Lie to Me

Redemption #1

by Chloe Cox

The man who saved her is also the man who destroyed her… or is he?

Seven years ago, I decided I wanted to be a fighter. Marcus Roma showed me how.

Six years ago, my parents died in a car accident. Marcus Roma picked me up off the ground and held me until I could stand on my own two feet.

Five years ago, I fell in love with him.

And then Marcus Roma disappeared. No warning. No explanation. Just gone.

Yesterday, he came back.

And now I have to decide who’s telling the truth, and who’s lying. Who wants something from me, and who wants…

Me.

If I guess wrong, I could lose everything. I need to think clearly. But Marcus makes that impossible. Marcus makes me weak. Marcus makes me want, in a way I’ve never felt before.

Marcus Roma will make me fall. The only question is—will he be there to catch me this time?

LIE TO ME is a new adult / adult contemporary romance novel about truth, lies, and redemption. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Erotica, Realistic Fiction

255 pages, ebook

First published November 3, 2013

About the author

I have an overactive imagination and too much time on my hands, and the result is...well, lots of books! Which is probably better than the alternative. ;)

I love writing steamy and erotic romances, some dark, some light, but always about something that moves me. And, because I'm totally a sucker, love tends to win out. Everyone deserves a happy ending. :)

My contemporary BDSM erotic romance series, Club Volare, has hit the genre bestseller charts on Amazon a few times, which is just awesome. Right now there are two books, Sold to the Sheikh and Tied to the Tycoon, with a third, Disciplined by the Dom, due in February 2013. And I've also got this paranormal series in the very beginning stages of development that I'm super excited about. When I'm not writing those, I'm gonna be reading -- if you've got any good recs, send them my way!

And if you want to hear about those new releases when they come out, you can sign up for my New Releases list here (I *only* use it for that; I hate spam so much!).

Lots of love, and happy reading!!
x Chloe

Reviews

[Elizabeth (Liz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lie To Me was a breath of fresh air in the New Adult/Contemporary Romance genres!! This story had a legitimate city vibe to it, which I totally fell for. The characters were fully fleshed out and explored. They were fascinating, relatable and likable. They had sexual chemistry that just wouldn’t quit! The emotion was real and honest, and yet it wasn’t so overdone that it ripped my heart to shreds and then proceed to riverdance on the remains! All of this was done by Chloe Cox with a truly unique ‘voice’ and style, which made this book pop, sizzle and REALLY stand out!!

Readers may be familiar with this author from her USA Today Bestselling Club Volare series, which is erotic romance and BDSM-lite. From the beginning, I knew this NA/Contemporary Romance series was going to be a big departure for her, and I could feel that it would take her way outside of her comfort zone. That’s part of the reason I’m so excited to share with everyone that Chloe Cox TOTALLY nailed this book in every major way! I absolutely love, love, love watching—witnessing—an author stretch her (or his) talent and try something new. For me, it’s how I know real talent and ability versus luck. Those readers who love this author’s erotic series, please give this new series a try as well. I think you’ll still find that it’s super sexy, but it’s also so much more than that!

Lie To Me was told both in the past and present, and I really admired the way that Chloe Cox handled this. The scenes from the past helped to build and form the foundation of Marcus and Harlow’s relationship in the present, without question. Those scenes provided needed depth and richness to both the characters and the storyline. It truly brought Marcus and Harlow to life. And, frankly, I just flat-out loved reading about their youth.

Time passed, as is its nature, and Marcus and Harlow were separated for years. That brought the story to the present, and Marcus reappearing in Harlow’s life. The big, immediate question for Harlow was why. Why had Marcus suddenly reappeared? Truthfully, and of far more important consequence, the real question that needed to be asked was why Marcus had left in the first place. The story finds its stride with both characters trying to avoid asking and answering that question, and then, finally, Marcus and Harlow laying themselves bare to one another.

Lie To Me grabbed me immediately, from the first page. There’s simply something unforgettable about Chloe Cox’s style. That ‘voice’ of hers definitely stands out among all of the New Adult stories and authors flooding the marketplace. I can’t wait to see what she does and where she goes with book number two!!

5 Stars!


*Review posted on blog in November for author's blog tour*

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can honestly say that Lie to Me had me right from the start and held me captive until the last page. The story begins in the present tense, with flashbacks of Harlow and Marcus’ past woven within the story. Told in alternating POV’s between Harlow and Marcus, I was taken on an emotionally charged and achingly hard journey.

Harlow Chase was out looking for a new job when she suddenly sees a man from her past, Marcus Roma--her first love and the man who shattered her heart. Harlow met Marcus at the gym seven years ago, where she talked him into training her to box which led to them becoming very close friends. Her parents died a year later and Marcus was the one who helped her through her heartbreaking grief. Marcus did everything possible to make sure both Harlow and her brother, Dill, were taken care of and, during this time, their feelings grew stronger and eventually they confessed their feelings of love towards one another. But then, out of the blue, Marcus picks up and leaves Harlow behind with no warning and no explanation, even though he had his reasons – reasons he was forbidden to tell Harlow. When he left, he went to work for Alex Wolfe, his godfather. Marcus did Alex’s dirty work as a fixer, who fixed problems for Alex, legally or illegally, it didn’t matter as long as the problem was fixed.

Lost without Marcus, Harlow does some regretful, self-destructive things during the five years he was gone. Her world was shattered when he left, but Harlow finds a way to move on with her life, even though she never truly got over Marcus. Seeing him again brought back bittersweet memories from before and it still makes her angry and resentful that he abandoned her. Harlow’s feelings for Marcus are incredibly confusing and complicated. She hates him, but she loves him at the same time.

“This is the man who broke me. This is the man who kept me going during the darkest time of my life and then disappeared. This is the man who made me. And I hate him.” - Harlow

Harlow doesn’t know why Marcus left, but she suspects he’s back in town because of Alex Wolfe, the man behind the development that is tearing down her old neighborhood and causing her problems. This puts Marcus in a situation where he must make a choice between Alex Wolfe, the man he feels like he owes, or Harlow, the woman he never stopped loving and would do anything for. The choice has never been clearer. Harlow has always owned his heart. Now he must find a way to gain Harlow’s trust again without revealing why he left. There are consequences if Marcus tells the truth. So, he must find a way to prove to Harlow that she’s always been the most important thing in his life and make things right between them again.

I love beautifully damaged men, which is why Marcus captured my heart right away. I love how relentless he was in his pursuit to win Harlow back. The boy Harlow once knew is no more. He’s now a man who has come back edgier, darker, rougher, bigger, and sexier. Marcus is a force to be reckoned with and doesn’t take no for an answer. The things Marcus does for Harlow and the things he says to her… it was no wonder Harlow found herself weakening around him. Marcus has always been Harlow’s kryptonite. But she’s still very angry and frustrated with him and with the fiery chemistry between them, this led to some very passionate and intense sex scenes. Yet, even though she gave her body to him, she still wants the truth before she can give all of herself. Because if he leaves her again, she’s scared she won’t survive the second time around. So, before they can be happy together, they have a lot of things to air out and get past. There are some soul bearing scenes between these two that absolutely slayed me.

“Jesus. So. Fucking. Beautiful.
My world goes from black and white to color, from dead and dull to alive and intense. It’s almost too much, like my entire nervous system clicks on at once, every never firing at maximum capacity, telling me to get the hell over there and claim her.” - Marcus

What I loved the most about Lie to Me is how very intriguing this book is as the story slowly unfolds, which managed to evoke a massive amount of raw emotions inside me. It was easy to become fully invested in Harlow and Marcus’s love story; one full of love, regret, loss, redemption, and forgiveness. What they go through over the years was sad and painful yet beautiful and passionate at the same time. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I’m super stoked to read the next story in Chloe Cox’s Redemption series.

Rating: B+
Heat: Hot

-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review


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[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I don’t think I have ever, and I truly mean ever, felt the kind of love and passion between two characters like I did in Lie To Me. It was overwhelming and raw and so beautiful.

Harlow loves Marcus, she really really loves him. He means everything to her. He is all that she has left after the loss of her parents and is the only one that is able to pull her through her sorrow. Marcus loves Harlow, she makes him a better person, she grounds him and makes him whole. Ignored by his mother and hated by his father, Harlow and his boxing are the only good things in his life. They love each other with everything they have but one day, with no warning POOF, Marcus leaves her. No explanation, no goodbye, just gone. Harlow is devastated and angry and sad and confused but she still loves him.

Five years later Marcus is back and Harlow is still angry, sad and confused but she also still loves him and he still loves her and I love them and this book.

“Something about his eyes and remembered, tender touch unlocks something inside me. I feel my own eyes water, and I know it’s a lost cause. I know. Now I know. I am his. Not just my body. All of Me. I have always been his. I will always be his.”

There is more to the plot – drama, secrets and lies, hot sex and at some points the direction the story took was fairly predictable- but honestly this book was all about the emotional connection for me.

The memories and back story of Harolw and Marcus were such a huge part of the book and that is what I loved the most. I loved getting to know them and seeing where they started and how there love grew. The heartache Harlow went through at the loss of her parents, her fears over now losing her younger brother Dill had me feeling the same thing. The way Marcus comforted her and took care of her just did something to my heart that I can’t even explain.

This was the first Chloe Cox book I have read and she definitely has a new fan. I highly recommend you all give Lie To Me a try, your won’t be disappointed <3

“He makes me feel safe. And I make him whole. And together, we’re finally what we’re meant to be.”

[Fab Fun & Tantalizing Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED Lie to Me by Chloe Cox. I laid in bed all day on Sunday and didn’t put this down. The story telling truly put me under a spell, trying to predict the outcome, but not wanting to reach it. It’s the story of two broken people and the only person left that truly loves them is each other, even if one of them is in denial.

...I run away from it as fast as I can, like it’s a deadly siren’s call, like it represents a black pit of emotional fuckery from which I just know I will never emerge. - Harlow

From the first chapter, meeting Harlow (Lo) I knew I was going to love it, and as I devoured the pages until I reached the final page, there was no doubt about it, I did. I really really did.

“You are my everything. You’re the reason I learned how to laugh. You’re the reason I learned how to be strong. You’re the reason I learned how to be good. I am who I am because I found you. Because you let me love you.” - Marcus

Lie to Me is told in dual pov – which is one of my favorite things EVER – hearing events from both sides. It wasn’t at all boring or repetitive for me. I adored the characters, the descriptions, the writing style that kept me captivated and gradually led me to discover their past. How they met. What went wrong. Why it went wrong. And if it could ever be fixed…

This is the man who broke me. This is the man who kept me going during the darkest time of my life and then disappeared.
This is the man who made me.
And I hate him. - Harlow

Throughout the pages we meet Harlow Chase and Marcus Roma. This pair had been through a lot during their friendship, until one day the unthinkable happened. Marcus disappeared for 5 long years, and left Lo hurt, angry, disappointed, broken, lonely and insecure.

My heart is thudding against my ribcage, each beat threatening to crack the thin veneer of stability I have erected around me and let it all out: all the tears, the heartbreak, the grief. The loneliness. The lust. - Harlow

When Marcus appears one day out of the blue her internal struggle begins. To lust? To love? To forgive? To trust her last remaining tie to her parents to the one with the power to take it away? He has a huge task ahead of him and I’m not just talking about preventing the redevelopment.

Jesus.
So. Fucking. Beautiful.
My world goes from black and white to color, from dead and dull to alive and intense. It’s almost too much, like my entire nervous system clicks on at once, every never firing at maximum capacity, telling me to get the hell over there and claim her. - Marcus

Both Lo and Marcus battled their own ups and downs and harbor their own secrets from their time apart. Can Marcus get back the girl he can’t live without? And can Lo forgive Marcus for deserting her even though he’s the only one to have ever made her feel loved and safe?

For a second I’m her again. I’m feeling what she feels. I feel warm and happy and light, the grief peeling off me in waves, leaving only relief behind. I feel happy, and I feel safe. Just for a second. It’s like looking through a window on a beautiful day. - Harlow

Let me tell you about the sizzling chemistry. Wowza, these two have lust crackling in the air surrounding them. I could feel Lo’s need oozing from the pages.

The physicality of this man, and my attraction to him, removes all sense from my brain. I feel like a zombie, or like I’m hypnotized... - Harlow

Pick up Lie to Me to discover family secrets, sexy times, heartbreak, determination and buckletloads of swoooonworthy moments that have you rooting for this family. Decisions will need to be made. Only time will tell if blood is thicker than water. Fall in love with Harlow, Dill and Marcus today.

He’s kissing me like he’s dying, like he’s been lost at sea and now by some miracle he’s been found. - Harlow

“Lie to me.”
“This story didn’t make my heart sore, or have me giggling, it didn’t make my eyes leak and it certainly didn’t have me rooting for every character.”
That was a lie ♥

Bravo Ms Cox...

[Maria11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Cox knocks it out of the ballpark again. She gets better everytime! It dragged a little at the start but then it jumped right in. Interesting twists and of course HOT loving!

[Kassi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flounced. I really hate to do this because I actually do like the storyline, but I couldn't overlook the writing style. I hate the fact that the author writes in first person narrative like a journal entry and her over usage of "You."It bugs me like crazy because it was hard to connect to the characters when you're continuously getting asked rhetorical questions. Also, there would be times when the characters would go off on a long tangent of a "flashback," cutting off the present scene and when the flashback is done,,,,I'm left asking myself "so what occurred before the flashback?" because it was THAT long. It would have read better if the author devoted a "past" chapter to a significant flashback.

Even though I couldn't finish this book, I am still going to look for spoilers to see how the story unfolds. It's just too bad that I wasn't digging the writing style!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 years ago, Marcus walked out of Harlows life. No explanations, no goodbye.
Harlow has been dealing with the fall out since. How can the one person who was her sole strength through her most hardest time, just walk out.

Marcus was her rock, and bought her back from the dark place her life was heading. 5 Years on the one man who saved her, has the power to destroy her just by being back.

Marcus left to save the one thing that was real in his life, Harlow.



“Some decisions haunt you, even if it was the only decision you could make at the time.”



Now he is back, not ready to face the questions of what he had to do. But to fight for his only real again. He is determined to have her back while save her at the same time.


Harlow finds herself between struggling to trust Marcus and feeling the intense pull they have with each other. He is the only man who has held her heart. But trusting him again, falling too far again could ultimately break her.


“I have always been his. I will always be his.”


While Harlow fights their chemistry and Marcus tries to hide the truth, can they find a happy ending? Can Harlow trust Marcus to not destroy her again?




“I am who I am because I found you. Because you let me love you."


I did enjoy this book, I sank into it really easily at first. I was definitely loving the first couple of chapters. However I must admit, I did get frustrated with some of details constantly repeated, but maybe that was mood at the time. I found myself skimming when Marcus would rehash the same scene as what we just read in Harlow's POV. I found for me it took away from the experience. I can't really explain as normally I would really enjoy details. It did take away from being a 5 star read.
There are some squirm worthy sex scenes, a bit of mystery and danger. This is a book about second chances and about forgiveness and redemption.


4 Stars

Buy it
Read it
Love it

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so I really tried to read this book but I just couldn't get into it. I almost always give the books I read 5 stars because they're that amazing but I felt as if I was forcing myself to continue reading. I know it has a powerful story line and I really would love to know what led Marcus to leave without saying anything but I just can't seem to enjoy this book. I was hooked by the synopsis and instantly wanted to read it but once I started, I just felt like the story dragged.
I stopped at 27% and will read the spoilers to find out the story about their love.

[Jennie Wurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to say that I received the ARC in exchange for an honest review and I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity.
I am a Chloe Cox fan; her Club Volare series is one I love, so I was pretty sure I was going to love this new book as well. Lie To Me is different from her others. It is NA/Contemporary; it is NOT Erotica at all. This is one of the reasons I really enjoyed the story. We met Harlow Chase briefly in Savage Rhythm, and I could not have imagined a better story to be written for her. Marcus is her first love, her first everything but he left her without explanation, without reason five years ago. Now he's back in her life and while she fights her feelings at first, Harlow quickly realizes she cannot live her life without Marcus being a part of it. The chemistry they have between them is so incredible, so deep. And I don't just mean physically, although yes, there is sex and it is hot, I mean emotionally, spiritually, they have chemistry that ignites their souls. They are as connected as two people can ever hope to be, their love for each other is just that strong. I just finished this book about ten minutes ago and I still have tears on my face, which were there for about the last 15% on my Kindle, as well as several times throughout the story.
Lie To Me is told through both Harlow and Marcus's points of view. This gives the reader insight into each of their minds, allowing the reader to learn about their deepest thoughts and fears, as well as secrets they are keeping from each other. There are feelings and emotions that are so strong and so scary for both of them that they have chosen to keep them locked inside for as long as they can. As the story unfolds, we begin to understand why there are secrets and why at one time or another they just could not be revealed, until now. This is what I really loved about this book. Harlow and Marcus spend a great deal of time reflecting on the past in their thoughts; this is how the reader learns all about their relationship, from the very beginning. Through flashbacks and memories, Harlow and Marcus share with us their joy, their pain, their laughter, their tears and most importantly their love and commitment to each other. The depth of their feelings, their greatest fears. It's all there in the story and so the reader is taken on quite an emotional ride. There is humor, there is angst, there is sadness, there is anger and finally there is joy and happiness where two characters thought there might never be again. I am not a lover of angst, although I know it almost always is necessary in some form or another, and in this case there was a lot of it at one point in the story and I came close to slamming my Kindle down and walking away; I wasn't sure if I could handle what I thought was coming. But instead, I took a few deep breaths and just kept going, and I made it through pretty much unscathed. And I sure am glad that I did because on the other side of that angst I found the joy and the HEA I was looking for. These two characters both had incredible challenges to overcome, and huge life-changing decisions to make at a young age. They had to go with what they felt was best at a time when they didn't quite fully understand the consequences. But that is what made them who they are. They both acted selflessly, although at times felt they were being selfish in how they went about their lives.
At first as I was reading this book, I kept thinking that something was missing. I was interested in the story but it hadn't yet grabbed me to a point where I couldn't put it down, which is something I of course always hope for. What I thought was missing was dialogue. There was some but for me at first I thought there just wasn't enough. Then as I continued to read and really got into their minds, I realized the dialogue was actually perfect. They had so much intensity of emotions going through their heads, so much worry and fear, that they didn't spend a lot of time bantering back and forth. At times they just needed to feel close, to hold each other without talking or even saying a word. And that was just perfect.
I really enjoyed this book and I thank Chloe Cox for giving us these wonderful, caring, and loving characters. I hope to read more about them in the next book, and see how their life has turned out. Highly recommend this love story.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lie To Me

I received this ARC for an honest review and here it is folks. When I was reading one of Chloe Cox’s previous books “Savage Rhythm” I remember thinking first of all that this woman could write some hot stuff and she really knew how speak to a woman’s heart (and fantasies). Secondly, I was shocked that an older woman (like me) could really enjoy a book about a rocker involved in the Dom/sub world and I was pulled in and wanted more.
Enter “Lie To Me” (the story of Harlow from Savage Rhythm) and right from the start understand that this is NOT a BDSM book but a VERY different kind of love story and seriously one of THE best things I have read in a while. I was smitten from the first few pages when Harlow Chase runs into Marcus Roma…the love of her life who walked away without an explanation 5 years ago. From that point forward we are caught up in a devastating but passionate love story filled with mystery and deception as Harlow tries to stay away from the one man who can both break and save her, while he fights to re-claim her trust and the love they once shared.
Harlow is struggling to take care of and raise her brother Dill while dealing with pressures from a man named Alex Wolfe whose motives and relationship to her and Marcus we find out later in the book.
The story is told from both POV’s alternating between the past and present; both Harlow and Marcus revealing the tragedies and losses they each suffered in their pasts and the fight they now face headlong together to find a much deserved future together.

“No matter how angry she is at me, no matter how much I deserve it, it won’t change how we feel together.” ~ Marcus~
This pretty much sums up what motivates Marcus to keep trying to make Harlow understand why no matter what he is keeping from her, it will never change the enduring love they feel even after a 5 year separation.

“I want to know I can have him, but that I don’t need him.” ~Harlow~
Harlow meanwhile throughout the whole book faces this universal struggle that many women face…that feeling of wanting someone SO much it hurts like hell, but never letting them know you might actually really NEED them because that makes you weak and vulnerable.

I will admit, I cry a lot in movies and sometimes, a book might make me tear up or get a lump in my throat. I honestly think I might have sobbed a little...ok a lot...from about a third of the way in until a part of the book that starts in the kitchen and moves (after an intense scene) to the bedroom. I do not want to post any real spoilers here except to say that Lie to Me really rocked my world at this point and the next few chapters were so beautifully written that I had to stop for a minute and catch my breath. THIS book is what makes reading about family and relationships and deep, everlasting love worth every moment spent between the pages. Her descriptions about what a real panic attack feels like told from Harlow’s POV were dead on and the inner dialogue about how it feels to be so fragile that you almost want (need) to die to make it go away, were heartbreaking.
This book is able to be read on its own without having read Savage Rhythm…no cliffhanger and for that I am thankful…although there is room for more stories about some of the other characters in the book.
I was so honored to get the chance to experience this story and am astounded at the wonderful new direction Cox’s writing has taken. If I could give this more than **5** stars…I would. Enjoy =)

[BookWhore - The Book Vamps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe Cox's Lie to Me is the perfect blend of angst, misunderstanding, doubt, trust, and above all, love. Meet Harlow. At about 23 years old, Harlow has had life throw her a couple of sucker punches and she still manages get back up, if not stay standing; all part and parcel to the swoon-worthy ass-kicking Marcus Roma including half of the sucker punches.

Harlow has spent the last 5 years trying to move on from Marcus' unexpected and unexplained departure while trying to raise her genius 11 year old brother, Dill. Having buried her parents six years earlier, she's all the family Dill has and she works her ass of to give him the life he deserves…then one rainy day, as if a mirage, Marcus is there...and she runs. When Marcus left he, thoroughly wrecked and ruined her. Yet, she can't trust the feelings that he stirs up in her. So she runs.

This time Marcus chases. Making himself a fixture in her life, Marcus is determined to prove to Lo that he never forgot about her, never stopped loving her. Even if it means taking on some connected people. Even if it means taking on his dad. He can't tell her why he left. Not if he wants to keep her safe.

OMG...I feel like I can relate to Lo a lot.

Let me be clear: I think of myself as a rational person, albeit one sometimes beset by irrational feelings. ~ Harlow

No, shit. That sums me up perfectly. And I loved how their stories unfolded and how Lo was all woman with weaknesses and strengths one could respect. She was real. She was admirable. She fights for what she believes in, she is an amazing mom figure while still playing big sister, and she's damaged. Hell can't begin to describe the life she experienced when Marcus disappeared. She wasn't the fighter she was with him. Maybe because of him. I'd definitely consider her a modern day superhero damsel in distress. :D That makes me smile.

And of course, her knight-in-not-so-shining armor is Marcus, even if she can't see that yet. He's living through hell discovering just how badly leaving Harlow with no explanation affected her. It's painful to see his guilt, and I just knew the reason was going to be a good one. I knew it. Getting there was a good read and I found myself reading into the wee hours just to finish it. At one point, Kelley texted me and asked how I was liking the book. I explained:

I think I really like it...I mean, I do, so far. I just feel like a lot is riding on the ending. I'm either going to be sporting a shit-eating grin or be ready to choke someone.

The verdict is out. I had a shit-eating grin for hours after finishing Lie To Me. I can say that I would re-read this book. Amongst everything else, their sex scenes were deliciously angsty. I love the push and pull when it comes to sex and the fight between brain and body.

Lie to me. Tell me this book is good.

Don't have to...this book was awesome!

[CeCe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

“It’s been five years since he dropped out of my life with no warning, no real explanation, five years since he just left.”

Where do I start with this review???
I loved it. I loved the characters, I loved the story, I loved the romance.

“Lie to me.”

The characters say “lie to me” when they want the other to tell them the opposite to help them get over their fear or concerns. I loved those scenes.

“Lie to me. Tell me I won’t have to love you for the rest of my life.”

The intimate scenes were intense and hot, but it was not about sex. You felt the connection. You felt the need.

Marcus Roma left Harlow 5 years ago without an explanation. Suddenly he shows up and he wants Harlow back. But there is a reason he left Harlow 5 years ago and that reason *sigh* can I just tell you I could not love Marcus more. That man. And Harlow…how could she trust and take back the man that left her without a word five years ago when she needed him most. When she finally got custody of her brother after her parents died? Life had not been easy for Harlow in those five years that Marcus was absent. But Marcus was a man who knew what he wanted and did everything to get it. He was going to fight to get back what he lost all those years ago. So protective, so alpha; I loved that man. I did not want to miss one word written in the story. The flashbacks were told at a perfect pace from the characters. I felt like the author truly thought out the story, the plot and the characters. There were no dull moments in the story.

I never read anything by Chloe Cox before. WOW. Her writing blew me away. I noticed more and more it is hard for authors to pull of the whole dual POVs in books. Sometimes when authors write dual POVs, there is no suspense; the story loses its intensity. Not in this book. Chloe Cox does an AMAZING job. She switched the POVs at a perfect pace.

“Nothing will ever be as beautiful as you, like this.”

When I started this book, I could not put it down and when I was “forced” to put it down, I thought about the characters. It was beautiful, it was sad, it was everything. Marcus was so protective and loving and Harlow was everything I love in a heroine; loving, caring, protective, unselfish…a good person.

“I wish to God it wasn’t you.”

I am finishing this review and looking up the next Chloe Cox book I am going to read. Loved this one. Highly recommend to everyone who loves a great love story.

P.S. I can’t wait for Brison’s story.

[J Kiwibooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Courtesy of Author*

Firstly a huge thank you to Chloe Cox for a copy of her latest book.... You Rock!!

Secondly I have loved all her previous books, but can I just say that she has simply outdone herself this time. This is without a doubt her best book yet and that is saying something.

The story of Marcus and Harlow is so beautifully told, that you cannot help but feel their heartache and emotions throughout the book.

We first met Harlow in Savage Rhythm (Club Volare book 6) when she lent Molly her car at one of Declan's concerts. (This is a stand alone book, which can be read without reading the Club Volare books)

In this book we meet up with her and her brother Dill again and this is where Harlow's story begins. This is a book about second chances and about forgiveness and redemption.

Marcus is a wonderful character and I could not help but fall in love with him....Definitely book boyfriend material.

Great, Great Read which I highly recommend. You will simply fall in love with both Harlow and Marcus without a doubt...

[0rigin3l · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start? You know how you have that favorite pair of jeans that fits just right and you buy the same brand, same style and the same size but they don't fit the same? When I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and saw that it was not a BDSM-erotic romance that I've come to know and love from Chloe Cox. With that all being said I decided to give it a try. Let me just say how glad I am. I loved this book and could not put it down. Harlow (Lo), what a girl. I could feel her struggles and her pain. I was proud of her for overcoming her obstacles and standing on her own and taking care of her little brother Dill. Enter Marcus and I felt her battle, the battle between self preservation and wanting someone so much it hurt. I forgot to mention the heat factor, there is some hot chemistry between Marcus & Lo and I really enjoyed following their story. I also loved Shantha what a great friend and now I can't wait for Brison's story. Well done Chloe Cox, well done!

[Billy Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe is an excellent story teller. Her loves scenes are incredible & indescribably erotic. Her characters are always believable & lovable
This book is No exception! You'll be glad you read this steamy book.

Marcus and Harlow met as teenagers & became close friends.Then all of a sudden Marcus is gone without explanation. Many years later he shows back up in Harlow's life. Why? Can she trust Marcus? Will he leave again?
Marcus has always wanted Harlow & he will do anything to win her love back!
Deep down these two have a love for each other that can't be broken!

At times this story gets very emotional & tugs at your heart strings. At other time you'll cheer for the love these two share.

The fact that the story is told through each main characters is a major plus!

I really enjoyed reading this story & thought the author did a great job. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good sexy erotica. I always enjoy ready Chloe Cox books & can't wait to read more!

[Tasmin · Rating 1 out of 5]

YAAAAAAWWWWNNNNN!

Well it looks like I'm in the minority with this one. I just found this book ridiculously boring. I was on chapter 5 and no story had even been told yet. It just went on and on and on and on and nothing even happened.
There was hardly any talking in the story either which I HATE. I just can't get into books that are all thoughts and feelings with hardly any communication between characters.

This is my first ever review and since I didn't like the book I'm just going to keep it short and sweet (okay maybe not that sweet). The book was dog poo in my opinion, so there you go

[Nazneen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS
I read this book months ago & realised that I just rated & didn't review..I really liked the book..This book focused on Hero & Heroine's love totally...In a book, reading sex is good but what overshadows sex is the overall intimacy..Emotional, physical & all kinds of intimacy.I like seeing that..Ofcourse, she was hurt that he left without any explanation..I loved the flashback, where he used to sneekout in her room to confort her after her parents die..I was glad that they finally get their HEA..

[Kelly Ramour · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't normally review books or give them low ratings but this book was almost painful to read... The story line was great which is the only reason I gave it two stars. It was the way the author wrote the book that drove me insane... Almost the whole book was written almost like a his and her journal .. IDK any other way to describe it?? At one point I was yelling at the book saying just get on with it.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Chloe Cox. Got an advanced ARC copy for an honest review. Thank you! Definitely worth reading. Super developed characters that actually make you feel...she takes you on the journey with Harlow and Marcus. Loved it!

[Joanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Hung on for 8 chapters and had to let it go. Absolutely did not like anything about this book. It was over narrated, I couldn't relate to the characters and the first person writing style made me absolutely mental.

[Ailene♥]

Stopped at 20%... I'll put this on hold for now...

[Anas Attic Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic Book Blog

Lie to Me is my first Chloe Cox book, so I had no preconceived notions. But I must divulge that this is not a BDSM book like her others, if that's what you expect. This is an emotionally charged, angst filled NA/contemporary love story that will keep you up reading. Lie to Me was written beautifully in present tense, dual POV with flashbacks that weaved through the story seamlessly. The present tense was a unique style that kept you right there with the characters, breathlessly waiting for what will come next.

This is a quote heavy review, because the writing style is such an integral part of this book. There are no spoilers.

“Lie to me. Tell me I won’t have to love you for the rest of my life.”

Harlow ('Lo') is broken. Her parents died 6 years before and at 23, she is raising her genius 11 year old brother and trying to fight off a land development company who is trying to get hold of her childhood home. She broke 6 years before, but was gradually fixed by the love of her life, the big boxer with the heart of gold, Marcus. He was with her through every devastating moment after her parents died, and Marcus was the only reason Lo came out the other side intact. Then one day...he was just gone, and she broke even worse the second time.

“It’s been five years since he dropped out of my life with no warning, no real explanation, five years since he just left.”

She sees him on the street in the rain, but she just can't deal.

"This is the man who broke me. This is the man who kept me going during the darkest time of my life and then disappeared.
This is the man who made me.
And I hate him."

..I run away from it as fast as I can, like it’s a deadly siren’s call, like it represents a black pit of emotional fuckery from which I just know I will never emerge. 

This time, Marcus chases her.

"All I can see is that strong jaw, those huge shoulders. that tie dancing in the wind, water dripping down his face while he looks at me with those beautiful, sad eyes...
No single human has ever hurt me the way Marcus Roma has, and now he's back. And I don't want him to leave. And that will be my downfall.
If I let it."

This time, Marcus won't let her go.

"She's got something on me, always has. All these years away and I still feel tethered to her, like what has kept my blood pumping all this time was that she was out there, existing somewhere in the world. And the closer I got to her now, the more alive I feel. Like I'm just waking up.
Feels dangerous, somehow."

There is no question the pull between them is as strong as ever, 5 years later.

"Jesus.
So. Fucking. Beautiful.
My world goes from black and white to color, from dead and dull to alive and intense. It’s almost too much, like my entire nervous system clicks on at once, every nerve firing at maximum capacity, telling me to get the hell over there and claim her. Because she is mine, she was always meant to be mine, and I'll be hers even when she hates me"

But Marcus left Harlow so broken, can she ever trust him again? Her brain may say one thing, but her body betrays her.

"The physicality of this man, and my attraction to him, removes all sense from my brain. I feel like a zombie, or like I’m hypnotized... "

Through current POV and flashbacks to 5 years before, when Marcus left, we are able to fully see the power of the relationship between the two, but Marcus never tells her why he left 5 years before.  And until he does, she can never fully give in to him again.

“Maybe it will always be this way with us now, the thing you love and the thing you hate all wrapped up in one.”

Likes:

•The writing style of present POV is very rare to read and Chloe Cox did an excellent job with it. It kept you right there with the characters the whole time.
•Flashbacks were woven in so seamlessly that you never felt confused as to which time you were in.
•Dual Point of Views worked perfectly in this story.
•It was a very intense, breathless read.
•Beautiful prose with a ton of amazing quotes.
•Marcus is so freaking amazing. Sigh......
•Great epilogue.

Dislikes:

•The present tense style of writing was great for this book, but not something I would want to read too much more of. It was very edge-of-your-seat, even when there wasn't a lot happening. Great occasionally, and it made it very unique, but it was just too different for regular use.
•I'm not really clear why Marcus didn't tell her sooner.
•As much as I loved hearing about Marcus's big boxer hands, we heard a little too much about them.
•Lack of dialogue. I love dialogue, but this book was very much an 'in the head' book.
•A little too NA angsty for my tastes.

Rating: 4.25 stars 4 Heat





I could lie to you, and tell you not to read this, that it's written like crap and you will keep putting it down.

But that would be a lie.

Because once you start reading Lie To Me by Chloe Cox, you will get sucked into the moment. The moment that is happening right before your eyes, and you won't be able to put it down until the last word of the epilogue. Beautifully written, angsty, emotional, featuring a gorgeous fighter, and a broken heroine who is strong in her own ways, I highly recommend this unique read.

“You are my everything. You’re the reason I learned how to laugh. You’re the reason I learned how to be strong. You’re the reason I learned how to be good. I am who I am because I found you. Because you let me love you.”-Marcus

Purchase Lie To Me by Chloe Cox

Standalone but will be part of the Redemption Series with other characters. 314 pages.

Please visit my blog Ana's Attic Book Blog and join my page on Facebook

[Trish Mint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assuming you have read the synopsis and the excerpt above, you are now just as intrigued as I was to read about the story of Marcus and Harlow.

From the first chapter this book has my attention. It literally just jumps right into the story. I liked how the author chose to lay out her storyline by jumping from present to past to tell the whole story. We start off in the present, and she will flash to different memories so the readers can get the whole idea behind Marcus and Harlow’s history together. And what a history they share.

The writing is all so detailed; nothing is left out; no stone left unturned. You know exactly what Marcus and Harlow are feeling because the author does a wonderful job putting you right there. Just in the first couple of chapters, I was already connected to Marcus and Harlow. I already knew the strong bond they shared; I already knew the hurt, no, I already FELT the hurt, the betrayal. I am being technical, but it must be said, one reason I truly enjoyed this book was based on writing alone. The author narrates in the majority of this book, but I have to say, she really puts you in the characters head. I was just as torn up as Harlow and Marcus were as I read.

Dual POVs worked very well in this book. Usually with Dual POVs, I feel like everything is told, and you have nothing new to learn. Well, especially when reading Marcus’ POV, he keeps his lies under raps. MEN!! Always keeping the good stuff to themselves. Speaking of men, let’s talk about this man, Marcus Roma.



Even his name is flipping sexy. Marcus Roma. Always roaming around in a freaking HOT suit. Damn hot men! For the past 5 years Marcus has lived with regret because once upon a time Marcus met Harlow Chase and fell in love with Harlow Chase. And they literally went through hell together. Harlow’s parents died, and Marcus was there to pick up the pieces. Marcus’ father died, and Harlow was there to pick up the pieces. They shared a bond like no other.

Their relationship was just absolutely beautiful.

Then POOF!! Marcus leaves her. Just leaves town with no explanation, no honey I love you, no Harlow, I need to move on with my life, nothing! And what the heck do you think this does to Harlow?? Breaks her the fuck apart!! She has nobody. And she is left with the responsibility of caring for her little brother Dill. Marcus was her world and you just up and leave her like that????

Now, Marcus works for Alex Wolfe. (Even the name sounds intimidating. And intimidating he is). After 5 years of being away, he’s returned to Harlow’s home town. Why? What are his intentions??? Does he want her back? Or does this have to do with the shady dealings of Alex Wolfe. YES and YES!!

But how can Marcus separate the two?? All he wants is his Lo back. He has this NEED to protect her. But Lo is devastated, and HATES him, LOVES him. NO Hates him! This chick is so torn! My head was spinning just listening to her back and forth! Marcus is determined though.

“Five years away from Harlow and working for Alex Wolfe has turned me into a ruthless son of a bitch. I will do anything to get what I want. And this ruthless son of a bitch wants Harlow Chase.”

HOLLA!!!!!!!!!!!



But Harlow is guarded. She should be. I don’t care how much this man says he loves you. Actions speak louder than words. And he left you!!!!

“Marcus helped to shape who I was even before my world ended. He was always destined to ruin me. Fate just helped him to do it quicker.”

Harlow, girl you are killing me. Truthfully, they are both killing me.

The storyline gets angsty. At one point I read 2 chapters so fast, I recall finally letting my breath out. Had one of those moments where I actually yelled out, OMG WHAT??? Then looked around to have the whole bus stare at me. Oops! Sorry, just reading. All can go back to sleep now!

They still are in love, deeply, but Marcus has sooo many secrets, and lies he can’t reveal. I want to shake him!! And say, “Wake the hell up Marcus!!” But its just not that easy. Their lives are so complicated. Marcus’ life is complicated.

“Why can’t you believe me when I say I’ll tell you as soon as I can? That the reason I can’t is because I fucking love you?”

I love how he loves her!

Just scroll down and click purchase. Their love is strong, but there are just so many other factors that will tear them apart . Will they survive this??

I will leave you with Marcus Roma.

“You, Harlow, you’re everything…You are my everything. You’re the reason I learned how to laugh. You’re the reason I learned how to be strong. You’re the reason I learned how to be good. I am who I am because I found you. Because you let me love you.”

[Laura Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!!!

This is the first book that I have read by author Chloe Cox. And it will not be the last. From page one this one sucked me in. I stayed up all night reading it. I could not get enough of Marcus and Harlow's story.

" How would you think about how fragile you are, about how little connects you to this physical world, and to the people in it that you love?"

Harlow, seems to have it all. A loving family and friends. She has caught the eye of local up and coming boxer Marcus Roma. Spending each morning with him in the gym, learning to fight. Here she can push herself to the limit and with Marcus' help even further. Testing just how strong she really is. She never imagines that her strength will be put to the test. When she receives heartbreaking news of her parent's death. Leaving her and her young brother, Dill, parentless. Marcus is the one who is there to help her make sense of her life and put her back together. Bringing the two of them closer than she ever imagined.

Harlow, is not weak. I think she is probably one of the stronger female characters that I have read about lately. She is so determined to make sure that her brother is raised in a happy, healthy home. That he does not lack for anything. She will not ask for help, no matter how hard things become.

When Marcus vanished from Harlow's life, she wasn't sure if she could go on. He has taught her to be strong. Gaining custody of her younger brother has helped to ease the pain of losing Marcus, but it never truly goes away. She turns to men and alcohol.

"I drank for six months straight, Marcus, all the time. I hated myself. I hated everything about myself so much that I kept sleeping with guys who made me feel as shitty about myself as I did, just because it felt right. I went out with guys who treated me like crap, who made me feel worthless, and one of them tried to fucking rape me."

Marcus has been there for Harlow in every way that he possibly can. She is the one constant in his life. And he wants to keep it that way. When his father dies of a heart attack, Harlow is the one who is there to help him through his anger and grief. He has to bury the man who has hated him, his entire life. The man he has tried to please for years. The man who he has tried to make proud of him. All of it going unnoticed. His own mother, never really caring for him either, is of no help at this point in his life. She acts as if he does not exist. When buried secrets come to light, Marcus' love for Harlow is put to the test. In the end, he chooses to walk away. Hoping that the choice he has made will work out in the long run. When a business plan, his real father is working on, brings him right back into her life. Harlow is his one true love. Even after deserting her five years earlier, the feelings he still has for her are as strong as ever. He will do whatever he needs to, to regain her trust and prove to her that he is good enough for her.

Marcus is such an Alpha male character. Raw, hot, sexy, determined, caring, tender and strong. And did I say sexy as all hell!!!! Yeah I think I might have mentioned that..lol I wanted to climb into the book and have my way with him. The sexual tension between he and Harlow could be cut with a knife. He has spent five years watching Harlow from across the country and now he will stop at nothing to make her his again. Even if it means going against his father and step-brother.

"You belong to me like this , Lo," he says.

"Yes," I stutter

"And I'm yours," he says

"He's helped me grow again. We've helped each other. We belong to each other even more."

"You belong to me," I tell him.

I highly recommend Lie to Me! A novel that sucks you in from page one. Characters that are full of life and believable. A story that is full of heartache, love, loss, anger and not letting go. And did I mention that the sex scenes are not only tasteful, but hotter than hell! Chloe knows how to right a scene that sets you on fire and want to beg for more, more, more! The determination of two young lovers to heal each others hearts and try to make a life together years later. Can Harlow and Marcus save one another, no matter the cost? One click this one now and find out!

[Mandie Foxylutely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review on my blog
http://foxylutely.blogspot.com/2013/1...

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest review

This book has to have one of the best prologues I have read as it was so deeply atmospheric and intriguing it pulled you into the story from the onset. I wanted to know who Marcus was and why he felt the need to outrun a bus in the pouring rain to get to Harlow. What was the urgency, what was the need and desperation? Thereafter was the premise of the book – a whole lot of questions for the reader.

Harlow Chase is a tough little cookie, she has gone through more in her short life that others would in a lifetime. Her parents are killed when she is seventeen leaving her with her baby brother who is taken away from her. But through all this she had her one constant in her life, Marcus. Marcus who took her under his wing, trained her in his fighting skills, became her best friend and then her lover, her first love, her only love. But then five years ago he upped and left with no explanation. Until that day in the pouring rain, whilst she was waiting for the bus she turns around and sees him standing there, eyes on her with that inescapable pull they always had. She dives on the bus to end this before it begins but then she underestimated Marcus. He runs…

Marcus Roma (whoa just the name alone has me tingling) is a hot alpha male, a fighter who has had to fight hard both in the ring and in his life. Born to a mother who is indifferent and with a father he tries hard to please, to earn his approval, but it never comes. Little did Marcus know how his whole world would change on the day his father died, the day Alex Wolfe entered his life.

I totally and utterly fell for Marcus Roma – he is an absolute delight to devour over on the pages whilst reading. You know he is holding some secrets and you are hoping he is not going to turn out to be part of what you are being driven to understand. That of the dark and dangerous circles that Alex Wolfe moves in. I loved how Marcus was relentless in his pursuance of Lo, no matter how much she tried to push him away he kept finding ways to be there and try to open up the past so they could move their lives down a different path. He was so gorgeous and powerful and you just wanted to be the one he was possessive about. I loved he said the MINE stuff. Ooooh so he-man, so raunchy so LUSH!

The author is very clever with this plotline, only allowing the reader short glimpses into the past, divulged only by one character’s thoughts and point of view. That’s another great thing about this book as we get both the main character’s points of view which aids to deliver a balanced story. However this said, the reader has to work hard for the conclusion. The little snippets of the past do not reveal the reason for Marcus reappearing after five years and also why it is coincidental to Mr Wolfe’s reappearance or the connection that they both have.

I have to admit there were parts in the middle that seemed to drag a little bit and it seemed to go round in circles when all the while I was just wanting to find out what the hell happened, why Mr Wolfe was a danger now, what he held over LO and Marcus and why the flip they both didn’t say what they were both were thinking. Communicate for heaven’s sake! But then that wouldn’t give the angst and despair element to the read now would it?

So yes this book is a definite page turner, an emotional thunderstorm of a read, with a hot and lustful hero, a kick-ass woman and a dark, dangerous subplot. You definitely need to read this.

[Monique Machuca-Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

**JUST BOOKED received an ARC for an honest review**

A VERY EMOTIONAL LOVE STORY OF TWO PEOPLE FIGHTING TO SURVIVE…

Lie to Me is about a Harlow Chase a happy teenager who had a loving family and a great boyfriend named, Marcus Roma. She meet Marcus at a gym where she later begun to learn to train how to fight, but soon found out that she would be fighting for so much more when she loses her parents in an accidents leaving both her and little brother orphans. Harlow was now fighting the strength to stay strong at an early age and fight to obtain custody of her little brother, while Marcus was there for Harlow. Marcus was became her security her constant in her life after losing her family, but Marcus was preparing Harlow for more than she ever planned until he left without any explanations.

Marcus Roma is also was fighting his own demons, because he did not grow up in a happy home full of love. Marcus only started to learn to fight because he knew father loved the sport, so he thought he could gain some attention through the sport. He soon found out that his father did not care, because the only ones who went to matches were Harlow and her parents. Marcus also loses his father, but due to a heart attack while discovering his mother acts as if he does not exist. The only one thing Marcus is sure of is his life is the constant love he has for Harlow since he has met her. Marcus’ godfather, Alex Wolfe, comes to offer Marcus a job offer, but Marcus refuses because he does not want to leave Harlow. Until, Alex make Marcus an offer he cannot refuse with some conditions.

Five years later, Harlow is living a life with her younger brother, Dillinger, in which she did obtain custody. Even though life has been difficult, she has given a home to her younger brother in which her parents could be proud. However, as she is going home one evening on the public bus on a rainy day her umbrella blows in the wind and while chasing it, she sees someone has caught it and then she looks to the man who abandoned her and broke her – Marcus.

“This is the man who broke me. This is the man who kept me going during the darkest time of my life and then disappeared. This is the man who made me. And I hate him.” - Harlow

Marcus has never stopped loving Harlow and has spent the last five years keeping an eye on Harlow and her little brother, because Marcus has discovered Alex has a dark side. Marcus has come back to fight for the girl he loves and protect her again from others who may want to harm her.

“You are my everything. You’re the reason I learned how to laugh. You’re the reason I learned how to be strong. You’re the reason I learned how to be good. I am who I am because I found you. Because you let me love you.” – Marcus

Will Marcus be able to show Harlow to have faith in the world again? Will she be able to trust Marcus again to mend her shattered heart? Will Harlow discover how much she has affluence the man that Marcus has become or will she think of him as a monster?

Author Chloe Cox romance novel, Lie to Me, has done an AMAZING job writing an EMOTIONAL LOVE STORY that will capture your attention immediately and find yourself unable to put the book down. You will also experience a roller coaster of emotions from feeling SCARED, SAD, SUSPENSEFUL, SHOCKED, TRAGEDY, RAGE, and TENDERNESS.

Lie to Me is the first novel in the Redemption series, but Chloe Cox will not have us to waiting too long to find out what will happen next, because she is currently writing the second book in the series, the story of Brison Wolfe, Alex Wolfe’s son.

I rate Chloe Cox’s novel in the Redemption series, Lie to Me – 5 AMAZING STARS!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

If I could give this more than 5 stars I would gladly do so! Sometimes romances can feel a bit stale or been there done that, it is so not the case here. From the first sentence I was ready for an interesting and engrossing story, which is just what I got. I think for me it was even better because we got to know them as teenagers as well as adults and saw the evolution of their feelings for each other. The bond was so much more than about teen lust, this was forged in tragedy and heartache. An added bonus is that you actually get to hear from both sides in their own voice with chapters devoted to their perspective on the situation as it develops.

  The Main Characters

Harlow Chase has been in a bad place since the love of her life left her 5 years ago without any explanations and a few texts which stopped abruptly. Though life has been hard she has been dedicated to giving her young brother the best life she can. Harlow is a study in contradictions, she is a fighter who never gives up yet she has all these quirks which make her appear weak. But she truly is a loyal and caring person who will stand by those she loves no matter the consequences.

Marcus Roma never had a happy home life, he attempted to gain acceptance through boxing, a sport that his father always loved. When he saw this young, lanky girl hanging around he spoke to her and an instant attraction was born. He came to love her and would do anything to make her smile or feel safe but there were things happening that he didn't understand. When he left her to go across the country and work it was with the thought that he would be back for her soon. But now 5 years later he is back, and he knows that if he wants to be in her life again he is going to have to earn the right. A teen who made bad choices has grown into a man who wants to make them right.

Alex Wolfe is Marcus's godfather and at first glance seems to be a very nice and generous man. But he has a dark side that shows itself as he manipulates Marcus and threatens those he loves. He got Marcus to leave the girl he loved and now wants to assure that it cannot be resurrected. He has targeted Harlow and wants Marcus to be the one to strike the final blow.

  Short Summary

Five years ago Harlow was fairly happy with her life, she had her love and the prospect of gaining custody of her younger brother after her parents died. But then her love, Marcus, left without an explanation and she never saw him again until one rainy day as she was trying to catch a bus in New York. With his return she has to not only fight to save her home but fight the love she still feels for the man who abandoned her and left her broken. Can she ever believe or trust him when she asks him to "Lie to Me"?

I knew I was hooked the moment I started talking to the characters, not as crazy as it sounds, and telling them what I thought they should do. This book had me laughing at certain situations, then I was crying with them or for them, but I smiled a great deal also. Marcus and Harlow are a couple I would like to see more of in the future. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a happy ending.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted on Keep Calm & Read Romance


Don’t you just love it when you discover new authors to love? I’ve known of Chloe Cox for a while and seen her books around prior to Lie to Me. The first book in her Club Volare was actually already on my Kindle but Lie to Me was the first book of hers that I actually have read. After loving this story, Lie to Me definitely will not be my last Chloe Cox book.

Lie to Me starts out with our main character, Harlow, running into a man from her past who she thought she would never see again. Seeing Marcus Roma brings on an onslaught of painful memories which she has been trying to repress for the last five years. Harlow tries to run away from him at first but it seems that Marcus is finally back in New York and has no plans of staying away from Harlow’s life.

Harlow and Marcus have a deeply connected history that started out when they were high school teenagers. At the beginning, Marcus was just the boy who was kind enough to teach her some boxing moves. As time went by, they moved on to become close friends and eventually lovers. These two were pillars for each other when life just go too tough for either of them at such a young age. Harlow was the one person Marcus could rely on for love and support when he was lacking so much from his parents. Marcus was Harlow's rock when tragedy strikes her family and leaves her in the most desperate situation.

I'm sucker for really angsty and dramatized reads and Marcus and Harlow have to battle their own fears, feelings, and outside forces that try to keep them apart. But even with all the elements I thought Cox did a wonderful job on bringing me through that emotional roller coaster without totally losing the beautiful story between Marcus and Harlow. There two had to deal with some really crappy cards that life handed them and it made me appreciate the inner strength that they both carry. Harlow's story reminded me a bit of Lake from Colleen Hoover's Slammed series. Like Lake, Harlow fights for her younger brother and the determination she had to keep him really had me admiring her. As for Marcus, well I admired him for his unrelenting love for Harlow. Leaving Harlow in the past was really sudden and I would have hated him too for leaving but in Marcus' heart he did what he had to do to keep Harlow and her brother as safe as he could. He's had to endure something that weren't pretty but in the end he did it all for Harlow. I mean how can you not just swoon for a guy to make such sacrifices?

Told from dual POV's, Lie to Me will have you in a constant state of high emotions. This book had everything that I love about new adult romance, it's emotional, its gut wrenching, and it brings you through a beautiful journey of love, life, growth and redemption. Harlow and Marcus had me gripped to the pages from the beginning and I couldn't get enough of them. If you're looking for a read that's full of romance, passion and love, then you definitely need to add Lie to Me to your TBR.


*ARC provided by author for an honest review

[Siddiqru · Rating 5 out of 5]

(spoiler-free review)

"It's because maybe now I need something from you...."Wait, Lo. I'm not saying you owe me anything. I'm saying I need you. There's a difference."

If there is one book that I had to choose for greatest title of all time, hands down, I would say it's this book. The title just speaks volumes on how beautiful this story was, and what "lie to me" truly meant in Harlow and Marcus's freakin-ah-mazing story!

I don't even know where to being with my review. I have so many thoughts I want to just scramble into, however for the sake of not making you read a paper, I will just state my opinion of the book, and why I think everyone should read this book..like yesterday!

Oh my God you guys, if you want to literally die and melt you need to read about Marcus. He is one of the most swoon-worthy male leads I have EVER read. He was there for Harlow from the get-go and despite knowing he's harboring a secret, you can't get yourself to hate him. I will talk about this man forever, so moving onto Harlow. She was a great female lead. I loved her character, and even though she went through some tough times, not once did I think her actions made her seem pathetic. If you've read some of my other reviews before, you know a weak female lead, is one of my biggest pet peeves. That being said, I loved Harlow and Marcus equally (who am I kidding, Marcus still has one up, but you get what I mean). Their love story was so beautiful and heart-wrenching. I was completely captivated by the first chapter. The story picks up right away, and I loved the bus chase scene and Harlow's reaction when she sees Marcus after five years (my stomach was churning with butterflies).

The most important element of this book, that I just have to mention is the writing style. I think the biggest advantage that sets this book apart from others, and why I found this book different, was because of the way Chloe Cox depicted Harlow and Marcus's scenes from past to present. There are many books out there, that switch from the past to present, which makes you thirst for the now, and what the story is really about. This tends to make most people, like myself, loose interest half way in. However, what this author did differently was that rather then switching from past to present, you were always in the present, and Harlow and Marcus's thoughts are what led you back to their past, which I think is just short of brilliant! I also loved how the book was written in alternating POV of both the main characters, which made the reader delve further into how the two felt and thought.

I know i'm being repetitive when I say this, but I absolutely loved this book, and definitely recommend it! I cannot even express what this story entails with my review and how beautiful the author wrote this story. Harlow and Marcus's story is one of the greatest love stories I have read in a while, and ultimately my review means bull until you read and judge it for yourself.

P.S- This is not an erotica, thought I should mention that, since it's shelved as that a couple times (which I don't get why?). It's just a contemp-romance.

[Miranda Whore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book provided by author for honest review.

“Maybe it will always be this way with us now, the thing you love and the thing you hate all wrapped up in one.”

Lie to Me is Chloe’s best book to date. It’s completely unique to her other work and I cannot wait to read more stories in the same fashion from her.

It's an absolute perfect form of emotional torture with a heartbreakingly beautiful love story – epic.

“It reminds me that I love him and makes me hate him even more.”

There isn’t a single moment in this book that you will want to miss. I was completely lost to the angst and desire of Harlow and Marcus from the very first paragraph. I felt every single anxiety ridden moment that Harlow felt. While it would have been very easy to make Harlow a whiny weakling she is the exact opposite. She has issues, but no matter how hard it is for her the fighter inside her refuses to give in.

One of the most pure and real parts of this story is the inner turmoil Harlow experiences. The doubt, anxiety, fear… all of it is born of events that would naturally give a person those thoughts/feelings. So many books have extremely far-fetched plotlines that the emotional side of the book is difficult to connect to; Lie to Me is the exact opposite of that. The author seamlessly transitioned ‘real’ anxiety into her fictional world. Likewise with all of the emotions her characters experience.

Marcus is one of those alpha men who at first glance screams “danger!” and honestly, he is dangerous – positively lethal when he needs to be. He’s also a big teddy bear of a sweetheart. He’s a big, hulking boxer that could take down anyone put in his path and yet he can hold his girl like she is made of the most delicate china. My heart broke for him so many times throughout this book. It really hits home that every, single choice we make can have far-reaching consequences and we should never forget it. He made a choice, I won’t tell you if it was right or wrong, that’s something you will have to decide for yourself. His choice was made with good intentions, but as it always is, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

"There's no going back. She's all I can think about. All I breathe. All I want. And there's nothing left in me I care about except what I can be for her."

This book is one that you absolutely have to pick up, read, devour, and then read again. It is a perfect combination of heartache, mystery, drama, and romance. I know you are all thinking, what the heck whore, where is the smut this is Chloe Freaking Cox!?! Don’t fret my pets, there is plenty of hot steamy, panty melting smut to fill your dirty little minds. It’s kind of like the sprinkles on top of a perfectly iced cupcake… they are literally the thing that makes it complete. Lie to Me gets a full FIVE stars and FIVE drenched panties.

Review by the Head Whore at Mommy's a Book Whore.