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The Truth in Lies Saga #1
The Truth in Lies
Life is a sequence of choices. Some are deliberate, others are forced upon you. This was a lesson that McKenzie Evans knew all too well. After the miscarriage of her son, she made the hard decision to leave her absentee boyfriend and move in with her former college roommate, Olivia Hamilton. That’s when she was introduced to Andrew Wise, a brilliant attorney, working for his family’s law firm in Sarasota, Florida. To McKenzie, Drew became her salvation. He had a way of understanding her when no one else could. The closer they became, the more McKenzie found herself falling in love with Drew. He was everything she ever dreamed of in a man, and for the first time in her life, she felt truly alive. There was only one problem. Drew was dating Olivia. With the help of fate and circumstance, Drew and McKenzie journey down a path of unrequited love and denied feelings. In the end, they must make a choice between their hearts or their consciences. In this one decision they discover that there’s always a glimmer of truth to a lie, that there’s a fine line between love and friendship, and sometimes you have to risk everything to gain everything.
334 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
35 people are currently reading
966 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne McDonald
21 books543 followersJeanne McDonald enjoys writing contemporary romance filled with spice, drama, and humor. She loves to explore the supernatural, relish in the world of fantasy, and dabble in the follies of the heart. As JM Dodd, she returns to the wonderment of youth and young love through the scope of Young Adult fiction.
She prides herself in being a mother, a friend, a student of knowledge and of life, a coffee addict, a philosophy novice, a pop culture connoisseur, inspired by music, encouraged by words, and a believer in humanity.
When she's not spending time with her amazing son, her dog, and her cat, she can be found reading, writing, enjoying a great film, or cooking for friends. In her house, there’s always music or a podcast playing.
A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.
She prides herself in being a mother, a friend, a student of knowledge and of life, a coffee addict, a philosophy novice, a pop culture connoisseur, inspired by music, encouraged by words, and a believer in humanity.
When she's not spending time with her amazing son, her dog, and her cat, she can be found reading, writing, enjoying a great film, or cooking for friends. In her house, there’s always music or a podcast playing.
A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 12, 2016
4 stars!
Oh goodness I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book considering I don't like love triangles, much less a square. well, at least for a bit, add to that its a trilogy which is less appealing. It's not that I never read them is just I hardly do, but somehow this book has been in the back of my mind so, I decided to go for it.
The h Mackenzie has a miscarriage which leaves her devastated especially since her boyfriend Nate, is never there for her. She breaks thing off and moves in with her friend Olivia, who just started dating our H Drew. When they meet they both feel this attraction but of course it's off limits.
This two fought so hard to keep their feelings in check but at the same time they couldn't. Right from the moment they meet you felt how right they were together I loved seeing their bond grow. How much they had in common, their banter, their funny moments and their chemistry was so palpable. But regardless of how much they wanted each other nothing happened between them till Drew, broke things off with the Olivia. Let me just say she did not deserve Drew, at all, she was self centered manipulative, she wasn't even a good friend to Mac.
But imo Drew and Mac didn't cheat physically but they did emotionally since they became such good friends. It was so obvious especially since Drew was so protective and caring toward Mac. They were times I kinda felt bad for Olivia.
The only thing I didn't like was that Mac had another best friend Jared, and of course he was in love with her too. Also for a bit we see the ex Nate, come back and try to win Mac back. So hence the square, yea, it went a bit overboard with all this guys wanting the h. But Nate was out the pic quickly and well, Jared, surprisingly was a really good guy. I really liked him, he confesses his love but he knows that Mac and Drew belong together. I'm really hoping he gets his HEA maybe with Drew's sister?!
"The truth in lies" was a great story, angsty, funny, sweet and sexy and it does end in a cliffhanger....and what a cliffhanger! I will definitely continue with this trilogy. <3
Oh goodness I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book considering I don't like love triangles, much less a square. well, at least for a bit, add to that its a trilogy which is less appealing. It's not that I never read them is just I hardly do, but somehow this book has been in the back of my mind so, I decided to go for it.
The h Mackenzie has a miscarriage which leaves her devastated especially since her boyfriend Nate, is never there for her. She breaks thing off and moves in with her friend Olivia, who just started dating our H Drew. When they meet they both feel this attraction but of course it's off limits.
This two fought so hard to keep their feelings in check but at the same time they couldn't. Right from the moment they meet you felt how right they were together I loved seeing their bond grow. How much they had in common, their banter, their funny moments and their chemistry was so palpable. But regardless of how much they wanted each other nothing happened between them till Drew, broke things off with the Olivia. Let me just say she did not deserve Drew, at all, she was self centered manipulative, she wasn't even a good friend to Mac.
But imo Drew and Mac didn't cheat physically but they did emotionally since they became such good friends. It was so obvious especially since Drew was so protective and caring toward Mac. They were times I kinda felt bad for Olivia.
The only thing I didn't like was that Mac had another best friend Jared, and of course he was in love with her too. Also for a bit we see the ex Nate, come back and try to win Mac back. So hence the square, yea, it went a bit overboard with all this guys wanting the h. But Nate was out the pic quickly and well, Jared, surprisingly was a really good guy. I really liked him, he confesses his love but he knows that Mac and Drew belong together. I'm really hoping he gets his HEA maybe with Drew's sister?!
"The truth in lies" was a great story, angsty, funny, sweet and sexy and it does end in a cliffhanger....and what a cliffhanger! I will definitely continue with this trilogy. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2013
P2P. Twilight fanfic "A Different Kind of Pain" by SparklingWand.
http://www.tehlemonadestand.net/2012/...
A Different Kind of Pain by SparklingWand-rec'd by Nic
Edward is everything Bella ever dreamed of & more but he has one major flaw. He's Bella's best friend's boyfriend. Now she has to decide if pursuing her feelings for him is worth the risk of losing her friendship or suffer with a different kind of pain. Twilight - Rated: M
http://www.tehlemonadestand.net/2012/...
A Different Kind of Pain by SparklingWand-rec'd by Nic
Edward is everything Bella ever dreamed of & more but he has one major flaw. He's Bella's best friend's boyfriend. Now she has to decide if pursuing her feelings for him is worth the risk of losing her friendship or suffer with a different kind of pain. Twilight - Rated: M
April 2, 2014
I NEED the next book....NOW!!
I started this book knowing that it was previously a fanfiction. I haven't read the fic yet, but I'm starting it as soon as I finish this review.
Where do I start?! Truthfully this book started out a tad slow for me, but I have ADD and am impatient, lol. But as I kept reading, I got more and more into it. You could tell from the moment they met, that Drew and Mackenzie had an attraction to each other.
When I first read the summary, I pictured the movie Something Borrowed, which this book kind of is like, but different at the same time. Yes, Mackenzie has a best friend who is self absorbed, rude, and inconsiderate of anyone other than herself, and yes she falls in love with said best friend boyfriend, but that's mostly where the similarities end. I'm horrible with reviews, so I'll make this short, and I'm not going to give anything away....
I loved this book! it kept my interest and has me wanting more! I seriously can't wait till the second book comes out this summer, because I will completely devour it! I definitely recommend this book!!!
I started this book knowing that it was previously a fanfiction. I haven't read the fic yet, but I'm starting it as soon as I finish this review.
Where do I start?! Truthfully this book started out a tad slow for me, but I have ADD and am impatient, lol. But as I kept reading, I got more and more into it. You could tell from the moment they met, that Drew and Mackenzie had an attraction to each other.
When I first read the summary, I pictured the movie Something Borrowed, which this book kind of is like, but different at the same time. Yes, Mackenzie has a best friend who is self absorbed, rude, and inconsiderate of anyone other than herself, and yes she falls in love with said best friend boyfriend, but that's mostly where the similarities end. I'm horrible with reviews, so I'll make this short, and I'm not going to give anything away....
I loved this book! it kept my interest and has me wanting more! I seriously can't wait till the second book comes out this summer, because I will completely devour it! I definitely recommend this book!!!
September 28, 2013
As soon as I started reading this book I could not put it down.....when they talk about a page turner this is it! The author takes us on a ride through joy, despair, hope, betrayal, denial, blind trust, so many emotions with our heroine. I wanted to reach out to her to hold her hand at times......
There are a lot of books out there with good stories and little substance, but not this one. This is real.
I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I came to the end.......and then relief flooded over me when I saw that this journey will be continued in book II.
It's well worth it....a great read and not to be missed.
There are a lot of books out there with good stories and little substance, but not this one. This is real.
I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I came to the end.......and then relief flooded over me when I saw that this journey will be continued in book II.
It's well worth it....a great read and not to be missed.
December 29, 2014
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
McKenzie is a mid-20s, public school speech therapist whom has recently miscarried a baby boy. The loss leads McKenzie to take a closer look at the relationships around her, specifically the one with her always absent boyfriend Nate. The baby seemed to be the last thread holding the relationship together, and after the loss, McKenzie is ready to move on and do what is best for her for once.
Jared is McKenzie’s co-worker and best friend. He’s there to help pick her up when her boyfriend Nate has let her down yet again. He plays the fun, flirty, friend well, never letting on that he has feelings for McKenzie.
Olivia is McKenzie’ former college roommate and other best friend, however you’d hardly know that based on the interaction between the two. Olivia comes off as self-absorbed and interested in only taking care of herself. She wants McKenzie to leave Nate, knowing she can do better, and when McKenzie finally musters up the courage to leave, she moves in with Olivia.
Drew is Olivia’s current boyfriend, but much like everything else in Olivia’s life, he seems to be there simply for looks. He is a successful attorney that is knockout gorgeous and loaded to boot. There seems to be little to their relationship other than sex, and that readily becomes apparent when Drew becomes interested in McKenzie.
Soon, Drew and McKenzie become the best of friends. He is there to help her get over leaving Nate and shows her how to have fun again. Problem is, both of them start to develop feelings deeper than friendship, and although the relationship between Olivia and Drew is superficial at best, McKenzie can’t bear to break Olivia’s heart, or at least what might pass as one.
What develops is a twisted tale of love, friendship, and betrayal, all between friends.
I have to admit that this book sat on my kindle for a while before I started to read it and now I am completely kicking myself for waiting so long. This book was heart wrenching. If you’ve ever been so close to getting what you want only to have it blow up in your face at the last minute you’ll understand.
The Truth In Lies was a fast and easy read that starts off a little slow, but once you get to about the second chapter, you’re completely engrossed. Ms. McDonald has created characters that you can easily develop feelings for, both good and bad, and the storyline keeps you interested from beginning to end. This was very close to a five star read for me but we are left with a cliffhanger, and a lot of questions that are yet to be resolved (with no word of the next volume’s release) so I would take it down a half a star. It was well written and engaging. I’m not so patiently waiting for the next book! Four and a half stars.
McKenzie is a mid-20s, public school speech therapist whom has recently miscarried a baby boy. The loss leads McKenzie to take a closer look at the relationships around her, specifically the one with her always absent boyfriend Nate. The baby seemed to be the last thread holding the relationship together, and after the loss, McKenzie is ready to move on and do what is best for her for once.
Jared is McKenzie’s co-worker and best friend. He’s there to help pick her up when her boyfriend Nate has let her down yet again. He plays the fun, flirty, friend well, never letting on that he has feelings for McKenzie.
Olivia is McKenzie’ former college roommate and other best friend, however you’d hardly know that based on the interaction between the two. Olivia comes off as self-absorbed and interested in only taking care of herself. She wants McKenzie to leave Nate, knowing she can do better, and when McKenzie finally musters up the courage to leave, she moves in with Olivia.
Drew is Olivia’s current boyfriend, but much like everything else in Olivia’s life, he seems to be there simply for looks. He is a successful attorney that is knockout gorgeous and loaded to boot. There seems to be little to their relationship other than sex, and that readily becomes apparent when Drew becomes interested in McKenzie.
Soon, Drew and McKenzie become the best of friends. He is there to help her get over leaving Nate and shows her how to have fun again. Problem is, both of them start to develop feelings deeper than friendship, and although the relationship between Olivia and Drew is superficial at best, McKenzie can’t bear to break Olivia’s heart, or at least what might pass as one.
What develops is a twisted tale of love, friendship, and betrayal, all between friends.
I have to admit that this book sat on my kindle for a while before I started to read it and now I am completely kicking myself for waiting so long. This book was heart wrenching. If you’ve ever been so close to getting what you want only to have it blow up in your face at the last minute you’ll understand.
The Truth In Lies was a fast and easy read that starts off a little slow, but once you get to about the second chapter, you’re completely engrossed. Ms. McDonald has created characters that you can easily develop feelings for, both good and bad, and the storyline keeps you interested from beginning to end. This was very close to a five star read for me but we are left with a cliffhanger, and a lot of questions that are yet to be resolved (with no word of the next volume’s release) so I would take it down a half a star. It was well written and engaging. I’m not so patiently waiting for the next book! Four and a half stars.
March 11, 2015
We were asked to do an honest review for this book and I honestly LOVED it!!! If you don't know me or my reviews it is very hard to get a 5 out of me.... I'm very stingy with them... LOL...
So here goes with my review...
This book sucked me in from chapter one, more like from the prologue and had I had a hard time putting it down when I had to do thing. It is an awesome feeling when you feel a pool or a connection to a character.
McKenzie Evans' life is a series of events that make and break her... the book starts with one of the happiest moments of her life only to have it ripped from her a short time later when she miscarries her son. From there she becomes a shell of a person and is left alone by her boyfriend who seems more content to travel for work rather than console her in her time of need. The decision to leave him is one of the hardest decisions she has ever made, or at least she thought it was.
Moving in with her friend Olivia seemed like a good idea, that is until Olivia's boyfriend Drew became her rock that she could lean on. Between Drew and McKenzie there is a sizzle, that crackles off the pages. Falling in love with Drew wasn't planned but it happened effortlessly. As the time went on in their "friendship" there were stolen moments and hidden feelings but Olivia remained a constant reminder that McKenzie couldn't have Drew. Finally choosing their feelings for each other over what people thought made for another of the happiest times in McKenzie's life, that is until a bombshell is dropped and again the hardest decision has to be made.
If you didn't already you need to read this book and get lost in McKenzie's life and story. It is a 100% must read in my book!!!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!! Tara
So here goes with my review...
This book sucked me in from chapter one, more like from the prologue and had I had a hard time putting it down when I had to do thing. It is an awesome feeling when you feel a pool or a connection to a character.
McKenzie Evans' life is a series of events that make and break her... the book starts with one of the happiest moments of her life only to have it ripped from her a short time later when she miscarries her son. From there she becomes a shell of a person and is left alone by her boyfriend who seems more content to travel for work rather than console her in her time of need. The decision to leave him is one of the hardest decisions she has ever made, or at least she thought it was.
Moving in with her friend Olivia seemed like a good idea, that is until Olivia's boyfriend Drew became her rock that she could lean on. Between Drew and McKenzie there is a sizzle, that crackles off the pages. Falling in love with Drew wasn't planned but it happened effortlessly. As the time went on in their "friendship" there were stolen moments and hidden feelings but Olivia remained a constant reminder that McKenzie couldn't have Drew. Finally choosing their feelings for each other over what people thought made for another of the happiest times in McKenzie's life, that is until a bombshell is dropped and again the hardest decision has to be made.
If you didn't already you need to read this book and get lost in McKenzie's life and story. It is a 100% must read in my book!!!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!! Tara
April 29, 2014
I read the prologue right after I bought the Kindle version and cursed myself because I had plans that would keep me from actually reading it for several more days.
Once I got my hands back on it, the real world faded and I was immersed in Mackenzie's life in Florida. Picturing the scenes accurately, but not overly, described and the feelings. JM has a way with explaining a situation so that it doesn't read like a scene set up. I've read other books that were torture for this reason, I felt like I was reading the script to a play, with scene set ups and all.
This book flowed for me and I was so enthralled that I found myself reading it at the sports bar during the playoffs (when it went to commercial and halftime)...mind you I went there specifically to watch the game, but Kindle for Android..and well 'nuff said.
The characters were well developed and had a believable back story that wasn't overdone, the plot was engaging and I didn't find myself bored at any time - and that actually happens to me a lot. I'm anxious for the next book, this one had a teaser in it and it's killing me!
Once I got my hands back on it, the real world faded and I was immersed in Mackenzie's life in Florida. Picturing the scenes accurately, but not overly, described and the feelings. JM has a way with explaining a situation so that it doesn't read like a scene set up. I've read other books that were torture for this reason, I felt like I was reading the script to a play, with scene set ups and all.
This book flowed for me and I was so enthralled that I found myself reading it at the sports bar during the playoffs (when it went to commercial and halftime)...mind you I went there specifically to watch the game, but Kindle for Android..and well 'nuff said.
The characters were well developed and had a believable back story that wasn't overdone, the plot was engaging and I didn't find myself bored at any time - and that actually happens to me a lot. I'm anxious for the next book, this one had a teaser in it and it's killing me!
October 25, 2013
I was so happy to be one of the lucky people that got a chance to read this book before it was published. From the very beginning, this story captivated me. Once I started reading it I couldn't stop.
This story really touched my heart. The story takes you on a journey with McKenzie as she deals with loss and then tries to put her life back together. This story touched on all of my emotions. I really hated to come to the end of the story. I just can't wait for the next book to come out.
Jeanne McDonald is a wonderful author. I would definitely recommend her books to everyone.
Lisa Hoeppner
This story really touched my heart. The story takes you on a journey with McKenzie as she deals with loss and then tries to put her life back together. This story touched on all of my emotions. I really hated to come to the end of the story. I just can't wait for the next book to come out.
Jeanne McDonald is a wonderful author. I would definitely recommend her books to everyone.
Lisa Hoeppner
December 13, 2014
I'm stunned! No happy ending which I wasn't expecting at all ... Now I'm definitely going to have to read the second one right now. The story was great but heart breaking. Sometimes I wanted to punch both Andy and Mickie in the head though. I thought for sure once they got their act together all would be well but then a twist happened.
August 18, 2017
One of the most amazing perks of publishing novels online chapter-by-chapter serial-style (following in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, after all) is the amazing authors I've come to know as I read their work and they read mine. Through these websites, we are able to review each other's chapters and leave comments and questions.
Jeanne McDonald is one of those authors. I read the original version of her The Truth in Lies Saga online, and I loved it so much that I read it THREE times. (Yes, that is really *3* times!!) So I was thrilled when the revised version of The Truth in Lies e-book was available on Amazon (it's also available in print on Amazon as well).
As much as I loved the preliminary version, I adore the new version now available for sale.
Here's a quick plot synopsis (minus spoilers): The main character, Mackenzie, a speech pathologist, undergoes a traumatic experience and, when her relationship with boyfriend Nate sours as a result, she moves in with her longtime best friend, the fashionable Olivia. However, Mackenzie finds greater understanding, friendship, and solace in the handsome and athletic attorney, Andrew, Olivia's new boyfriend, than she does from her best friend. Despite the fact that the connection and attraction between Drew and Mackenzie is immediate and undeniable, they both attempt to resist each other since Drew is still with Olivia. Complications also arise with Jared, Mackenzie's best guy friend who works with her as a music therapist and who can't stand Olivia. And, since I don't want to give away any spoilers, let's just say that "chaos ensues."
Jeanne McDonald did more than revise an already excellent novel; she completely transformed the plot details while keeping the compelling character dynamics intact; in fact, she focused and sharpened the intriguing relationships. With Drew and Mackenzie, she added more complexities, more uncertainties between them yet also removed some of the moral culpability for their feelings and actions, placing the reader squarely on their side. In the first version, some events occurred between them that would definitely be classified as "cheating." Although I loved the characters of Mackenzie and Drew in the first edition, I didn't like and couldn't approve of some of their actions which muddied my feelings toward them. And with the other main characters of Nate, Olivia, and Jared, the author made their motivations far more direct and clear-cut with fewer gray areas.
My only reservation is that I truly wonder how Mackenzie could be "best friends" with someone as unlike her as possible; the character of Olivia seems to have few redeeming qualities which makes me wonder how both Mackenzie and Drew were drawn her.
In addition, new characters appear in this revised edition, such as Mackenzie's parents, while others seem to have disappeared, namely the main character's first husband and their son with Asperger's (a high-functioning type of autism) who live in a different state. The overall effect of these alterations results in a more unified story that eliminates some of the questionable moral decisions made by some characters while bringing other characters into the action, creating more direct participation and less feeling of their being mere bystanders in the resulting drama.
But the big surprise was a HUGE plot twist at the end of this first volume of The Truth in Lies Saga that I did not expect; in fact, I was simply flabbergasted in the best way. (I love it when books absolutely surprise me, and considering that I had read the earlier version of this story several times, the most recent time only a month ago, shocking me was quite an accomplishment!!) The possibility of this twist never occurred to me, and I practically dropped my Kindle, jaw unattractively agape, as I read the end of this first volume.
Admittedly, this first volume ends with quite the cliffhanger--and a rather distressing one at that. It seems impossible for good to happen to our couple at the close of The Truth in Lies. Of course, I'll have to wait until the second volume, The Certainty of Deception, is published in June to find out what happens next. The suspense is delightfully delicious, and despite the bleakness of the end of this volume, we can't help hoping that good will happen to Mackenzie and Drew.
And I have to admit that I am waiting quite impatiently for June 17 to arrive. :)
Okay, okay, I'll admit it: I'm counting the days until the appearance of The Certainty of Deception. (Just 135 days to go!! Yay!!)
I highly recommend The Truth in Lies, the first volume of The Truth in Lies Saga. It's a human-interest story with compelling characters and a plot full of twists that somehow seem completely natural and works incredibly well, taking into careful account the characters' personalities and foibles.
I also highly recommend following Jeanne McDonald on Goodreads and her website at JeanneMcDonald.com as she is writing and releasing additional books in 2014 and beyond. An extremely talented writer, Jeanne McDonald is an author whose work I plan to follow for a long time to come.
I give The Truth in Lies (Book 1 of The Truth in Lies Saga) 4 1/2 stars (of 5 stars possible, a rating only given to my favorite classic novels).
Enjoy!!
~Susanne :)
Jeanne McDonald is one of those authors. I read the original version of her The Truth in Lies Saga online, and I loved it so much that I read it THREE times. (Yes, that is really *3* times!!) So I was thrilled when the revised version of The Truth in Lies e-book was available on Amazon (it's also available in print on Amazon as well).
As much as I loved the preliminary version, I adore the new version now available for sale.
Here's a quick plot synopsis (minus spoilers): The main character, Mackenzie, a speech pathologist, undergoes a traumatic experience and, when her relationship with boyfriend Nate sours as a result, she moves in with her longtime best friend, the fashionable Olivia. However, Mackenzie finds greater understanding, friendship, and solace in the handsome and athletic attorney, Andrew, Olivia's new boyfriend, than she does from her best friend. Despite the fact that the connection and attraction between Drew and Mackenzie is immediate and undeniable, they both attempt to resist each other since Drew is still with Olivia. Complications also arise with Jared, Mackenzie's best guy friend who works with her as a music therapist and who can't stand Olivia. And, since I don't want to give away any spoilers, let's just say that "chaos ensues."
Jeanne McDonald did more than revise an already excellent novel; she completely transformed the plot details while keeping the compelling character dynamics intact; in fact, she focused and sharpened the intriguing relationships. With Drew and Mackenzie, she added more complexities, more uncertainties between them yet also removed some of the moral culpability for their feelings and actions, placing the reader squarely on their side. In the first version, some events occurred between them that would definitely be classified as "cheating." Although I loved the characters of Mackenzie and Drew in the first edition, I didn't like and couldn't approve of some of their actions which muddied my feelings toward them. And with the other main characters of Nate, Olivia, and Jared, the author made their motivations far more direct and clear-cut with fewer gray areas.
My only reservation is that I truly wonder how Mackenzie could be "best friends" with someone as unlike her as possible; the character of Olivia seems to have few redeeming qualities which makes me wonder how both Mackenzie and Drew were drawn her.
In addition, new characters appear in this revised edition, such as Mackenzie's parents, while others seem to have disappeared, namely the main character's first husband and their son with Asperger's (a high-functioning type of autism) who live in a different state. The overall effect of these alterations results in a more unified story that eliminates some of the questionable moral decisions made by some characters while bringing other characters into the action, creating more direct participation and less feeling of their being mere bystanders in the resulting drama.
But the big surprise was a HUGE plot twist at the end of this first volume of The Truth in Lies Saga that I did not expect; in fact, I was simply flabbergasted in the best way. (I love it when books absolutely surprise me, and considering that I had read the earlier version of this story several times, the most recent time only a month ago, shocking me was quite an accomplishment!!) The possibility of this twist never occurred to me, and I practically dropped my Kindle, jaw unattractively agape, as I read the end of this first volume.
Admittedly, this first volume ends with quite the cliffhanger--and a rather distressing one at that. It seems impossible for good to happen to our couple at the close of The Truth in Lies. Of course, I'll have to wait until the second volume, The Certainty of Deception, is published in June to find out what happens next. The suspense is delightfully delicious, and despite the bleakness of the end of this volume, we can't help hoping that good will happen to Mackenzie and Drew.
And I have to admit that I am waiting quite impatiently for June 17 to arrive. :)
Okay, okay, I'll admit it: I'm counting the days until the appearance of The Certainty of Deception. (Just 135 days to go!! Yay!!)
I highly recommend The Truth in Lies, the first volume of The Truth in Lies Saga. It's a human-interest story with compelling characters and a plot full of twists that somehow seem completely natural and works incredibly well, taking into careful account the characters' personalities and foibles.
I also highly recommend following Jeanne McDonald on Goodreads and her website at JeanneMcDonald.com as she is writing and releasing additional books in 2014 and beyond. An extremely talented writer, Jeanne McDonald is an author whose work I plan to follow for a long time to come.
I give The Truth in Lies (Book 1 of The Truth in Lies Saga) 4 1/2 stars (of 5 stars possible, a rating only given to my favorite classic novels).
Enjoy!!
~Susanne :)
July 2, 2014
Never mind a love triangle, this is a love quadrangle! As complex as a love story can be, this one takes the biscuit!
McKenzie, caught in the depth of a dark depression following the death of her unborn child, her fragile mind grabs hold of a stranger, a vision, the manifestation of a man she saw only fleetingly on the beach.
Her relationship with Nate, the father of her lost baby, is in tatters. She feels lost and abandoned and finally decides to cut ties and try to rebuild her life.
Jared, McKenzie's close friend and work colleague is always there for her. From doctor's appointments to picking up the pieces when she finally leaves Nate, it's clear that he is secretly in love with her.
Best friend, Olivia, who seems like a bit of a self-centred b*tch to me, introduces McKenzie to her new boyfriend, Drew.
Drew is a gorgeous, successful, high flying attorney, who just happens to be the very same man that Kenz met on the beach.
There's an instant spark when Kenz and Drew first shakes hands and she finds herself falling for her best friend's boyfriend. Being the good friend she is, Kenz does everything she can to deny her one-sided feelings as their friendship grows.
How will these four people deal with their unrequited feelings for another? Who will have their heart broken and who will be lucky in love?
I found the writing style to be very verbose, overly descriptive, leading to long sections which although set the scene, seemed to drag on a bit.
Beside the usual editing problems (missing words etc) there were a few things that bugged me...
The author seemed stuck on the term "nape of the back" which I had never come across. The "nape" is usually used to refer to the neck and when describing the back, one would normally refer to the "small" of the back. Unsure as to whether I'd been missing something all my years, I did a little research, to discover that I was in fact correct.
The death of the adverb is one of those things that, sadly, seems to be occurring more frequently and I found it frustrating to be confronted with it repeatedly in this book (badLY, brilliantLY etc.)
Also, the fact that a third of the way through the book, the successful, driven Drew suddenly starts doing the baby-talk thing was surprising and completely out of character and also stops just as suddenly!
Although it's understandable that this book is not filled with sex - which would degrade the characters, causing no reader to find any redeemable qualities given the quadrangle nature of the story - when the characters do finally hook up (I'm not saying who hooks up with who!) it's all a little brushed over and anti-climactic, leaving me disappointed.
There are a few unanswered questions although NOT so many that I felt cheated by this. Sometimes things are just better left to the imagination. That being said, it also ends, not exactly abruptly, as I could foresee the conclusion but I'm left feeling unsure as to whether the author has plans for a follow-up novel or not.
For me, this book had such a strong start but fell a little short, so I've given it 3.5 stars (4 for publishing purposes)
November 11, 2013
McKenzie Evans has been through a lot in the past year and in The Truth in Lies we find her a crossroads in her life that ultimately can make or break where she is heading and how she is going to get there. In this story about picking up the pieces, McKenzie has to find out about herself as well as moving forward. Add in some curve-balls in the form of a sexy lawyer named Andrew Wise and her life is sure to keep her on her toes. The biggest question in McKenzie's mind, however, doesn't seem to her attraction to Andrew but whether or not it's right....he is her best friends boyfriend after all. Can she figure out what's in her own heart before it's too late? And what kind of repercussions can she expect to deal with because of the relationships with others?
For me, McKenzie was a great character to read about. Completely down to earth, she has this calmness about her that is refreshing. She is normal, and I loved that! She has a sensible job that she loves, she has friends and family that she adores and she's a nerd. There isn't anything that you can dislike about her really, the only downfall she has is that she is TOO NICE to the point where you can see other characters take advantage of her, which isn't cool. Even though she is still healing internally from a tragedy that she suffered a few months back and you can tell she is struggling to be happy again, that doesn't mean she is drowning in it. Maybe at one point she was, but from the time the stories starts you can see growth in McKenzie and see her really making an effort to move forward. I found myself rooting for her no matter what was going on and that's not something easily done.
The characters in this book were really great in general. The awesome and talented friend in Jared was someone I was really glad she had to help her out, even things got complicated. Andrew was someone I felt matched McKenzie in a lot of ways seeing as he clearly had his own demons he wrestled with but still made her feel like a million bucks and treated her with so much respect. Plus, they both let their nerd flags fly throughout the book and that just made me so happy! I always love a book that makes me go "Hey! I love that too!" It just brings the story down to your own level and makes it approachable. Then you had Olivia, the "best friend", who I hated almost immediately and never turned back. I'm normally not someone that approves of infidelity in any capacity in books but Olivia deserved what she got, how can someone be so vain is beyond me and the way she manipulates McKenzie is just plain wrong no matter how good she is letting her live in the condo. The story was great and the romance wavered between sweet and intense which was really nice. The one problem with this story?? THE CLIFFHANGER!!! Damn you! I can't wait to find what happens with these characters, because that just wasn't fair!
For me, McKenzie was a great character to read about. Completely down to earth, she has this calmness about her that is refreshing. She is normal, and I loved that! She has a sensible job that she loves, she has friends and family that she adores and she's a nerd. There isn't anything that you can dislike about her really, the only downfall she has is that she is TOO NICE to the point where you can see other characters take advantage of her, which isn't cool. Even though she is still healing internally from a tragedy that she suffered a few months back and you can tell she is struggling to be happy again, that doesn't mean she is drowning in it. Maybe at one point she was, but from the time the stories starts you can see growth in McKenzie and see her really making an effort to move forward. I found myself rooting for her no matter what was going on and that's not something easily done.
The characters in this book were really great in general. The awesome and talented friend in Jared was someone I was really glad she had to help her out, even things got complicated. Andrew was someone I felt matched McKenzie in a lot of ways seeing as he clearly had his own demons he wrestled with but still made her feel like a million bucks and treated her with so much respect. Plus, they both let their nerd flags fly throughout the book and that just made me so happy! I always love a book that makes me go "Hey! I love that too!" It just brings the story down to your own level and makes it approachable. Then you had Olivia, the "best friend", who I hated almost immediately and never turned back. I'm normally not someone that approves of infidelity in any capacity in books but Olivia deserved what she got, how can someone be so vain is beyond me and the way she manipulates McKenzie is just plain wrong no matter how good she is letting her live in the condo. The story was great and the romance wavered between sweet and intense which was really nice. The one problem with this story?? THE CLIFFHANGER!!! Damn you! I can't wait to find what happens with these characters, because that just wasn't fair!
March 5, 2014
Before I start my review, if you noticed the one 1star rating, reading that review you will find the reviewer did not read the book but found it useful to complain that it ends in a cliffhanger. Ignore the reviews by people who never actually read the book, it's more than worth reading, I love the story and yes, I got so at the ending UNTIL I found there would be a book 2.
I don't do spoilers, I hate them in a review, I think if you want the best parts of a book you should read it and get them in context. Therefore what you read in the synopsis is what you get.
What you don't get from it is the emotion, the heartbreak and the hope for a happier future for these characters. I fell in love with all but one of them.
You have 2 best friends who couldn't be more opposite. Olivia is a selfish, lying, scheming, money grubbing skeeze in my opinion.
While McKenzi, is an honest, true friend who has suffered a horrible loss in her young life.
She moves in with her best friend after leaving her boyfriend who's never around and leaves her to handle their loss on her own. She deserves better and meets better, the only problem is he's currently dating her best friend Olivia. I've known people like Olivia and shes the one character I couldn't stand. But what good is a story without someone we can't tolerate?
And while I'm usually not a big fan of the cliffhanger, this one floored me, I wasn't expecting a cliffhanger when I started reading, I figured we would get the whole story at once, It was so good until the last 10 pages, I snapped, my sailor vocabulary ran wild, my husband was staring at me like I grew a 2nd head.
BUT I'm so ready for the 2nd book, I cannot wait to see what happens, I'm very impatiently waiting. The characters pull you in and keep you wrapped up in the story, the emotional pull of their story keeps you hanging on the writers every word. I love a book that gets an emotional response out of me, and The Truth in Lies did just that. When I finished this book I tossed my kindle across the room onto the couch, and that my fellow readers is emotion, this book will make you cry, laugh and hope for things to happen that just don't happen in this book. These are characters you can relate to. You will be hooked by the end and like me, be waiting for the rest of the story.
The writing is spectacular, I felt an instant connection, and you quite likely will too, to at least one character if not more and you become a part of their story, it grabs you and won't let you go until the very last page.
Even if your anti-cliffhanger like me, you need to give this book a read, I am so glad I didn't know it was a cliffhanger, I may have passed it by until the followup book was out so I could read them back to back, but I am more than happy that I didn't do that, I'd have missed out on a great book.
November 7, 2013
Ok, so let me just start by saying I don’t normally read books where cheating plays a part. I always find myself torn on who I am hoping to get together and how it could all work out. The other problem I have with “affair books” is that I have found the authors not fleshing out the characters so I end up not caring about anyone involved. Jeanne however avoids the pit falls beautifully. I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll try my best to keep it general.
I loved the story because it was mostly so down to earth. Just a normal boy meets girl with terrible timing. Jeanne jumps right into the story and does a wonderful job of introducing these characters and their back story without dumbing it down for the reader. I quickly realized that I wouldn’t mind if Olivia did get cheated on because I kind of think she is terrible. She is snotty and selfish and mostly just a bitch. Towards the end of the book she had one slightly redeeming moment from 10 years before but other then that I was no fan of hers. Don’t get me wrong I still dislike her but at least I understand why McKenzie would always stick up for her. And Jared, oh how I loved Jared. He is one of those characters that you can identify with as basically one of your real life friends. Any scene with him in it is just icing on the cake. The two main characters were a great compliment to each other. I did feel like Drew could be a little over the top in his stubbornness but once all the cards are on the table everything kind of falls into place.
McKenzie on the other hand starts out this book very week and it is fascinating to see her over come her personal tragedy and stand up for herself.
Back to the story, Jeanne does something really smart here. With a plot that could easily read as a torrid affair she keeps it simple. Drew is exactly what McKenzie needs at the moment, a friend. Does it suck that he is dating Olivia sure, but if they had all met at a bar I don’t think Drew would have looked twice at Olivia. They just aren’t a good match so I didn’t feel bad hoping something would happen between Drew and McKenzie. Because we’ve been with McKenzie through all these hard times we understand that she isn’t looking for anyone. She and Nate have just broken up she just wants to put her life back together.
There isn’t too much more I can say without giving away the good stuff, I will tell you this, you should read this book. There is a bit of a cliffhanger but at the same time not. I know there is a second book coming out and I’m defiantly putting it on my to read list. I just can’t wait to see what happens next.
~Notte
I loved the story because it was mostly so down to earth. Just a normal boy meets girl with terrible timing. Jeanne jumps right into the story and does a wonderful job of introducing these characters and their back story without dumbing it down for the reader. I quickly realized that I wouldn’t mind if Olivia did get cheated on because I kind of think she is terrible. She is snotty and selfish and mostly just a bitch. Towards the end of the book she had one slightly redeeming moment from 10 years before but other then that I was no fan of hers. Don’t get me wrong I still dislike her but at least I understand why McKenzie would always stick up for her. And Jared, oh how I loved Jared. He is one of those characters that you can identify with as basically one of your real life friends. Any scene with him in it is just icing on the cake. The two main characters were a great compliment to each other. I did feel like Drew could be a little over the top in his stubbornness but once all the cards are on the table everything kind of falls into place.
McKenzie on the other hand starts out this book very week and it is fascinating to see her over come her personal tragedy and stand up for herself.
Back to the story, Jeanne does something really smart here. With a plot that could easily read as a torrid affair she keeps it simple. Drew is exactly what McKenzie needs at the moment, a friend. Does it suck that he is dating Olivia sure, but if they had all met at a bar I don’t think Drew would have looked twice at Olivia. They just aren’t a good match so I didn’t feel bad hoping something would happen between Drew and McKenzie. Because we’ve been with McKenzie through all these hard times we understand that she isn’t looking for anyone. She and Nate have just broken up she just wants to put her life back together.
There isn’t too much more I can say without giving away the good stuff, I will tell you this, you should read this book. There is a bit of a cliffhanger but at the same time not. I know there is a second book coming out and I’m defiantly putting it on my to read list. I just can’t wait to see what happens next.
~Notte
April 17, 2014
This was another of those books that I'd bought and hadn't got round to reading it. When I did, I beat myself up in wondering why I'd waited so long.
McKenzie is so sad. Not only has she had to suffer through the loss of her unborn baby, but her boyfriend, nate, isn't around to help her through it. Whilst I sympathised with McKenzie, i really didn't like nate. Yes, he had also suffered the loss of his son, but it made him selfish and insular. He only thought of himself, so I admit i cheered when Kenz left him.
Then Mckenzie meets Drew. I have to say, i read through some of the reviews this book already has, and most readers have fallen in book lust with drew. I didn't. Yeah, he's a nice guy and good looking, but as a 'book boyfriend', he's a bit too cocky for me, plus I tend to prefer secondary characters. Jared... I want one!
McDonald writes her supporting characters just as well as she writes her mains. Olivia... what can I say about her? I didn't like her, not one bit. Yes, she's McKenzie's friend, but the entire friendship is very one-sided. Olivia is very selfish and her main goal in life is to marry into a well connected and rich family. She's very take take take, and why Mckenzie put up with her for so long astounded me. This is a huge testament to McDonald's writing abilities, as it's not very often I dislike a character so much.
And Jared... As McKenzie's other best friend... he's dreamy. He's good looking, works with children, and loves music. Someone create a real version and ship him to me. I really wanted him and McKenzie to get together, but I also knew they weren't right together. I have a lot of respect for him by the end of the book.
Each character is so relateable due to their well rounded personalities that worked so well together, whether they got on well or clashed. I could imagine myself slotting into that group and fit in seamlessly.
Whilst I'm not a fan of people cheating on their other halves, the way McDonald deals with this is excellent. Nothing physical happens, but the intent and want is there, but the characters of drew and McKenzie deal with it the only way they know how. Ignoring it and suffering.
The book is an easy read, but it stays with you after it has been finished. It's the kind of story anyone could picture themselves in and wondering how they would deal with events in place of the characters.
My one complaint? The cliffhanger ending! Hurry up McDonald... I want book 2!
McKenzie is so sad. Not only has she had to suffer through the loss of her unborn baby, but her boyfriend, nate, isn't around to help her through it. Whilst I sympathised with McKenzie, i really didn't like nate. Yes, he had also suffered the loss of his son, but it made him selfish and insular. He only thought of himself, so I admit i cheered when Kenz left him.
Then Mckenzie meets Drew. I have to say, i read through some of the reviews this book already has, and most readers have fallen in book lust with drew. I didn't. Yeah, he's a nice guy and good looking, but as a 'book boyfriend', he's a bit too cocky for me, plus I tend to prefer secondary characters. Jared... I want one!
McDonald writes her supporting characters just as well as she writes her mains. Olivia... what can I say about her? I didn't like her, not one bit. Yes, she's McKenzie's friend, but the entire friendship is very one-sided. Olivia is very selfish and her main goal in life is to marry into a well connected and rich family. She's very take take take, and why Mckenzie put up with her for so long astounded me. This is a huge testament to McDonald's writing abilities, as it's not very often I dislike a character so much.
And Jared... As McKenzie's other best friend... he's dreamy. He's good looking, works with children, and loves music. Someone create a real version and ship him to me. I really wanted him and McKenzie to get together, but I also knew they weren't right together. I have a lot of respect for him by the end of the book.
Each character is so relateable due to their well rounded personalities that worked so well together, whether they got on well or clashed. I could imagine myself slotting into that group and fit in seamlessly.
Whilst I'm not a fan of people cheating on their other halves, the way McDonald deals with this is excellent. Nothing physical happens, but the intent and want is there, but the characters of drew and McKenzie deal with it the only way they know how. Ignoring it and suffering.
The book is an easy read, but it stays with you after it has been finished. It's the kind of story anyone could picture themselves in and wondering how they would deal with events in place of the characters.
My one complaint? The cliffhanger ending! Hurry up McDonald... I want book 2!
July 17, 2014
I did not find this book on my own. I found through a blog tour I signed up for. I am really glad that I got the chance to read it. It was an amazing, short read. It is a full novel, not a novella, but it is shorter than most books.
I started to read the book and I could not put it down until I finished. It was really good. It was a bit short for my taste, but luckily I was able to start the second one right after reading this one.
The story was slightly different from what I expected and at the same time it was what I expected. It is a bit confusing what I just stated, trust me I know. I had the overall picture from the synopsis. I was able to predict a lot of the scenes, but at the same time some of the details that I had in my mind before reading were completely different. Hope this is making more sense to you, I am a reader not a writer! This is clearly the reason why.
There were a few things I was unsure about, but it was only because I was not patient enough to see what happens next before reaching a conclusion. I don’t know whether I was not paying attention, or the detail was intentionally omitted, but I had a different thing in mind in the first few chapters. I never expected Olivia to be in a relationship, but that is maybe because I did not expect her to act the way she did throughout the book.
I am not a violent person, but Olivia makes me want to slap her, and slap her hard. McKenzie is so sweet and kind and nice. I have no idea how she ended up with a friend like Olivia. Well, I do know, but it seems so strange that she keeps defending her even now after getting to know her so well.
There is no cheating involved, well not quite. Even if you are against cheating, I honestly do not think you will be bothered by what happens in this book. Before knowing all the details I was slightly outraged, but afterwards I understood. I have cheating more than anyone in this world, but what happened in this book is not something that I can not get past.
Drew is an amazing guy even though he sometimes acts like an idiot. He should be more in control. He might be the perfect guy for many, but he is simply not quite my type, but keep in mind that does not mean that I dislike him, because I do not.
Overall, this book was a great read and I am glad I had the opportunity to indulge.
I started to read the book and I could not put it down until I finished. It was really good. It was a bit short for my taste, but luckily I was able to start the second one right after reading this one.
The story was slightly different from what I expected and at the same time it was what I expected. It is a bit confusing what I just stated, trust me I know. I had the overall picture from the synopsis. I was able to predict a lot of the scenes, but at the same time some of the details that I had in my mind before reading were completely different. Hope this is making more sense to you, I am a reader not a writer! This is clearly the reason why.
There were a few things I was unsure about, but it was only because I was not patient enough to see what happens next before reaching a conclusion. I don’t know whether I was not paying attention, or the detail was intentionally omitted, but I had a different thing in mind in the first few chapters. I never expected Olivia to be in a relationship, but that is maybe because I did not expect her to act the way she did throughout the book.
I am not a violent person, but Olivia makes me want to slap her, and slap her hard. McKenzie is so sweet and kind and nice. I have no idea how she ended up with a friend like Olivia. Well, I do know, but it seems so strange that she keeps defending her even now after getting to know her so well.
There is no cheating involved, well not quite. Even if you are against cheating, I honestly do not think you will be bothered by what happens in this book. Before knowing all the details I was slightly outraged, but afterwards I understood. I have cheating more than anyone in this world, but what happened in this book is not something that I can not get past.
Drew is an amazing guy even though he sometimes acts like an idiot. He should be more in control. He might be the perfect guy for many, but he is simply not quite my type, but keep in mind that does not mean that I dislike him, because I do not.
Overall, this book was a great read and I am glad I had the opportunity to indulge.
November 10, 2013
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!
I love a book that has everything in it, especially humor. When a story makes you laugh or cry, you know that is one great book you are holding in your hands. This was me with The Truth in Lies. I connected with the character instantly and I loved it, even if it broke my heart at one point. It made me to stand still, and not even move a muscle until I read it all. I couldn't put it down, it was impossible. This book it’s like a roller coaster, one minute you read about a terrible relationship, the next minute you see the character trying to get up on her feet and move one with her life. I can say the story itself teaches you a lesson about life and love.
McKenzie Evans it’s a woman that has had her life crushed into tiny pieces. She is in a relationship with a man that doesn't care enough about her. His is always gone, because of his job. The thing that made her leave him was her miscarriage. He was there just for a few days, but then he left for his job, it was more important than her. So, McKenzie decides to leave, and moves temporarily into an apartment with her best friend Olivia. She needs to get up on her feet and face the truth that her relationship didn't work, she is suffering but all can be resolved if she stays strong.
McKenzie meets Drew Wise, a divorce lawyer who is Olivia's boyfriend. They become close friends, especially because he had a hard past like her and this stuff brings them together and creates a bond between them. They start having feelings for each other, but Drew is in a relationship with Olivia. What can they do? Are they going to end up together? Is it going to work?
Give this book a chance and you wont regret it. It will teach how life can kick you, and what to do to stand right back up again. I loved it! I loved how the author turn this hole idea into a great story, that wasn't cheesy or normal like any other books I've read so far. She made time to describe perfectly each and every other characters, so you would have the chance to know them, and get to understand what they are thinking. Loved it! I highly recommend this book! Thank you for the opportunity of reading this book, I honestly have to say I’m going to read it again soon!
I love a book that has everything in it, especially humor. When a story makes you laugh or cry, you know that is one great book you are holding in your hands. This was me with The Truth in Lies. I connected with the character instantly and I loved it, even if it broke my heart at one point. It made me to stand still, and not even move a muscle until I read it all. I couldn't put it down, it was impossible. This book it’s like a roller coaster, one minute you read about a terrible relationship, the next minute you see the character trying to get up on her feet and move one with her life. I can say the story itself teaches you a lesson about life and love.
McKenzie Evans it’s a woman that has had her life crushed into tiny pieces. She is in a relationship with a man that doesn't care enough about her. His is always gone, because of his job. The thing that made her leave him was her miscarriage. He was there just for a few days, but then he left for his job, it was more important than her. So, McKenzie decides to leave, and moves temporarily into an apartment with her best friend Olivia. She needs to get up on her feet and face the truth that her relationship didn't work, she is suffering but all can be resolved if she stays strong.
McKenzie meets Drew Wise, a divorce lawyer who is Olivia's boyfriend. They become close friends, especially because he had a hard past like her and this stuff brings them together and creates a bond between them. They start having feelings for each other, but Drew is in a relationship with Olivia. What can they do? Are they going to end up together? Is it going to work?
Give this book a chance and you wont regret it. It will teach how life can kick you, and what to do to stand right back up again. I loved it! I loved how the author turn this hole idea into a great story, that wasn't cheesy or normal like any other books I've read so far. She made time to describe perfectly each and every other characters, so you would have the chance to know them, and get to understand what they are thinking. Loved it! I highly recommend this book! Thank you for the opportunity of reading this book, I honestly have to say I’m going to read it again soon!
September 1, 2016
The Truth in Lies is the first book from this author I have read. I found the writing to have a light and easy flow. The character development was well done and the storyline itself was realistic. You’ll find sadness, heartache, friendship, deceit, hope and a wide variety of emotions in these chapters. This is the type of book that I call a ‘slow burn’. This book seems to be all about the build up to what I hope to be an explosive second installment.
My Synopsis….
The story begins with McKenzie in an unfulfilling relationship. She has suffered a miscarriage and is not feeling the love and support from her longtime boyfriend that she desperately needs. After a dinner with her best friend, Olivia and her best friend’s new boyfriend, she finally finds the courage to end the relationship and move on.
Drew is every woman’s dream man. He’s an attorney, achingly handsome, caring and he’s also her best friend’s boyfriend. Drew becomes a savior to McKenzie. They grow extremely close. Exchanging supportive texts, phone calls and falling into a friendship that will surely test their boundaries.
As the story progresses, the line between friendship and love becomes blurred and they finally decide to risk it all by admitting their love to each other. Unfortunately, that means McKenzie may lose the one friendship that has helped her through the toughest times in her life. She hates knowing that she will be breaking Olivia’s heart, but she has no choice if she wants to begin her happily ever after.
The conclusion brings us a twist that shatters McKenzie to pieces. The future she had in her grasp suddenly slips away leaving her empty and helpless. She must start her life over again, without her happily ever after, and without the man of her dreams….
Teaser….
“McKenzie Evans, I fell in love with you the moment I saw you sitting on that beach. Each day since, my love for you has grown. You own my heart, if you want it. “
Blinking rapidly, I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth. This had to be a dream. A beautiful, glorious dream. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, spilling down my cheeks and over his thumbs.
**I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through We Stole Your Book Boyfriend Blog :)
My Synopsis….
The story begins with McKenzie in an unfulfilling relationship. She has suffered a miscarriage and is not feeling the love and support from her longtime boyfriend that she desperately needs. After a dinner with her best friend, Olivia and her best friend’s new boyfriend, she finally finds the courage to end the relationship and move on.
Drew is every woman’s dream man. He’s an attorney, achingly handsome, caring and he’s also her best friend’s boyfriend. Drew becomes a savior to McKenzie. They grow extremely close. Exchanging supportive texts, phone calls and falling into a friendship that will surely test their boundaries.
As the story progresses, the line between friendship and love becomes blurred and they finally decide to risk it all by admitting their love to each other. Unfortunately, that means McKenzie may lose the one friendship that has helped her through the toughest times in her life. She hates knowing that she will be breaking Olivia’s heart, but she has no choice if she wants to begin her happily ever after.
The conclusion brings us a twist that shatters McKenzie to pieces. The future she had in her grasp suddenly slips away leaving her empty and helpless. She must start her life over again, without her happily ever after, and without the man of her dreams….
Teaser….
“McKenzie Evans, I fell in love with you the moment I saw you sitting on that beach. Each day since, my love for you has grown. You own my heart, if you want it. “
Blinking rapidly, I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth. This had to be a dream. A beautiful, glorious dream. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, spilling down my cheeks and over his thumbs.
**I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through We Stole Your Book Boyfriend Blog :)
April 13, 2014
I adore this novel for so many reasons. Jeanne has created a wonderful, relatable, lovable character in McKenzie (the main protagonist) - someone I personally connect to and understand. The imagery provided through her point of view was exquisite, and the descriptions of facial expressions and physical sensations made me feel as if I was right there with her experiencing what she was experiencing- seeing what she was seeing. The quality of Jeanne’s writing never ceases to amaze me, in particular when she describes emotionally laden scenes of which there are several of throughout ‘The Truth in Lies’. I was drawn into this novel from start to finish; if I managed to drag myself away, I was wondering what would happen next and dying to get back to reading. ‘The Truth in Lies’ may, on the face of it, sound like a story we may feel like we’ve heard thousands of times, both in real life and in the movies. But Jeanne’s beautiful writing brings a depth to these characters, to the drama, to the realness and rawness of guilt, shame and loss that I have never seen or read before. Although this story is told through McKenzie’s point of view, I could see and feel the struggles of those around her through her eyes; her perceptiveness was something I truly valued throughout the journey I took with her. As a result of reading ‘The Truth in Lies’ I was reminded of a very important aspect of human nature: We tend to judge others before making the effort to understand why they did what they did. This beautiful story about McKenzie provided me with a heart-felt, sincere, and rich reminder that there is always a reason, and normally it’s a good one. I do not want to say any more about this magnificent story because it is really something that needs to be read; a summary would not do it justice. All I will say is: if you’re here reading this, then you’re at least a little interested in the emotional, beautiful journey ‘The Truth in Lies’ will give to you. I highly recommend that you take that one step further and purchase it. Jeanne McDonald is a wonderful author who I trust immensely, and this glorious story will not let you down!
May 7, 2014
This is not a typical chick lit beach read. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is the wrong book for you. This is a saga, just like the title suggests. And like any true saga, this book takes you on a journey, one that will make you feel, think, and grow. It has ups, downs, good and bad, but you will find yourself still thinking about this book and the characters long after it is over.
Truth in Lies is about a young woman named McKenzie, and her relationships with Nate, Drew, Jared and Olivia. It will have you laughing, crying, shaking your head, and reeling in disbelief. There were times I had to set the book down and take a break because of the intensity of the scene I had just read. The story arc is amazingly complicated, but beautifully laid out in perfect clarity. It had an unpredictable story line, and there was so much more to the story than just a “he said, she said” plot. There is a lot of information given to the reader in the first few chapters, but it all is presented so organically, nothing feels forced or rushed.
The way the author can describe a scene and set your mind for the experience is true story weaving at its finest. The book takes place on the Florida coast, and descriptions of the sand, surf, moonlight, music, it all painted a picture in my head that was very realistic. There were quirks thrown in for every character, making them all flawed, achingly real, and seemingly human to me. The “nerd” in me LOVED some of the quirks, BBT and Trekkie especially, had me cracking up. I mean, really, what pet owner hasn’t named at least 1 of their pets for a beloved character?
This book has been professionally edited and it shows. I am bad about putting a book down for grammatical errors and using the wrong context of the word. I happily made my way through this book without those headaches.
All in all, this book is a raw, gritty, emotional journey that I hope you will enjoy as much as I did. Now I’m just waiting on book 2, which can’t get here soon enough!
Truth in Lies is about a young woman named McKenzie, and her relationships with Nate, Drew, Jared and Olivia. It will have you laughing, crying, shaking your head, and reeling in disbelief. There were times I had to set the book down and take a break because of the intensity of the scene I had just read. The story arc is amazingly complicated, but beautifully laid out in perfect clarity. It had an unpredictable story line, and there was so much more to the story than just a “he said, she said” plot. There is a lot of information given to the reader in the first few chapters, but it all is presented so organically, nothing feels forced or rushed.
The way the author can describe a scene and set your mind for the experience is true story weaving at its finest. The book takes place on the Florida coast, and descriptions of the sand, surf, moonlight, music, it all painted a picture in my head that was very realistic. There were quirks thrown in for every character, making them all flawed, achingly real, and seemingly human to me. The “nerd” in me LOVED some of the quirks, BBT and Trekkie especially, had me cracking up. I mean, really, what pet owner hasn’t named at least 1 of their pets for a beloved character?
This book has been professionally edited and it shows. I am bad about putting a book down for grammatical errors and using the wrong context of the word. I happily made my way through this book without those headaches.
All in all, this book is a raw, gritty, emotional journey that I hope you will enjoy as much as I did. Now I’m just waiting on book 2, which can’t get here soon enough!
August 4, 2014
We were asked to do an honest review for this book and I honestly LOVED it!!! If you don't know me or my reviews it is very hard to get a 5 out of me.... I'm very stingy with them... LOL...
So here goes with my review...
This book sucked me in from chapter one, more like from the prologue and had I had a hard time putting it down when I had to do thing. It is an awesome feeling when you feel a pool or a connection to a character.
McKenzie Evans' life is a series of events that make and break her... the book starts with one of the happiest moments of her life only to have it ripped from her a short time later when she miscarries her son. From there she becomes a shell of a person and is left alone by her boyfriend who seems more content to travel for work rather than console her in her time of need. The decision to leave him is one of the hardest decisions she has ever made, or at least she thought it was.
Moving in with her friend Olivia seemed like a good idea, that is until Olivia's boyfriend Drew became her rock that she could lean on. Between Drew and McKenzie there is a sizzle, that crackles off the pages. Falling in love with Drew wasn't planned but it happened effortlessly. As the time went on in their "friendship" there were stolen moments and hidden feelings but Olivia remained a constant reminder that McKenzie couldn't have Drew. Finally choosing their feelings for each other over what people thought made for another of the happiest times in McKenzie's life, that is until a bombshell is dropped and again the hardest decision has to be made.
If you didn't already you need to read this book and get lost in McKenzie's life and story. It is a 100% must read in my book!!!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!! Tara
So here goes with my review...
This book sucked me in from chapter one, more like from the prologue and had I had a hard time putting it down when I had to do thing. It is an awesome feeling when you feel a pool or a connection to a character.
McKenzie Evans' life is a series of events that make and break her... the book starts with one of the happiest moments of her life only to have it ripped from her a short time later when she miscarries her son. From there she becomes a shell of a person and is left alone by her boyfriend who seems more content to travel for work rather than console her in her time of need. The decision to leave him is one of the hardest decisions she has ever made, or at least she thought it was.
Moving in with her friend Olivia seemed like a good idea, that is until Olivia's boyfriend Drew became her rock that she could lean on. Between Drew and McKenzie there is a sizzle, that crackles off the pages. Falling in love with Drew wasn't planned but it happened effortlessly. As the time went on in their "friendship" there were stolen moments and hidden feelings but Olivia remained a constant reminder that McKenzie couldn't have Drew. Finally choosing their feelings for each other over what people thought made for another of the happiest times in McKenzie's life, that is until a bombshell is dropped and again the hardest decision has to be made.
If you didn't already you need to read this book and get lost in McKenzie's life and story. It is a 100% must read in my book!!!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!! Tara
April 18, 2015
I have to be honest, when I got past the initial chapters and sort of figured out where this story might be going (or so I thought), I was a bit scared/worried/reluctant to finish reading. I am and forever will be a HEA person. If there isn’t a happy ever after for the main couples, I am not a happy reader! But because I have read MANY of Jeanne McDonald’s stories (yes mostly Fan Fic, but great stories never-the-less), I decided to go with my faith in her as a great writer and continue with the book. BOY AM I EVER GLAD I DID!!!! Yes there is another book to follow, and I was left without my HEA (yet), but you are given a sneak peek into the Prologue of her next book in the Saga. Someone, in another review somewhere made note it was a previous Fan Fic story. I never got to read that story before it was pulled. I am rather glad at this point I did not read it. I am now like many of you out there, waiting to find out what will happen in this Saga. It will be a tough wait, but I am willing to do it, because this book/saga seems to be worth it so far.
This story is extremely good, well written and draws you into the lives of the characters. Yes there was one I really wanted to slap, another I wanted to shake (but also wanted to hug many times). Another, I am hoping Jeanne will go with HIS story at some time. I could feel McKenzie’s excitement then pain in the beginning and pain again at the very end. I could actually almost feel Drew/Andy’s frustration and anger with Olivia. I cannot wait for her next book in the Saga to come out; will be waiting on pins and needles for that day!
This story is extremely good, well written and draws you into the lives of the characters. Yes there was one I really wanted to slap, another I wanted to shake (but also wanted to hug many times). Another, I am hoping Jeanne will go with HIS story at some time. I could feel McKenzie’s excitement then pain in the beginning and pain again at the very end. I could actually almost feel Drew/Andy’s frustration and anger with Olivia. I cannot wait for her next book in the Saga to come out; will be waiting on pins and needles for that day!
September 6, 2016
I LOVE this book series, Author Jeanne McDonald pulls you in during the prologue and has you running to buy the next installment moment it is out! It turned me into a mini stalker because I’m dying for my next dose of Mickie and Drew. My heart ached and I cried right along with Mickie during parts of the story. In others, I laughed until I had tears.
McKenzie Evans “Mickie” is stuck in relationship that just has her going through the motions. Mickie feels unwanted, unworthy, and a burden to her longtime boyfriend. This is a place any woman wants to be in. That all changes when she finally agrees to have dinner with her best friend Olivia Hamilton and meet her new sexy, successful boyfriend Andrew Wise. The moment “Mickie” locks eyes on him she knows she’s in trouble.
What would any of us do if we realized our soul mate is our best friend’s current boyfriend?
Andrew Wise “Drew” is the kind of man all us ladies want. He’s hot as hell, passionate about his job, and just enough arrogance not to cause us to scream! Throughout the book, I found myself loving the brooding Drew more and more. The more I learned about him the more I understood and needed more of him.
The sexual frustration drove me mad! I could not wait for these two finally talk about how they felt for one another! Talk about growling at two characters for being stubborn!
This story has many layers that Author Jeanne McDonald slowly peels away before our eyes. She does an amazing job at intertwining her characters throughout the entire Truth in Lies Saga.
McKenzie Evans “Mickie” is stuck in relationship that just has her going through the motions. Mickie feels unwanted, unworthy, and a burden to her longtime boyfriend. This is a place any woman wants to be in. That all changes when she finally agrees to have dinner with her best friend Olivia Hamilton and meet her new sexy, successful boyfriend Andrew Wise. The moment “Mickie” locks eyes on him she knows she’s in trouble.
What would any of us do if we realized our soul mate is our best friend’s current boyfriend?
Andrew Wise “Drew” is the kind of man all us ladies want. He’s hot as hell, passionate about his job, and just enough arrogance not to cause us to scream! Throughout the book, I found myself loving the brooding Drew more and more. The more I learned about him the more I understood and needed more of him.
The sexual frustration drove me mad! I could not wait for these two finally talk about how they felt for one another! Talk about growling at two characters for being stubborn!
This story has many layers that Author Jeanne McDonald slowly peels away before our eyes. She does an amazing job at intertwining her characters throughout the entire Truth in Lies Saga.
October 30, 2014
We are introduced to McKenzie Evans as she goes to her first ultrasound appointment. She is excited about the upcoming birth of her son but she is not with her boyfriend, she is with her best friend Jared. Nate is away a lot with his job which is causing a huge strain in their relationship. When McKenzie miscarries, the distance between them only worsens as family and friends worry over her inability to recover. Resolved to making a change, McKenzie meets Andy, her best friend Olivia’s boyfriend. The instant attraction between them is initially denied. Andy’s unwavering support as she works to break free of her unhappy situation leads first to friendship and, ultimately, more. Misunderstandings, hurt feelings and a heartbreaking story twist challenge the strength of their new found love.
This is part one of the two-part Truth in Lies Saga. I knew it was a cliff-hanger from the start so, at first, I tried to distance myself a little from the characters. I did not want to care too much when their story went unresolved. That quickly became impossible. The story is told in such a powerful, emotional way that I couldn’t help but become immersed in their struggles. Love in its many forms is portrayed – love for parents, for friends, for lovers as well as an unrequited mother’s love. The narrative really told the story and the voices were clear and compelling. Included in this book was a sneak preview of the next installment which is told from Andy’s point of view. I can’t wait for the rest of this story to unfold.
Highly recommend!
This is part one of the two-part Truth in Lies Saga. I knew it was a cliff-hanger from the start so, at first, I tried to distance myself a little from the characters. I did not want to care too much when their story went unresolved. That quickly became impossible. The story is told in such a powerful, emotional way that I couldn’t help but become immersed in their struggles. Love in its many forms is portrayed – love for parents, for friends, for lovers as well as an unrequited mother’s love. The narrative really told the story and the voices were clear and compelling. Included in this book was a sneak preview of the next installment which is told from Andy’s point of view. I can’t wait for the rest of this story to unfold.
Highly recommend!
February 21, 2014
This story is about a young woman named McKenzie Evans, who is involved in a not-so-loving relationship with her boyfriend, Nate. Nate is a pharmaceutical representative, who is rarely home, and feeds on his own, selfish ambitions. Olivia – McKenzie’s best friend – is equally selfish and self-centered, and is a manipulative and controlling factor in McKenzie’s life. Her entire life changes when she meets Olivia’s new boyfriend, Drew.
Just the day before, McKenzie had seen Drew, running on the beach, and was surprised to see him in the clutches of her best friend. As time goes on, McKenzie and Drew find out just how much they have in common, and a true friendship develops – but is there more? Does McKenzie want more from Drew? Does he want more from her? What about Olivia? What about the fiery bursts of electricity and seem to flow between them?
This story will take you on a whirlwind of emotions … you will be left breathless as each twist and turn unfolds. There is a HUGE shocker near the last chapter (one I had NOT anticipated, and quite frankly, SHOCKED ME). I cannot WAIT for book #2!! Trust me – you will not be able to put this book down. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
Just the day before, McKenzie had seen Drew, running on the beach, and was surprised to see him in the clutches of her best friend. As time goes on, McKenzie and Drew find out just how much they have in common, and a true friendship develops – but is there more? Does McKenzie want more from Drew? Does he want more from her? What about Olivia? What about the fiery bursts of electricity and seem to flow between them?
This story will take you on a whirlwind of emotions … you will be left breathless as each twist and turn unfolds. There is a HUGE shocker near the last chapter (one I had NOT anticipated, and quite frankly, SHOCKED ME). I cannot WAIT for book #2!! Trust me – you will not be able to put this book down. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
April 30, 2015
OMG! This was a fantastic book and I was completed hooked by the story. Mackenzie goes through a lot with the lose of her son and her boyfriend Nate is always away on business. She isn’t getting the support she needs from him and she feels so alone. She does have her friends Jared and Olivia but nothings compares to be comforted by that special someone. Then she meets Drew. She firsts meet him on the beach when she doesn’t know his name or anything about him. He just runs past and gives her smile but she can’t help admiring him. Later though she finds out who he is….Olivia’s boyfriend! This is going to get interesting. Especially when then get on so well and Drew comforts her when she finally gets up the courage to leave Nate. They attraction between them is undeniable and goes both ways but as many people know, love doesn’t always go right and they are things that shattered Drew and Mackenzie’s love.
It is fantastic to read! I was completely hooked on the story and they was so much going on that it never got bored. I have the opportunity to read book two and guess what I’m doing now? Yep off to read book two. I have to know what is in store for Drew and Mackenzie. Surely they will get their happily ever after?.....maybe that’s just in fairytales…..
It is fantastic to read! I was completely hooked on the story and they was so much going on that it never got bored. I have the opportunity to read book two and guess what I’m doing now? Yep off to read book two. I have to know what is in store for Drew and Mackenzie. Surely they will get their happily ever after?.....maybe that’s just in fairytales…..
April 20, 2015
Wow! I loved, loved,loved this story. Jeanne did an amazing job writing it. It blew me away & had me on edge throughout the whole book. It was heart breaking, loving, sweet, exciting, funny and very intense at times. This story was about leaving an old life behind and starting anew. McKenzie Evans has a boyfriend who was barely home due to his job. When she had a miscarriage, he was there for the 1st couple of weeks but then was gone again with no worries regarding Kenzie. She couldn't take being alone anymore, so she moved in, temporarily, with her best friend, Olivia. There, Kenzie meets Drew Wise, a divorce lawyer & Olivia's boyfriend. Kenzie & Drew become VERY good friends, so much so, that they start having feeling for each other. There are many ups & downs throughout. Some may have you laughing & some may have you pulling your hair out. The ending had me yelling at the book & praising Jeanne for a job well done. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for the sequel.
November 6, 2013
When McKenzie Evans miscarried, her life crumbled around her. She began to realize that the man she fell in love with was not the man she needed him to be, with a fresh start McKenzie moves in with her best friend Olivia. The only highlight in her life after recent events is the image of a man she flirted with on the beach, she is shocked to learn that man is her Olivia's boyfriend.
Drew inserts himself into McKenzie's life and she relishes it. When her feelings grow from more than friends to a secret crush, she finds her life spiraling in another direction. Her life though will never be the same, as Drew's feelings for McKenzie's are equally intense.
I thought this was a beautiful story, normally I shy away from boos where the guy or girl is attached to someone else, but this one works. The story is about growth, love, and finding the right path along the way. Powerful story
Drew inserts himself into McKenzie's life and she relishes it. When her feelings grow from more than friends to a secret crush, she finds her life spiraling in another direction. Her life though will never be the same, as Drew's feelings for McKenzie's are equally intense.
I thought this was a beautiful story, normally I shy away from boos where the guy or girl is attached to someone else, but this one works. The story is about growth, love, and finding the right path along the way. Powerful story
October 29, 2014
Truth, or Lies?
I was gifted this book by the Author for an honest review.
We sometimes wonder if lyng is better than telling the truth. No one can really answer that question because it could be either one. As is the case in this story, there is a lesson here to be learned.
Although the story dragged on, causing frustration, there was a dim light at the end of the tunnel. Drew and Makenzie finally get together and express their love for each other and there are fireworks. For how long?
How long will their bliss last? Is it the beginning or the end of a long suppressed love? Will the selfishness and fantasies of one person shatter their dreams?
I thought the story started out pretty good, but then, therein begins the frustration. It did keep me reading, hoping it would get better and delivered a very surprising ending.
I was gifted this book by the Author for an honest review.
We sometimes wonder if lyng is better than telling the truth. No one can really answer that question because it could be either one. As is the case in this story, there is a lesson here to be learned.
Although the story dragged on, causing frustration, there was a dim light at the end of the tunnel. Drew and Makenzie finally get together and express their love for each other and there are fireworks. For how long?
How long will their bliss last? Is it the beginning or the end of a long suppressed love? Will the selfishness and fantasies of one person shatter their dreams?
I thought the story started out pretty good, but then, therein begins the frustration. It did keep me reading, hoping it would get better and delivered a very surprising ending.
October 24, 2013
After a slow start and wanting to knock a few of the characters heads together this sweet, expressive story swept me away. I honestly wanted to crack skulls and shake a few characters awake and don't even get me talking about the fantasies I'm holding about setting a certain someones shoe collection on fire.
The path from unrequited to the discovery of true love is unfortunately one that ended in my sobbing on public transport. *WARNING* Do not read the last chapter of this on any mode of public transport as you will have complete strangers handing you Kleenex and asking if they can arrange you a cab home.
My heart will keep breaking for McKenzie until the next installment with the hope that sometimes choices will be superseded by fate.
The path from unrequited to the discovery of true love is unfortunately one that ended in my sobbing on public transport. *WARNING* Do not read the last chapter of this on any mode of public transport as you will have complete strangers handing you Kleenex and asking if they can arrange you a cab home.
My heart will keep breaking for McKenzie until the next installment with the hope that sometimes choices will be superseded by fate.
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