc so much that it eclipses everything else.

Aside from that there’s inconsistencies in the story that were dumb and nitpicky but still something an editor or alpha/beta team should’ve caught. I think there was mention at one point it was so cold they forgot to turn the heat on, but then later that day it was so hot and ppl are sweating and they go swimming in basically a muddy puddle. So is it summer? Fall? Spring? Who knows.. will I continue to read this dumpster fire series of FOUR books? Idk only if they’re free.
Profile Image for Lovedarkbooks .
153 reviews82 followers
November 3, 2025
One thing you can bank on with a Steph Macca book is; she'll have you gasping and left open mouthed at her cliffhanger endings!
'Pretty Savages' is no different.

I have to admit, I'm starting to like Asher 🤭 I feel hes redeeming himself 😄 but I'm rooting for Blake 🤭

Rylee continues to be an absolute spitfire. Hell hath no fury, where she's concerned, she'll do what she wants and noone will make her back down.
Rylee thought leaving home was the fresh start she needed. New town, new home, new job .. but the Taylor brother's are not quick to let their sis go and bite at every opportunity to bring her home, but she doesnt make it easy for them.

Definately felt this book was a bit more plot driven, prepping us (edging us 😄) for what's to come.

Taboo Step-brothers - check .. 3s a party right 😆
MC clubs - check
Vicious Games of truth or dare - check
Suspense and action - check

Can't deny the announced narration team aided my fast selection of this audio and they have not disappointed - they never do.
Michelle Sparks leads the narration from Rylee's POV, with Aaron Shedlock (Chuck), Anthony Palmini (Blake), Joe Arden (Asher) and Sean Masters (Zayn) as strong supporting narrators.

That final chapter from Ashers POV 😱

Biggest question is, what will become Rylee and will her stepbrothers make it on time? 😬
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,980 reviews62 followers
December 20, 2022
Pretty Savages - book 2 in the Lies We Keep series and it starts up right where book 1 ended. With Rylee (FMC) starting her new life away from her mother, Asher and the twins - Zayn & Blake. Only for outside influences and events to draw her back to her old life. As well as all of the complications that that brings. Action packed and steamy as hell this book definitely keeps you on your toes. Especially with that killer cliffhanger ending. I cant tell you how much i want to get my hands on book 3 now
Profile Image for Emily Burns.
294 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2025
Again IDK.

I keep reading right because I guess I’ve invested enough time but my gosh the filler 😩 I understand she has multiple partners but holy banana pants, it’s like every other chapter is just smut

I feel like there’s a good story here so I’ll keep reading. I didn’t think I realized it was a motorcycle club until like halfway through this book.

Let’s see what Rylee gets herself into in the next book lol
Profile Image for Fallon Story.
95 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2025
Book 2 of the series did not disappoint. We picked up right where we left off with Riley and chuck leaving town and starting fresh. Even though she plans on staying away life and friends bring her back home. We have more fuckery and games and unlocked feelings in this one as well. Really liked getting more of Blake in this book and finally had a sharing moment. The cliffhanger ending has me needing the next audio asap.
Profile Image for Courtney.
855 reviews
October 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was light most of the book, but that ending. What the fuck is Leo and the Norsemen's problem? They lost fair and square! Get over your ego, and move the fuck on. I really hope Rylee survives, and will be starting the next book immediately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Abbie.
434 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2025
I feel sorry on Rylee she is trying so hard to moveon and keeps being pulled back but goddammit girl stay away from wheels

I prefer the twins over Asher but they all have some redeeming qualities
Profile Image for Nicole Slater.
93 reviews10 followers
November 13, 2025
Ok this was good!!! I liked this and that cliff hanger just made the whole book!!! I love Zayn he’s my favourite!! And I can’t wait for book 3 to get all their POVs! Going straight in!! 🔥🔥
Profile Image for livblovesbooks.
254 reviews16 followers
March 22, 2023
As much as I loved this book, it only gets a 3 star. During this book we spend so much time with Rylee and Chuck that I was genuinely rooting for them and got attached. It was a bit weird to spend so much of the book with Rylee in a relationship with him, living in another town and not with the actual love interests that we are supposed to be reading about. Once Rylee moves back home, things start to get back on track and I really enjoyed how the relationship was starting to form deeper connections. BUT as soon as this happens, the book ends on a huge cliff hanger. I am very much looking forward to book three and hope it will focus more on their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
83 reviews51 followers
February 5, 2025
OMG THE Taylor brothers

Steph leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next thing to happen. I finished book 2 in a few hours on top book 3 and I can’t want!
Profile Image for Alexis Luck.
121 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2026
I liked this one too! So she leaves and starts a new life away from where she called home. But she’s not alone! I can’t believe he went with her! She’s settling in and gets a call and has to return to take care of some stuff. And guess who she runs into? And whose hand is he holding???? Maybe her reaction was a little much but what is a girl to do?? She ends up back home and learns to deal with her step brothers. Well at least as much as she can.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for JENNY.
33 reviews
January 22, 2023
Better, but not

I wouldn't call this dark by any means, maybe on a YA scale? Taboo, yes. Dark, not even close. I also read a lot of dark romances, but this falls flat which sucks because it has the potential of being great. I caught myself skimming when I realized the FMC was weak. Loathe weak FMCs.
Profile Image for Patricia Charlton.
963 reviews9 followers
January 11, 2024
Argghhh Rylee what are doing with those damn dares.

Before I discuss Rylee and her stupidity I have to say I absolutely love Phoebe, Con, Carmen, Jasmine, Jeremy, Chuck, Volts, Butch & V and at 46% in to this book I really wish Butch, Chuck & V and even Volts were the men she was with as she deserves men who adore and love her for who she is.
I also prefer books with the men’s pov and this series so far lacks this, I like to know what all of the main characters are thinking I tend to get bored from just the female pov.
Ok back to Rylee and her stupidity.
No no no I just can’t with Rylee at all right now she is not the strong woman I thought she was, and a man with a nice body and nice d**k who treats her like 💩 isn’t who she should be fawning over.
I loved her with Chuck and really thought he was going to be in the mix even though this is a RH with stepbrothers I really like Chuck.
Then with Zayn… just WTH 🤦🏼‍♀️
I actually like Zayn (so far) if I’m being honest as he doesn’t tell her lies and is quite flirty and fun and he doesn’t pretend he doesn’t actually want her but that coffee and dare game… WHY 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️
Absolutely NOT and I can’t believe she was dumb enough to play again, I get that pride is something she will die on a hill for but come on Rylee right now you’re actually acting like a dumb little girl who can’t control her god damn body for 5 minutes and that takes away from her strength for me as if she were the strong independent woman we are led to believe she is then why does she act so stupid around stupid egotistical men.
I think I like Blake so far after he came to warn her and was watching out for her however that pot brownie and bed incident just didn’t sit right with me and Blake was right to walk away.
I loved the Jenny part and the secrets she knows and getting her out their lives, however even after Blake warned her not to go to wheels because of the Norsemen she stupidly drove past there and automatically thought when she saw bikes it was the rebels.
How stupid does she have to be she could have called Butch from down the road to se did it was them and turned around if it was, she stupidly put herself in danger.
I did like the last chapter from Asher’s pov as I have said I like all the main parties pov, I’m still not loving him yet though as he still got himself a girlfriend and still cheated on that girlfriend and that’s not a good character trait.
Loved the ending and I hope Asher has hurt them but we will see what happens next.
Profile Image for Eleanor Butler.
440 reviews10 followers
November 5, 2025
Crazy chaotic fast paced story with a phenomenal cast of narrators who performed the heck out of this one as Steph Macca left us on a cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers!
Pretty Savage!


AUDIOBOOK REVIEW ARC🎧

Pretty Savages: A Dark Taboo Stepbrothers Reverse Harem Romance (The Lies We Keep - Book 2).
Author: Steph Macca

Performed in full cast Duet by
Michelle Sparks |Joe Arden | Anthony Palmini
Aaron Shedlock | Sean Masters

Story~5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice~4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Narrators~10/10🎧🎤📚

The games are never really over.

The Taylor Boys, Chuck and Rhylee story continues!

💭
She left running away from trouble, to stay out of trouble, but for a while she was contented with her new life with the hot biker, unfortunately Rylee happiness is short lived.
Returning home wasn’t an option but it hinges on her being able to stay out of trouble, meanwhile the playful Zayn manages to dare the complicated Asher to something that could easily break the seemingly good vibes they had going on.. while Blake the level headed one of the delinquent group tries to keep the peace.
But Rylee.. oh lordt…. She should be called trouble, because you won’t believe all that happened in this book.


Holy… Jaw on the floor…
Oh,Lordt… Rylee, seriously?



But Listennnnn 🎧
Michelle Sparks As Rylee, Joe Arden as Asher, Anthony Palmini as Blake, Sean Masters as Zayn and Aaron Shedlock as Chuck,

Oh my candy land of narrators!
These guys had me hooked from start to finish with their incredible performances!

Sighhhh, my heart and my head was caught up
In a deliciously wicked upheaval with this one!
The electrifying chemistry between Rylee and the guys, with danger lurking around every corner, it was an emotional, adrenaline-fueled audiobook you could have in your ears!

While Steph Macca… she brought a maddening suspense and infuriating romance to one dramatic edge of your seat cliffhanger.
Breath-taking, stunning, heartfelt, and utterly provocative, make sure you don’t miss this phenomenal, addictive audiobook…..
As the games aren’t even finished!

PLAY A GAME
WITH ME, SIS


IF YOU WIN, I'LL BUY
YOUR FREEDOM

AND IF I WIN....


Up next is Recklessly Damaged.

Can’t wait!

Check out below 👇🏽

VIBES IN PRETTY SAVAGES 🎧📚
🖤Step siblings
💄Bad Girl
🖤Dark Romance
🩷Betrayal
🖤Obsession
🩷Why choose
🖤Vicious Games Played
🩷Angst
🖤Spice
🩷Multi cast narrators
🖤Cliffhanger!!
Be sure to check your triggers*

A shout out to BNA and thank you for taking the time to read my review, ratings, Recs and ramblings!
Until next time
One Love 💕 one book at a time
Georgious 🦋
Profile Image for Medallio.
Author 5 books11 followers
July 26, 2023
Character analysis:
Rylee: Still selfish and bratty. Still wants her freedom, but ends up back in her family home. I don't see her as strong. I think her smart mouth and "I don't care attitude" is just a coping mechanism.

Asher: Still arrogant and an a-hole. Spineless too and taking the route that most arrogant men do in romances where they've made a decision for the FMC without telling her, and say that he's only protecting her. It's an overused trope.

Zayn: Playful, loves a good game, desires to get what he wants no matter what. He's definitely one of my favorites.

Blake: Comes across cold but we get a more humanized version of him when he starts to show how he feels for Rylee

Pros: Loved that we got some scenes with Chuck, but I really don't think he'll be a part of the harem. Still short inner monologues and what we get progresses the story. We get to see Rylee when she goes out on her own and watch her grow in herself. Phoebe's wedding was a nice change for the story even though there was a wedding crasher that wasn't necessary at all. The guys are showing growth. The Norsemen are annoying, but they're keeping up some kind of conflict in Rylee's world.

Cons: We're introduced to a lot of characters like Rylee's coworkers/boss, and roommates. They just disappear from her life when Rylee has to move back home. Maybe they'll be in the next book. The storyline with Jenny blackmailing Asher is ridiculous. How would the information of what Asher and Rylee did shine negatively on Jenny? Didn't make any sense to me and it was resolved super fast. There is a chapter in Asher's point of view and it didn't tell us anything new, didn't give any awe inspiring information. It was a recap of the previous chapter. TYPOS, POOR SENTENCE STRUCTURE, MISSING PUNCTUATION! LACK OF CONTINUITY! Missed opportunities for really interesting plot points.

Note to author:
It is hard work writing a book (especially a series), I'm an author myself (YOUNG BLOOD). There is software out there that is free that allows you to keep notes about plot, character analysis, etc. If you're working on double monitors or double screens then you can compare multiple versions of your book to another. Try going back after you've written the book and just do a continuity check! Do a search on specific words. HIRE A GOOD EDITOR and keep them on retainer.

This book was a bit lackluster, but I'm going to keep reading.
Profile Image for ✨✨ Claire✨✨.
1,133 reviews60 followers
July 25, 2023
Poor Rylee! She seems to attract trouble and bad luck like she's a magnet for it.

We start this one with her finally beginning anew in her new town, with Chuck along for the ride in a house share with great housemates and a new bar job she was born for.

But of course it is anything but smooth sailing for our girl....

We watch as each positive brick is knocked out from under her, like someone was watching her life and just had to mess with it.

She ends up right back where she started. At the house with her 3 stepbrothers, but luckily her parents now stay at the ranch so as far as she knows they don't know she's there.

The relationship between the 4 is so frought with chemistry and electric it's just like - drop a match.. the whole house would explode.

Asher was being blackmailed by Jenny so he's trapped in a pointless couple with her.... Until Rylee comes back with years of ex best friend secrets that she threatens to let loose if she doesn't free him......
He still holds on to the fact he loves Rylee....

Zayn is like a lab puppy! Full of energy, always has his nose in something and always always ALWAYS upto Mischief. But he seems to have his eye on Rylee.

As for Blake... He's the cool as a cucumber that hasn't been cracked yet. Just waiting.... Interesting to see what happens with the biking side to the twins

As if that's not enough she's been banned from going to wheels as the sore biker loser that lost to her at poker has it out for her - or is using her as a scapegoat. Either way, the bikers are about to enter a turfwar and they warned her to keep away to keep her safe.

She does. But on a drive one morning she drives around to where phoebe got married and ends up at the park rest stop that the bikers happened to use as a stop when on a run. She was recognised and things go downhill in a very bad way.....

I'm not sure where this series is going to end! Rylee is very comfortable with her Sexuality and I'm hoping she ends up with the 3 stepbrothers but I don't know. I we know she has a soft spot for Chuck... And what would their mum and dad say?

Another well written episode! This one really made you feel for poor Rylee. Things genuinely just keep happening to her - in a negative way. There's nothing she can do to avoid the things going wrong.

I'm speeding straight on to book 3...and I'm really hoping book 4 has been written!!!!! 🤞🙈🤣🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,681 reviews966 followers
November 9, 2025
3.5 stars

Steph Macca left us with another jaw-dropping cliffhangers in Pretty Savages. This second book in the Lies We Keep series picks up right where book 1 left off, with Rylee trying to start fresh in a new town, only to be pulled back into the chaos of her old life. The Taylor brothers, particularly Asher, Zayn, and Blake — have a way of complicating everything, and Rylee’s independence only seems to spark more trouble.

While the first book focused heavily on Rylee’s relationships, Pretty Savages dives deeper into the plot, cranking up the tension, taboo drama, and steamy chemistry. With stepbrother love triangles, MC clubs, and twisted games of truth or dare, the action never slows. The suspense is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever, especially with that heart-stopping cliffhanger ending. Rylee’s complicated love life (Chuck vs. the stepbrothers) takes center stage, and let’s just say, I’m still not sure who I’m rooting for, but the story’s definitely keeping me on my toes.

I do often find myself frustrated in the 2nd book of a RH series, particularly when the "harem" is not defined and the heroine starts to do stupid-girl stuff. We've unfortunately got some of that here. Not listening to common sense, being stubborn to be stubborn. And, if you're more black-and-white when it comes to relationship rules, you might not like Rylee's bed hopping choices here. I know this is part of building the ultimate harem (or at least I hope so), so it bothered me less. The plot twists, the intense chemistry, and the unraveling relationships have me hooked. With secrets around every corner and so much still unknown, I can’t wait to dive into the next book, especially after that cliffhanger. And hoping Rylee gets her act together.

The audio though is FANTASTIC. The full-cast audiobook is the perfect companion to this high-stakes drama. Michelle Sparks is spot on as Rylee, capturing her sassy, yet vulnerable side. Aaron Shedlock as Chuck continues to shine, and Joe Arden is perfect as Asher. His emotional depth in the final chapter made me feel everything. Add Sean Masters as Zayn with his playful dominance and Anthony Palmini as the brooding Blake, and this audiobook is a must-listen. I mean I'll worship anything with Sean Masters, I only wish we had even more of him.
Profile Image for Letty Garza.
189 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2025
Pretty Savages by Steph Macca is pure, chaotic brilliance. The kind of dark, taboo, can’t-look-away story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. This book is wild. I mean WILD. We pick up right where Vicious Games left off, and things only get messier, steamier, and more addictive from here.

Rylee has tried to start over, running from the heartbreak and twisted connections she left behind. But the pull of her past and the people in it refuses to let her go. Between family drama, MC secrets, forbidden love, and enough tension to set your headphones on fire, this story is pure delicious chaos. It’s messy, it’s emotional, it’s jaw-dropping… and I loved every second of it.

And once again, the full-cast duet performance is phenomenal. Michelle Sparks absolutely owns Rylee… fiery, dramatic, sassy, and vulnerable in all the right moments. Joe Arden brings Asher’s intensity and inner conflict to life, balancing love and frustration in a way that feels so raw. Sean Masters as Zayn is all charm and trouble, effortlessly pulling you in with that playful tone. Anthony Palmini nails Blake’s colder, guarded edge while still revealing the layers beneath. And Aaron Shedlock shines as Chuck the warmth, the sincerity, the heartbreak. Every single narrator delivers, and together they turn this dark, twisted story into a cinematic listening experience.

If you loved Vicious Games, Pretty Savages cranks the chaos, tension, and spice up even higher. It’s taboo, dramatic, emotional, and completely unputdownable. The Lies We Keep series is quickly becoming my latest obsession and after this one, I’m all in for whatever wild ride comes next.
Profile Image for Alannah McSorley.
54 reviews
December 5, 2025
Disclaimer : I will always love Steph Macca so this review will not be against her as a person.. just more how my brain works. Secondly.. honest opinion inbound.

I have been a fan of Steph Macca since I accidentally stumbled upon her Dancing With My Demons series. Then when The Lies We Keep came out into audible I was like woop woop Christmas came early!

I think I liked the first book because it was just a big game. It was a whole thing of Dares and having to complete them no matter how taboo they were.

This book, I struggled with (again not because of steph’s writing but because of my own childhood trauma).

I am struggling to connect with Rylee as a character. I get it, she is young, she is traumatised from losing her dad and being in that car accident. But.. she drinks so much and then when he best friend is going through a trauma of her own she is causing chaos in her life, where her best friend is putting Rylee before herself.

We all need a best friend like Pheobe !

I think Rylee needs to go to AA.. but again. This isn’t hatred towards Steph, so Steph if you ever read this. I love your writing.. this is just my own trauma that causes me to struggle to connect to the character.

The twins Blake and Zayn are so different and I think they are fantastic! One is so much fun, the other more serious and logical thinking.

I cannot wait for book 3 to be released on the 9th of December, because I will still listen. Because of one character, it doesn’t take away from the story telling which is fantastic !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Eliza.
226 reviews8 followers
November 6, 2025
Audiobook 5 ⭐️
Spice 1 🌶️
Story 3.5 ⭐️

Pretty Savages by Steph Macca is the second book in The Lies We Keep trilogy. The narrators for this book nailed their performances.
Michelle Sparks has imbued Rylee with her voice bringing out her stubbornness and vulnerabilities. I do hope her arc will kick in soon as she is still pretty immature and a very typical FMC for a dark RH romance.
Chuck played by Aaron Shedlock is so far one of my favourite characters, he is interesting and mysterious but the way Aaron portrayed him is just pure perfection.
Joe Aden performs Asher, the stepbrother, while I loved Asher in book 1 (most of the time ), Joe is a master of performing on the characters emotions. Asher in this book is very linear and I hope he will get to grow and become the guy I can see him to be.
Anthony Palmini as Blake is the MVP of this entire book, breaking away from the mold and creating an unexpected narrative. He is authentic, original, and very well written. Anthony has taken his personality and performance to another level with this narrative and was absolutely phenomenal.
Sean Master, the growling daddy, performed Zayn with so much passion. I do love Zayn, he is that funny and fun guy that is perfect in a group of dark broody men.
I really can’t wait to see where this story goes and how the characters will evolve.
The Blue Nose Audio team is absolutely brilliant in creating this duet and editing it to flawlessly!
Profile Image for Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) .
1,173 reviews50 followers
November 6, 2025
Pretty Savages by Steph Macca
The Lies We Keep, Book 2
4 book series
Narrated in duet with a full Cast including: Michelle Sparks,Joe Arden. Anthony Palimony, Aaron Sherlock and Sean Masters.

These books have one continuous timeline and need to be read in order. So I do not give spoilers I am just goin to give a few items of why I enjoyed the story. It leaves on a cliffy but if you are reading a paperback or ebook, you can dive right into book 3. The audio is being rapid released so you will not have to wait to long for that one either. The relationships in the book are a bit unhinged but that is what makes this book fun. Chuck.......I will be mad if he isn't a part of this anymore. I loved him. I loved that Blake found a new found family at the bar and hope to see more of them....the rest...well you will just have to read to find out.

Like the first book, I listened to this on audiobook and am always surprised by how good these narrators are. Their range and ability to switch from good to bad, scary to nice, or sweet to naughty....well you get the point. THEY ARE TALENTED and PHENOMENAL! They can all do crazy like no other! And if you love audio, I highly suggest reading the book this way.
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